HMD Global has a new Nokia-branded smartphone coming to Verizon Wireless and it’s not a budget phone. Dubbed the Nokia 8 V 5G UW, this is a 5G Ultra-Wideband smartphone for the masses. That means that the gadget will take advantage of both sub-6 5G networks and the fastest networks in the region. Namely, that’s the Verizon 5G UW network.
The new handset also marks the return to the US premium smartphone market for the brand. HMD Global is referring to the gadget as an “affordable flagship smartphone” and that’s borne out in the specs. Starting with the company’s decision to utilize an octa-core Snapdragon 765G chipset under the hood. The system-on-chip is backed by no less than 6GB RAM and 64GB of storage expandable via microSD up to 1TB.
Topping the hardware is a 6.81-inch FHD+ display panel. But the resolution isn’t the full story here. That panel is backed up by a Pixelworks visual processor. So the screen has always-on HDR and HDR from SDR upscaling. The processor additionally allows for automatic brightness and contrast adjustments. So users will always get the best possible display experience to match the ambient lighting conditions of their surroundings.
What has HMD Global revealed about Nokia 8 V 5G UW?
Now, as laid out by HMD Global, the Nokia 8 V 5G UW chipset is up to 10-percent faster on graphics performance than the standard Snapdragon 765. And its ability to connect to both Verizon’s 5G networks means that users can get the best of both worlds. In fact, the chip means that users can connect to networks just about anywhere in the world. But that’s not all the company has revealed about this handset.
The new Nokia 8 V 5G UW also comes with all of that hardware packed into a design that combines the three most common materials in the business. Those are, of course, glass, aluminum, and polymer. The company indicates that effectively the entire build is composed of the new composite. And that it’s stronger than plastics while also being lighter than aluminum with a glass-like feel.
For cameras, the Nokia brand seems to be making a return to its Windows roots too. HMD Global packed the new Nokia flagship with four cameras with ZEISS optics. Those are led by a 64-megapixel RAW image capture-capable lens, coupled with 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, 2-megapixel depth, and 2-megapixel macro sensors. The cameras can shoot video at up to 60 frames-per-second 4K or up to 960 frames-per-second in standard HD.
The ZEISS Cinema editing suite is part of that package as well, allowing for professional color grading and a 21:9 cinematic format. That’s setting aside other perks in editing that come with the package. For example, the ability to add anamorphic and blue flares to footage alongside other styling features and more.
Here are those specs you’re looking for
For the die-hard specs watchers, here are the Nokia 8 V 5G UW specifications as laid out by HMD Global.
| Screen | 6.81” FHD+ | 20:9 aspect ratio | PureDisplay | Hole in Display camera| Corning® Gorilla® Glass front and back | 96% NTSC gamut | 500nits brightness | TUV low blue light |
| SoC | Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 765G 5G Mobile Platform |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/64GB4 | Google Drive | MicroSD card slot supports up to 1TB |
| OS | Android 10 |
| Cameras | Rear: Quad camera PureView imaging system | ZEISS Optics | ZEISS Cinematic Effects | Advanced video EIS 12MP Ultra wide-angle | 120° field of view | 1.4μm native 2.8μm superpixel | Auto Focus | 1/2.43’’ | f/2.2 | Super night mode 64MP | 0.8μm native 1.6μm superpixel | 1/1.72’’ | f/1.8 | RAW image capture 2MP depth sensor 2MP macro lens | 3.6cm focal point Front: 24MP | ZEISS Optics | Fixed Focus | 0.9μm | 1/2.8’’ | f/2.0 |
| Video Capture | UHD 4K @60fps | HD @960fps | FHD @240fps |
| Connectivity | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Bluetooth 5.0 | GPS/AGPS+GLONASS+Beidou | Ambient light sensor | Proximity sensor | Accelerometer (G-sensor) | E-compass | Gyroscope | FM radio (Headset required) | OZO audio |
| Mobile Networks | Verizon Wireless | mmWave: 2G: 850, 900, 1800, 1900| 3G: 1,2 ,4 ,5 , 8 | LTE FDD B1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12/17, 13, 20, 28, 66 – TDD: B46(LAA) (4×4 MIMO in blue text) | 5G NR: sub6 FDD: n5, n2, n66| mmWave: n261, n260 (2×2 MIMO) |
| Battery | 4500mAh | Non-removable | 9V/2A charging |
| Ports | USB-C | USB2.0| USB OTG | 3.5mm audio jack | NFC | Programmable assistant button| Power button fingerprint sensor |
| Dimensions/Weight | 171.90 x 78.56 x 8.99mm / 230g |
| Colors | Meteor Grey |
Pricing and availability
In terms of availability and pricing, the top-tier Android-powered Nokia 8 V 5G UW will only be available in a single color. That’s a deep and shiny gray tone that’s been aptly dubbed Meteor Grey.
HMD Global has set the price point at $699.99 and will sell the gadget directly through Verizon. So buyers can pick up the handset at Verizon’s website, in the official Verizon app, or at a retail location. Best Buy will be carrying the new 5G handset as well and sales will start on November 12.
