Remember the head-turning, asymmetrical Nokia 7610? That design icon from 2004 is back, reimagined for the 5G era. HMD Global is betting big on retro appeal with the new Nokia 7610 5G, hoping to capture hearts and minds in India’s fiercely competitive mid-range. It promises classic looks fused with contemporary connectivity, but does this blend truly satisfy today’s demanding smartphone user? Let’s peel back the layers.
A Bold Fusion of Then and Now
The first thing you notice is the design. HMD hasn’t just copied the original; they’ve reinterpreted it. The distinctive asymmetric contour is instantly recognizable, but it’s now rendered in modern materials – likely a glossy polycarbonate back panel that catches the light. It feels comfortable in the hand, a nod to Nokia’s ergonomic legacy. The circular camera array sits proudly off-centre, reinforcing that unique visual identity. It’s unmistakably a nod to the past, yet undeniably a 2024 device. Available in classic hues like the original’s ‘Red’ and more contemporary options, it’s the kind of phone that sparks conversations.
Powering Everyday Connections: Specs Under the Hood
Don’t expect flagship-killing performance here. The Nokia 7610 5G is squarely positioned for reliable daily use. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, a capable mid-range processor known for decent efficiency and integrated 5G support. Paired with 8GB of RAM (with potential virtual RAM expansion) and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage (expandable via microSD), it provides a smooth foundation for social media, streaming, browsing, and moderate multitasking. Heavy gaming might push it, but for the target audience, it’s generally sufficient. The 5000mAh battery is a welcome inclusion, promising all-day endurance and supported by 33W fast charging – a practical touch for busy lives.
Display: A Window to the World, Respectably Clear
The front features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) IPS LCD. It offers vibrant colours and decent brightness for indoor use. While it lacks the deep blacks and infinite contrast of an OLED panel, the viewing experience is perfectly adequate for watching videos, scrolling feeds, and general use. The 120Hz refresh rate is a significant plus, ensuring smooth scrolling animations and a more fluid feel compared to standard 60Hz screens. The punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera is discreetly placed.
Camera: Zeiss Optics Return, But Temper Expectations
HMD has revived the cherished Zeiss partnership for the optics. The rear setup features a 108MP primary sensor (using pixel-binning for brighter 12MP shots), accompanied by an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. Daylight photos are generally pleasing, with the main sensor capturing good detail and colour accuracy typical of Zeiss tuning. The ultrawide is usable but shows some softness at the edges. Low-light performance is acceptable but not class-leading; expect noise reduction to kick in noticeably. The 32MP front camera handles selfies and video calls competently. Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps. It’s a solid system for casual photography, leveraging the Zeiss name for credibility, but it doesn’t redefine mid-range imaging.
Software: Clean, Committed, and Crucial
This is a major differentiator. The Nokia 7610 5G launches with Android 14 as part of the Android One program. This means a clean, bloatware-free interface, minimal customisation (close to stock Android), and a strong commitment to timely security updates and three major OS upgrades. In a market flooded with phones burdened by heavy skins and delayed updates, this commitment to software longevity is a powerful selling point for security-conscious and update-hungry users.
Nokia 7610 5G Price in India and Availability
The Nokia 7610 5G lands in India with a launch price of ₹24,999 (approximately $300 at current exchange rates, though US availability isn’t confirmed). It will be available through major online platforms like Flipkart and Amazon India, as well as select offline retail stores, starting August 25th, 2024. Pre-orders are expected to open a week prior, possibly with introductory bank offers or bundled accessories.
Facing the Mid-Range Gauntlet: The Competition
Landing around ₹25k, the Nokia 7610 5G enters a battlefield. It faces stiff competition from established players:
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Realme Narzo Series (e.g., Narzo 70 Pro 5G):Â Often offers slightly more powerful chipsets (like Dimensity 7050) and faster charging at similar prices.
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Xiaomi Redmi Note Series (e.g., Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G):Â Known for high-resolution AMOLED displays and aggressive feature sets.
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Samsung Galaxy M/F Series (e.g., Galaxy F55 5G):Â Leverages brand trust and often features Super AMOLED displays.
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Motorola Edge Series (e.g., Edge 50 Fusion):Â Competes on design and near-stock Android experience.
Nokia’s unique selling points are its distinct retro design and the clean, long-term Android One software promise. Performance and display tech might be slightly behind some rivals on pure specs.
The Expert Verdict: Who Should Consider the Nokia Nostalgia Trip?
HMD Global has crafted a compelling package with the Nokia 7610 5G, successfully blending potent nostalgia with essential modern features. The design is genuinely unique and charismatic in a sea of lookalike slabs. The clean Android One experience with guaranteed long-term updates is a massive, often underrated, benefit – especially for those who value security and software freshness over the years. The battery life is robust, and the 5G connectivity is future-proofed.
Hi, I’m Ricky, the founder of OKSociety.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, mobile technology, and everything that makes our digital lives smarter. I started OKSociety to share honest reviews, the latest phone updates, and practical buying guides to help people make better choices in this fast-paced tech world.