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Nokia 9 PureView
Nokia 9 PureView
from Wikipedia

Nokia 9 PureView
The penta-camera setup on the rear panel
BrandNokia
DeveloperHMD Global
ManufacturerFoxconn
TypeSmartphone
First released8 February 2019; 7 years ago (2019-02-08)
PredecessorNokia 8 Sirocco
Nokia Lumia 1020 & Lumia McLaren (spiritual)
DimensionsH: 155 mm (6.1 in)
W: 75 mm (3.0 in)
D: 8 mm (0.31 in)
Weight172 g (6.1 oz)
Operating systemOriginal: Android 9.0 "Pie"
Current: Android 10
(Android One)
System-on-chipQualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
GPUAdreno 630
MemoryGB LPDDR4X RAM
Storage128 GB UFS 2.1
Battery3320 mAh Li-Po, non-removable
ChargingQi wireless charging
Rear cameraPenta Camera Set-up:
  • 5x 12 MP (f/1.8, 28mm, 1/2.9", 1.25 μm) Wide
    (2x RGB & 3x B/W cameras, working simultaneously) + ToF sensor 3D, Depth
ZEISS optics, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR
Front camera20 MP (f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.0 μm) Wide
HDR
Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR
Display5.99 in (15.2 cm) (92.6 cm2) 1440p QHD pOLED with HDR10 and Gorilla Glass 5 protection, ~538 ppi pixel density
Connectivity
Data inputsSensors:
OtherIP67 dust and water resistance
Websitewww.hmd.com/en_int/nokia-9-pureview

The Nokia 9 PureView is a Nokia-branded flagship penta-camera smartphone developed by HMD Global. It was introduced at the 2019 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain as a successor to the Nokia 8 Sirocco. It alludes to Nokia's previous camera-centric PureView devices, which ended with the Lumia 950 and 950 XL.[1][2] Like most of HMD's Nokia smartphones of the time, the 9 PureView is part of the Android One program.

Specifications

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Hardware and Design

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Key upgrades over the Nokia 8 Sirocco include a faster Snapdragon 845 chip and Adreno 630 GPU, a taller 6-inch 18:9 screen with HDR10 support, a higher resolution HDR selfie camera that can now record in 4K, more LTE bands, faster wireless charging, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and a slightly larger battery capacity. Storage and RAM are unchanged, with a single 128 GB/6 GB configuration. At the rear, a multi-camera setup is featured in a honeycomb-like arrangement with a dual-LED flash and time-of-flight sensor (ToF) offset to the left and right respectively, and a hole for the microphone above. Externally, the 9 keeps the glass/metal construction of the Sirocco, but it shelves the Sirocco's stainless steel chassis in favor of 6000 series aluminum.

Cameras

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The 9 PureView uses a penta-camera system with ZEISS optics, 2 of which are RGB sensors and 3 of which are monochromatic sensors. All 5 lenses are identical 12 MP f/1.8 units (Sony Exmor RS IMX 386). HDR is supported, but the device lacks phase-detection, autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS). When a picture is taken, each camera takes a separate image, then the images are combined and processed by a digital signal processor. Pictures can be taken in both JPEG and RAW formats and can be edited afterwards through Adobe Lightroom, which can be installed during setup.[3] Additionally, the 9 has a Pro mode which simulates DSLR settings. A feature called Depth Map captures more than 1200 layers of depth data. Depth Map is enabled by the time-of-flight sensor (ToF) and only works with JPEG and RGB photos. At the front, a 20 MP sensor is present with HDR. The 9 PureView is the only Android phone to have a penta-camera system.

Software

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The Nokia 9 ships with Android One's version of Android 9 Pie pre-installed.

