Another day, another official Android Pie update for a modest Nokia phone
Fast software updates are not everything, but when it comes to low and mid-end devices like last year's Nokia 2.1 or 2017's original Nokia 6, it's hard to think of a better way to feel appreciated as a user than receiving an early promotion to the newest OS version.
Believe it or not, it's already time for yet another Nokia-branded Android smartphone to embrace stable Android Pie goodies, as announced earlier today on Twitter by Juho Sarvikas, HMD Global's Chief Product Officer. HMD, mind you, is the lesser-known name of the actual company behind Nokia's spectacular resurgence and industry-leading focus on software support over the past couple of years.
Interestingly, the Nokia 5.1 is officially following the suit of the significantly humbler 2.1 and 3.1, as well as the older Nokia 5, on the Android 9.0 bandwagon today. Of course, it'd be pretty absurd to complain about the "late" update of the 5.5-incher unveiled almost a year ago. After all, this is hardly a powerhouse, especially compared to some of the phones other companies haven't been able to update just yet, packing a fairly modest MediaTek Helio P18 processor and up to 3GB RAM.
A timeless classic has been redefined! Nokia 5.1 now runs the latest Android 9, Pie. Nokia smartphones just keep getting better! #GetSmartpic.twitter.com/OrAAgapOTV
— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) March 19, 2019
While the Nokia 5.1 was expected to be released stateside at one point, that never materialized. Considering the mid-ranger's very reasonable price point across Europe, its premium build quality, decent screen, and overall respectable specs and features, that makes us rather sad. On the bright side, you can purchase a US-compatible variant of the notched Nokia 5.1 Plus (with Android 9.0 Pie) from B&H Photo Video in exchange for a crazy affordable $200.
Back to the 5.1, we should probably mention this was the last remaining Nokia model running Oreo among devices scheduled to get Pie by the end of March. Next up, the ancient Nokia 3 and Nokia 1 are slated to join the modern software party sometime in "early Q2." Incredibly enough, that's going to complete the brand's blazing fast Android 9.0 rollout for its entire product portfolio.
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