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Verdict
If you’re after the best design and screen you can get for under £150, the Nokia 5.1 is it. The rest of the specs are fine, but it really is how this phone feels and looks that make it stand out in a crowd of entry-level Android smartphones.
Available in two flavors – 16GB of storage with 2GB of RAM or 32GB of storage with 3GB of RAM, be sure to get the Nokia 5.1 version that suits your needs. That will ideally be the 32GB option for any moderate users - if it’s available in your region of course.
Either way, once you’ve made your peace with the version you’re going to pick up, you can look forward to decent performance for the price, great battery life and biometric security, all wrapped up in a phone that’s a joy to behold and fondle, day-in and day-out.
Who's this for?
The Nokia 5.1 is ideally suited to casual smartphone users who want something that looks the part, on a budget. Whether you’re a teen or adult, provided you’re aware of the storage limitations, it’s a versatile, well-priced handset.
Should you buy it?
Yes, if you’re not too fussed about having stacks of storage for large apps and games, massive WhatsApp backups and a camera that will blow your socks off.
Having said all that though, there isn’t really anything else in the price-range that checks every box. What the Nokia 5.1 does deliver is a fantastic design, a fingerprint scanner, and an excellent screen.
First reviewed: March 2019Still not sure? Check out these alternatives:
Moto G7 Play
The Moto G7 Play has a similar feature-set to that of the Nokia 5.1 with its 5.7-inch screen, fingerprint scanner, and great battery life.
What it offers above the Nokia 5.1 is 32GB of onboard storage as well as more powerful internals, and a snappier, better-performing camera loaded up with 4K video recording capabilities.
- Read our full Moto G7 Play review
Nokia 3.1 Plus
If you want something a bit bigger and like the idea of Android One matched with Nokia hardware, the Nokia 3.1 Plus could be the perfect choice. It features a large 6-inch screen, a bumped up chipset by comparison to the Nokia 5.1’s, a dual-lens rear camera and great battery life too.
- Read our full Nokia 3.1 Plus review
First reviewed: March 2019