In December 2019, HMD began to release Android 10 for the 9 PureView.[4][5]

In late 2021, Nokia announced cancelling all plans of ever upgrading it to Android 11 and beyond, and offered a discount for another Nokia smartphone instead to customers.[6][7][8]

Reception

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PCMag concluded that the 9 "could be the right smartphone for shutterbugs, but there are better options for everyone else". Praise was directed towards the design, display, and software; Tom's Guide and Digital Trends felt that the RAW-Lightroom integration provided users with significantly more control over photographs. The in-display fingerprint scanner and battery life were both criticized, in addition to the loudspeaker's sound quality. Reviewers also noted that the image processing was slow and were disappointed that a camera-oriented phone lacked an SD card slot, especially considering the size of RAW image files. The usage of an older Snapdragon 845 chip also drew some criticism initially, as its competitors were using the newer Snapdragon 855 chip.[9][10][11]

The 9 PureView received an overall score of 85 from DxOMark (matching that of Apple's iPhone 7 and LG's V30), with a photo score of 88 and a video score of 80. DxOMark remarked that "With the possible exception to its Bokeh capability, the Nokia 9 PureView doesn't deliver either a photo or video performance on a par with other current model phones in its premium price range."[12]

In February 2020, the 9 PureView won a Good Design Award 2019.[13]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Nokia 9 PureView is a flagship Android smartphone developed by HMD Global under the Nokia brand, renowned for its pioneering penta-camera rear array that enables advanced computational photography. Announced on February 24, 2019, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the device was released globally starting March 2019, with U.S. availability beginning March 3 at a launch price of $699. It features a 5.99-inch P-OLED display with 1440 x 2880 resolution protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 octa-core processor, 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, 128 GB of UFS 2.1 storage expandable via microSDXC, and a 3320 mAh battery supporting 18W fast charging. As part of the Android One initiative, it shipped with Android 9 Pie and received updates up to Android 10, providing a clean stock experience with guaranteed security patches. The device's standout feature is its rear camera system, comprising five 12-megapixel sensors—two color (RGB) and three monochrome—all equipped with f/1.8 Zeiss optics and a 1.25 µm pixel size, which fire simultaneously to capture up to 10 times more light than a single lens for improved dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. This setup, developed in partnership with Light and Zeiss, produces standard 12-megapixel JPEG images alongside RAW files via Adobe DNG format, supporting post-processing in tools like Lightroom for professional-grade edits. Additional rear hardware includes a spectral sensor for color accuracy, a time-of-flight (ToF) depth sensor for portrait mode, laser autofocus, and dual-LED flash, enabling 4K video at 30 fps with HDR. The front-facing 20-megapixel camera with f/2.0 aperture handles selfies and video calls. Weighing 172 grams and measuring 155 x 75 x 8 mm with an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, the Nokia 9 PureView combines a glass-and-aluminum build with on-screen scanning and speakers tuned by . Despite its innovative imaging ambitions, the phone faced criticism for processing delays in the camera app and middling battery life, though it earned praise for its high-resolution display and clean software.

Development and launch

The Nokia 9 PureView underwent a prolonged development period, with rumors of a high-end Nokia flagship circulating since 2016. Initially anticipated for earlier releases, its launch was delayed multiple times due to technical challenges in integrating the innovative penta-camera system, including manufacturing difficulties faced by partner and refinements in algorithms developed with . These efforts, combined with optics expertise from ZEISS, culminated in the device's focus on advanced imaging capabilities.

Announcement

The Nokia 9 PureView was announced on February 24, 2019, during a press event at the (MWC) in , . Developed by as a Nokia-branded flagship smartphone, the device was presented as the successor to the 2018 , emphasizing advancements in mobile photography. Key highlights from the presentation focused on the innovative penta-camera rear setup, developed in partnership with optics specialist ZEISS for lens quality and computational photography firm for multi-lens image processing capabilities. This collaboration aimed to deliver superior depth, , and low-light performance through simultaneous captures from five 12-megapixel sensors. At launch, announced a suggested retail price of $699 USD for the device, equivalent to approximately €699 in select European markets.

Release and availability

The Nokia 9 PureView was commercially released on March 15, 2019, marking its global rollout in select markets including and Asia. In the United States, availability began earlier on March 3, 2019, through major retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo, with an initial promotional price of $599 before rising to $699. However, compatibility issues with carriers like Verizon limited its support to unlocked models compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks. European markets saw pre-orders start from late February 2019 at prices beginning around €599, with shipping commencing on March 15, 2019, via local retailers and HMD Global's online channels. Wider availability expanded to additional regions, including parts of , throughout March and into April 2019. The device was offered in a single configuration featuring 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, with no microSD card slot for expansion. Standard packaging included the phone, a charger, and documentation, while some promotions bundled additional accessories like earbuds. It was positioned as a premium unlocked , sold primarily through HMD Global's official website, platforms like Amazon, and select carrier partners where compatible.

