Recently, HMD launched its new Nokia handset in India. The device, Nokia 3.1 Plus, is priced just under 12,000 for its 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM variant. With this pricing and specifications, the device is expected to provide stiff competition to the current kings of the segment, Xaomi. Along with Redmi, there is the underdog without much recognition – Asus.

So, today, we are picking the Nokia 3.1 Plus and pitting it against the Redmi 6 Pro and the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1. Because let us be honest, we can only buy one and for that, we need to pick the best device amongst them. So, with this being said, let us compare everything that there is to compare between them.

Nokia vs Redmi Vs Asus Latest Smartphone Review

1.      SIZE

Size matters. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. However, how it matters is down to you. If you are someone who prefers a smaller device that fits your hand better, then Redmi 6 Pro at 5.84 inches is the device for you. However, if you want a slightly bigger device, then the Asus Max Pro 1 and the Nokia 3.1 Plus will fit your bill with their 6 inch and 5.99-inch displays respectively.

2.      DISPLAY

Now that we have talked about their sizes, the next obvious thing to talk about is their displays. Here, the Nokia 3.1 Plus lags behind its competition. The other two devices have a 1080p supporting display. The Nokia 3.1 Plus, on the other hand, is still stuck in the stone age with a 720p display.

3.      OPERATING SYSTEM

All three devices run on Android 8.1 Oreo. However, the Redmi 6 Pro comes with the Redmi skin. So, the option of updates is farfetched at the very least. The Nokia 3.1 Plus runs on Android One so you will always have the option of developer options and upgrading it. But if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, then there is always the option of automatic upgrades. Both the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 and Nokia 3.1 Plus will support upgrades till Android 10.

4.      PROCESSORS AND RAM

In terms of raw processing power, the Redmi 6 Pro is the undisputed king here with its Snapdragon 636 processor that delivers a 2 GHz clock-rate with its octa-core engine. A close second is the Nokia 3.1 Plus. It is powered by the MediaTekHelio P22 SoC which lets it deliver 2 GHz on 4 cores and 1.5 GHz on the other 3 cores. The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 gets the last spot but not by a huge margin. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor that delivers 1.8 GHz on all its 8 cores.

However, speed is not just limited to raw processing power. It is also dependent on the memory available and the RAM. In both these areas, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 more than compensates for its earlier shortcomings. Boasting a variant that provides 64 GB of memory and 6 GB RAM, it simply blows its competition out of the water which both have just half of its RAM and ROM in their top models. So, there is one clear winner here and it is the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1.

5.      BATTERY LIFE

While the Nokia 3.1 Plus has the lowest powered battery amongst its competitors at just 3500 mAh, its battery life is the longest. This is mainly down to the cuts made in other segments, mainly the display and processing power, hence lending it a mammoth battery life. So, even though the Redmi 6 Pro and Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 have a battery capacity of 4000 mAh and 5000 mAh, they don’t have the battery life that the Nokia 3.1 Plus boasts.

6.      CAMERA

When it comes to the front camera, the Nokia 3.1 Plus once again comes on top with its f/2.2, 1.12-micron 8-megapixel front camera. Asus’s Zenfone Max Pro M1 comes a close second with a similar but slightly inferior 8-megapixel camera. The Redmi 6 Pro lags behind considerably in this department with its measly 5-megapixel front camera.

Things are pretty much the same in the rear camera department as well with the both the Nokia 3.1 Plus and Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 boasting the same camera. They both have a 13-megapixel rear camera with Zenfone Max Pro M1 having a slightly better camera this time around. It has a f/2.2 camera while the Nokia 3.1 Plus has a f/2.0 camera. Redmi 6 Pro once again lags behind its competition with a weaker 12-megapixel camera. All the devices have an identical 5-megapixel secondary camera.

7.      BUILD QUALITY

Since time immemorial, when it came to building quality, Nokia was its undisputed king. All these years later, not much has changed. The Nokia 3.1 Plus has a single weld body and the build quality is fantastic. Out of the three devices we have in the pit here, the Nokia 3.1 Plus is easily the most durable of the lot. On the other hand, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 feels particularly delicate to handle. Whether it is down to the design or the build quality is still up in the air but it is safe to assume that of the 3 devices here, it needs the most protection.

8.      PRICING

The biggest selling point of any new device anywhere across the world is its pricing. So, it is no surprise that it too is the deciding factor here. However, it would also be fair to keep in mind that the prices are also reflective of what the device has under its hood. So, with this being said, here is a look at the pricing of the devices.

• Nokia 3.1 Plus – RS. 11,499 for the 3 GB RAM and 32 GB memory variant.
• Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro – Rs. 10,999 for the 3 GB RAM and 32 GB memory variant and Rs. 12,999 for the 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory variant.
• Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 – Rs. 10,999 for the 3 GB RAM and 32 GB memory variant, 12,999 for the 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory variant and Rs. 14,999 for the 6 GB RAM and 64 GB memory variant.

DRAWBACKS

1.      NOKIA 3.1 PLUS:

Poor performance due to less than stellar hardware thanks to the attention given to its battery life. So, the device tends to lag when putting under strain. Plus, the display isn’t that great as well. So all in all, it is a bit disappointing.

2.      ASUS ZENFONE MAX PRO M1:

The battery life is a drawback here and that is mainly because of the higher processing power it has to offer. Plus, there is the issue of some Asus interface apps such as the camera app. So, these are some of the minor issues that this device has. Plus, the build quality feels a bit delicate.

 Also Read: Nikon Coolpix P900 and Canon Powershot SX60 Review

3.      XAOMI REDMI 6 PRO:

A device doesn’t support dual 4G VoLTE. Plus, there is the blasphemous notch design that affects the display scaling of all the apps. Also, the cameras are on areas that come off as a big disappointment considering the almost similar pricing of the device to the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1. Other than this, there is nothing to distinguish it from the other devices it was pitted against.

FINAL VERDICT

So, now that we have compared everything that there is to compare between these three devices, it is now time to deliver the final verdict on the matter. Which phone should you buy?

Well, the obvious answer is that to make sure that it suits your needs. So, if you are someone who travels a lot or the outdoor types, then the Nokia 3.1 Plus is the device for you. With its monstrous battery life and tough exterior, it is tailor-made for all your needs. Plus with its stock Android, updates and upgrades will be easy to come by. However, do keep in mind that the Nokia 3.1 Plus lags behind its competition by considerable margins in all other things under the hood. So, weigh the pros and cons before you splurge the cash.

However, if it is the performance that you are looking for, then you won’t find a better device than the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 in this range. Especially with the 6 GB RAM variant. There is hardly a device of comparable let alone better hardware in the given price range. However, do keep in mind that the device is a bit fragile. So, rough use isn’t advised. Handle it with a bit careful or you might end up seeing some of the circuitry inside before long.

The one device that may go into the obscurity of mediocrity is the Redmi 6 Pro. With its almost similar pricing and nothing noteworthy underneath its hood, it is an option that you can comfortably overlook. Plus, with its less than average cameras, the famed camera game of Xiaomi is also missing. So unless and until you are a brand loyalist, there is nothing of note here.

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