Smartphone brands have their own strategies in doing business. Some of them rely on strong marketing efforts, while others will let their impressive products do the talking.
The latter is what Xiaomi and the revived Nokia have been practicing for a while now. You won’t see their names in TV ads or in tons of billboards, but I’m pretty sure you’re already following them thanks to their strong line-up.
For one, Xiaomi just recently announced their latest midrange offering, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite. Just like most of Xiaomi’s releases, this device brags a set of specs that will break the expectations that were set by the price. And as a bonus, it has a great design too.
On the other hand, we also have Nokia and HMD Global’s Nokia 6.1 Plus (a.k.a Nokia X6). Since it’s revival, the company have been coming up with some of the most interesting devices, all from the low-end, midrange, and high-end segments.
Just like the Mi 8 Lite, Nokia’s offering has both beauty and brains. So, here in our Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite versus Nokia 6.1 Plus specifications and features comparison, we’ll determine which between these two devices can really provide the best value for the money.
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite | Nokia 6.1 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.1 Oreo MIUI | Android 8.1 Oreo Android One |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby Hybrid | Dual SIM Dual Standby Hybrid |
| Display | 6.26-inch FHD+ IPS 2280 × 1080 pixel resolution ~400ppi 19:9 aspect ratio 2.5D Curved Glass | 5.8-inch FHD+ IPS 2280 x 1080 pixel resolution ~435ppi 19:9 aspect ratio Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Processor | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core | 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 octa-core |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 512 | Adreno 509 |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB | 64GB expandable via microSD up to 400GB |
| Front camera | 24-megapixel AI Portrait Mode Beautification | 16-megapixel f/2.0 |
| Rear Camera | 12-megapixel + 5-megapixel Dual-pixel AF f/1.9 AI scene detection LED flash | 16-megapixel (f/2.0) + 5-megapixel (monochrome, f/2.2) PDAF AI scene detection Bothie dual-LED flash |
| Audio | Single loudspeaker No Headphone Jack (Adapter included) | Single loudspeaker Headphone Jack |
| Security | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Fingerprint scanner Face Unlock |
| Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, BDS USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS USB Type-C |
| Dimensions | 156.4 × 75.8 × 7.5mm | 147.2 x 71 x 8.6mm |
| Weight | 169g | 151g |
| Colors | Sunset Gold Midnight Black Aurora Blue | White Black Blue |
| Battery | 3,350mAh non-removable Quick Charge 3.0 | 3,060mAh non-removable Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Price | 4GB/64GB: Php13,990 6GB/128GB: Php16,990 | Php15,990 |
The specs comparison table above clearly shows who won this fight. As you can see, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite outshines the Nokia 6.1 Plus in terms of features, while also having a cheaper price.
For starters, the Mi 8 Lite boasts a large 6.26-inch FHD+ IPS screen, while the 6.1 Plus settles for a 5.8-inch display. However, we’d like to pat Nokia on the back by including a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on their offering.
Xiaomi’s bet also has a better chipset. It comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, while the latter has the Snapdragon 636 chipset. Both devices come with 4GB/64GB RAM and storage configuration, but the Mi 8 Lite gives you an option to bump it up to 6GB/128GB if you’re willing to pay more.
As for the battery, the Mi 8 Lite has 3,350mAh worth of it, while the Nokia 6.1 Plus is just a tad bit smaller at 3,060mAh. On the upside, both phones come with Quick Charge 3.0 technology.
Besides the display, performance, and battery, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite also takes the lead in the camera department. This handset comes with a 24-megapixel front camera, with AI portrait mode and beautification. On the other hand, the Nokia 6.1 Plus only has a 16-megapixel selfie snapper.
It’s kind of a mixed-bag result on the rear cameras, but it feels like you’d be taking better photos with the Mi 8 Lite. This thing has 12-megapixel + 5-megapixel primary cameras, which looks less impressive than the Nokia 6.1 Plus’ 16-megapixel + 5-megapixel rear shooters. But where the Mi 8 Lite’s camera shine is with its wide f/1.9 aperture and the dual-pixel autofocus system.
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To give the Nokia 6.1 Plus some credit, the Android One software that’s running on this device is easily more efficient and up-to-date than the MIUI interface that Xiaomi is insisting on their devices. Nokia also kept the headphone jack, while Xiaomi has already moved on.
But then again, it was still an easy win for the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite. With its on this device tag of Php13,990, it’s substantially more affordable than the Nokia 6.1 Plus and its SRP of Php15,990. What’s more interesting is, you can get the former with a 6GB/128GB configuration for Php16,990, giving you more flexibility when multitasking as well as storing apps and other media.
Nokia 6.1 plus or x6 can be.bought at 10,600 online fr abroad. It’s Android one so I think it’s global and it should work here. Though lte band here has 700mhz, donno if that affects the units lte speed.