Design

Build quality and materials

The Nokia 9 PureView measures 155 × 75 × 8 mm and weighs 172 g, contributing to its slim and lightweight profile despite the integrated penta-camera module. The device features a front and back panel made of Corning 5, paired with a 6000-series aluminum frame that provides a premium, anodized finish and curved edges for enhanced and a refined hand feel. It holds an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against dust ingress and the ability to withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of for 30 minutes, suitable for light rain or accidental splashes but not prolonged submersion. Key design elements include an in-display optical for secure and seamless unlocking, the omission of a 3.5 mm headphone jack to prioritize a cleaner aesthetic, and a USB Type-C port for charging and transfer.

Display

The Nokia 9 PureView features a 5.99-inch P-OLED display with support, providing vibrant colors and high contrast for media consumption. The screen measures approximately 92.6 cm² with a screen-to-body ratio of about 79.7%, contributing to a compact yet immersive viewing experience on the flagship device. Its resolution is 1440 × 2880 pixels in QHD+ format, achieving a of approximately 538 ppi, which delivers sharp and detailed visuals suitable for photography editing and video playback. The display is protected by Corning 5, enhancing durability against scratches and minor impacts. Additionally, it includes a Glance screen feature functioning as an , allowing quick access to notifications, time, and basic information without fully activating the panel. The 18:9 aspect ratio supports elongated content formats, promoting an immersive experience for movies and apps optimized for taller screens. Peak brightness reaches up to 727 nits in auto mode, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions, though manual settings yield around 500 nits. The capacitive interface supports up to 10 simultaneous points of contact, paired with a standard 60 Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness in everyday use.

Hardware

Processor and memory

The Nokia 9 PureView features the 845 system-on-chip, fabricated on a node. This chipset incorporates an octa-core CPU configuration with four high-performance 385 Gold cores clocked at up to 2.8 GHz and four efficiency-oriented 385 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz, paired with an 630 GPU for graphics processing. The device is equipped with 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.1 internal storage, with no support for expandable storage via microSD card. In performance testing, the Nokia 9 PureView delivered solid results for a 2018 , achieving an v7 benchmark score of 288,473, which positioned it comparably to contemporaries like the Huawei P30 Pro but behind 2019 rivals powered by the newer Snapdragon 855, such as the S10. While capable of handling demanding tasks like multitasking and light gaming at launch, software optimizations were required post-release to address initial stuttering and improve responsiveness.

Battery and charging

The Nokia 9 PureView is equipped with a 3320 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, providing a capacity that was considered modest for a 2019 with a high-resolution display and power-intensive camera system. In terms of endurance, delivered respectable performance in lab tests, achieving up to 13 hours of continuous video playback and around 10 hours of web browsing with the screen on. Real-world mixed usage, including calls, messaging, and light multimedia, typically yielded 5 to 6 hours of screen-on time, sufficient for a full day with moderate activity before requiring a recharge. Charging capabilities include 18W wired fast charging via , supporting both 3.0 and USB Power Delivery protocols, which replenishes 50% of the battery in approximately 30 minutes and achieves a full charge in about 100 minutes when using the included adapter. The phone also supports 10W wireless charging, allowing for convenient cable-free recharging, though no charger is provided in the box. As part of its certification running Android 9 Pie out of the box, the Nokia 9 PureView incorporates Adaptive Battery management, an AI-driven feature that learns user habits to optimize app usage and processes, thereby extending overall battery life without manual intervention.

Camera system

Rear cameras

The Nokia 9 PureView features a penta-camera array on the rear, consisting of five 12-megapixel sensors designed to capture light simultaneously for improved image quality. This setup includes two RGB color sensors and three monochrome black-and-white sensors, all sharing identical specifications: an f/1.8 aperture, 28mm equivalent focal length, 1/2.9-inch sensor size, and 1.25µm pixel pitch. The monochrome sensors prioritize light sensitivity by omitting color filters, enabling the system to gather up to ten times more light than a single standard camera under similar conditions. Complementing the main array is a Time-of-Flight (ToF) depth sensor, which projects infrared light to measure distances and create 3D depth maps for enhanced portrait effects and applications. The rear cameras also feature phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and a dual-LED dual-tone flash. All lenses incorporate ZEISS-certified , featuring a multi-lens array with aspherical elements to minimize distortion and aberrations across the field of view. The hardware enables simultaneous exposure from all five primary sensors, fusing RGB and monochrome data to deliver extended , reduced noise in low-light scenarios, and 12-bit RAW output for post-processing flexibility. This parallel capture mechanism, managed by a dedicated chip, supports native black-and-white using the sensors.

