Nokia 6.1 Plus Performance Test: Real-World Results
The Nokia 6.1 Plus, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 and 4GB of RAM, delivers solid mid-range performance for everyday tasks, but it is not built for heavy gaming or demanding multitasking. In real-world use, the phone handles social media, web browsing, and video streaming smoothly, while graphically intensive games run at lower settings with occasional frame drops. This article breaks down the phone’s benchmark scores, real-world behavior, thermal management, and how it compares to rivals, so you can decide if it meets your needs.
Background: What Is the Nokia 6.1 Plus?
Released in 2018 as part of HMD Global’s Android One lineup, the Nokia 6.1 Plus (also known as the Nokia X6 in China) was positioned as a budget-to-mid-range device with a focus on clean software and timely updates. It features a 5.8-inch Full HD+ IPS display with a notch, a dual rear camera setup (16MP + 5MP), and a 3060mAh battery. The phone runs near-stock Android, which is a key factor in its performance: without heavy manufacturer skins, the Snapdragon 636 can allocate resources more efficiently.
How the Performance Test Was Conducted
To evaluate the Nokia 6.1 Plus, we rely on standardized benchmarks and real-world usage patterns. The most common tests include:
- AnTuTu (v7) – measures overall system performance including CPU, GPU, memory, and UX.
- Geekbench 4 – focuses on single-core and multi-core CPU performance.
- 3DMark Sling Shot – stresses the GPU for gaming capability.
These benchmarks provide a baseline, but real-world testing involves opening apps, switching between them, browsing social media, playing popular games, and monitoring temperature and battery drain. Note that benchmark scores can vary slightly due to firmware updates and background processes.
Benchmark Results: Numbers That Matter
On average, the Nokia 6.1 Plus scores around 115,000–120,000 on AnTuTu v7. In Geekbench 4, it typically achieves 1,330–1,360 single-core and 4,900–5,200 multi-core. These numbers place it slightly below the Snapdragon 660 devices like the Xiaomi Mi A2, but above older Snapdragon 625 phones. For context:
- Snapdragon 625 (e.g., Moto G5 Plus): ~75,000 AnTuTu
- Snapdragon 636 (Nokia 6.1 Plus): ~117,000 AnTuTu
- Snapdragon 660 (Xiaomi Mi A2): ~140,000 AnTuTu
In 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme, the phone scores around 1,200–1,300, which is playable for casual games but not for high-end titles at max settings.
Real-World Performance: Daily Tasks and Gaming
For everyday use, the Nokia 6.1 Plus feels responsive. App launch times are about 0.5–1 second for most apps, and scrolling through social media feeds is smooth with occasional micro-stutters when many images load. The 4GB RAM is sufficient for keeping 5–7 apps in memory, but heavier apps like Chrome with multiple tabs or Google Maps may cause reloads when switching.
Gaming performance is the weakest point. Titles like PUBG Mobile run at “Balanced� graphics with medium frame rates (30–40 fps), but frame drops occur during intense fights. Asphalt 9 requires lowering the graphics to “Performance� mode to maintain playable speeds. The phone heats up noticeably after 20 minutes of gaming, reaching about 40°C on the back, but it does not throttle severely unless the ambient temperature is high.
Thermals and Battery Life Under Load
The Snapdragon 636 is built on a 14nm process, which helps with efficiency. During a 30-minute gaming session, the battery drops by about 10–12%, and the back of the phone becomes warm but not uncomfortable. In normal usage, the 3060mAh battery easily lasts a full day with 4–5 hours of screen-on time. However, heavy gaming can reduce that to 3–4 hours. The phone supports fast charging (18W), which can charge from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes.
Common Performance Issues and Fixes
Some users report lag or stuttering after months of use. Common causes and solutions include:
- Storage nearly full – Clear cached data or move files to an SD card (supported up to 400GB).
- Too many background apps – Use the built-in “Adaptive Battery� feature in Android 9/10 to restrict background activity.
- Outdated software – Always install the latest security patches; they often include performance optimizations.
- Animations causing perceived lag – Reduce window animation scale in Developer Options to 0.5x for snappier transitions.
If the phone becomes extremely slow, a factory reset (after backing up data) usually restores its original performance.
Comparison with Similar Phones
At its launch price (around $250), the Nokia 6.1 Plus competed with the Xiaomi Mi A2 (Snapdragon 660), Motorola Moto G6 (Snapdragon 450), and Samsung Galaxy A6 (Exynos 7870). Here’s how it stacks up:
- vs Xiaomi Mi A2 – The Mi A2 has a faster CPU and GPU, but lacks a headphone jack and offers less storage (32GB vs 64GB in some regions). The Nokia has a microSD slot and a more compact design.
- vs Moto G6 – The Nokia is noticeably faster in CPU tasks and multitasking; the G6’s Snapdragon 450 is a budget chip.
- vs Samsung Galaxy A6 – The Nokia outperforms the Exynos 7870 in GPU benchmarks, but the A6 has a better AMOLED screen.
In 2025, the Nokia 6.1 Plus is an older device, so you might find it used for under $100. At that price, it’s a decent option for basic tasks, but newer budget phones like the Moto G Play (2024) offer better performance and longer software support.
Longevity and Software Updates
The Nokia 6.1 Plus launched with Android 8.1 and received updates up to Android 10. Since it’s an Android One device, it received two major OS updates and three years of security patches. As of 2025, it no longer receives updates, which means it’s vulnerable to security risks. If you plan to use it as a daily driver, avoid logging into sensitive accounts or use it only for offline tasks. For a child’s first phone or a backup device, it’s still usable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nokia 6.1 Plus good for gaming?
It can handle casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers easily. For more demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to get playable frame rates. Expect occasional stutters and higher battery drain during long sessions.
Does the Nokia 6.1 Plus support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Yes, it supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), which helps with faster internet speeds and less interference when you’re near the router.
Can I expand the storage on the Nokia 6.1 Plus?
Yes, it has a dedicated microSD card slot that supports cards up to 400GB. You can set the SD card as internal storage (adoptable storage) in Android, but this is not recommended for performance reasons; it’s better to use it as portable storage for photos and videos.
How does the Nokia 6.1 Plus perform after a factory reset?
After a factory reset, the phone returns to its original state, which usually restores the initial performance. If you’ve been experiencing lag, a reset often helps, but be sure to back up your data first.
Is the Nokia 6.1 Plus worth buying in 2025?
Only if you find it at a very low price (under $80) and you need a basic secondary phone. Its lack of software updates and modest performance make it unsuitable for heavy use or security-sensitive tasks. For a similar budget, consider newer options like the Moto G Play or Samsung Galaxy A03.
Does the Nokia 6.1 Plus overheat during normal use?
No, it stays cool during normal tasks like browsing and streaming. Only during extended gaming or video recording in 4K does it warm up noticeably, but it rarely reaches uncomfortable levels.
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