Front camera

The Nokia 9 PureView features a single 20-megapixel with an f/2.0 and 1.0 µm size, designed primarily for selfies and video calls. Positioned within the top alongside the earpiece, , and , the camera lacks a punch-hole or notch design, contributing to the phone's symmetrical layout. The front camera has fixed focus and can record 1080p video at 30 fps, though it does not match the rear camera array's advanced light-gathering capabilities. In terms of image quality, the front camera delivers adequate results for portraits and group selfies in good lighting, producing natural skin tones with real texture but muted colors and limited compared to the rear system; it lacks the multi-sensor depth mapping and RAW processing available on the back.

Software and features

The Nokia 9 PureView's camera software leverages imaging algorithms developed by to simultaneously capture and fuse inputs from its five rear lenses—two RGB and three —resulting in images with 10 times more sensitivity than a typical single-lens . This fusion process also generates detailed depth maps comprising 1,200 layers, spanning from 7 cm to 40 meters, which enable precise post-capture adjustments like refocusing and enhanced simulation. The lenses contribute full spectral data by omitting color filter arrays, allowing the software to reconstruct richer color information and finer details during processing. Image output supports both standard files for quick sharing and uncompressed RAW DNG format, which preserves the full 12.4 stops of captured across the array for professional-grade editing. A dedicated partnership with integrates the Nokia 9 PureView's lens profile directly into Lightroom, optimizing tools for handling its multi-lens data, including distortion correction and spectral adjustments, whether editing on the device or desktop. Key features include real-time preview, where users can adjust focus points and blur intensity before capture, leveraging the depth maps for natural-looking portrait effects. The software also enables dual-sight video recording, combining front and rear camera feeds for immersive group shots, alongside advanced editing capabilities using the spectral and depth data for selective enhancements like object isolation or lighting tweaks. Capture typically requires about 1 second per shot due to the intensive fusion computation, prioritizing quality over speed. At launch, the system faced challenges with slow HDR processing—often exceeding 10 seconds for complex fusions—and occasional bugs in image alignment, leading to artifacts in low-light scenes, though software updates significantly improved performance and reliability.

Software

Initial release

The Nokia 9 PureView launched with Android 9.0 (Pie) as its operating system, certified under the program, which ensured a clean, stock Android experience without manufacturer customizations or bloatware. This setup provided users with a near-pure implementation of Google's software, emphasizing simplicity and timely updates from the outset. The user interface adhered to stock Android conventions, including gesture-based navigation introduced in , allowing users to swipe for actions like returning to the home screen or accessing recent apps. Nokia added a subtle customization through the Glance screen feature, which displayed the time, date, and notifications briefly upon picking up the device or tapping the screen, reminiscent of earlier Lumia designs. The camera application was seamlessly integrated into this stock environment, supporting the device's multi-lens hardware without additional overlays. Pre-installed applications were minimal and focused on essentials, including the full Google suite such as , , and Chrome, alongside basic Nokia utilities like the support app for diagnostics—no aggressive promotional or third-party software was bundled. For security, committed to monthly patch updates as part of the Android One promise, aiming to deliver three years of ongoing protection starting from launch.

Updates

The Nokia 9 PureView received its major operating system upgrade to in December 2019, introducing features such as enhanced , improved controls including live caption and permission prompts, and refinements to the for better usability. This update, part of HMD Global's commitment under the program, was rolled out gradually starting in regions like and expanding to by April 2020, also incorporating the April 2020 security patch. Following the Android 10 upgrade, the device benefited from ongoing software patches, including quarterly security updates throughout 2020, such as those in February, April, and July, to address vulnerabilities and maintain system stability. Early post-launch updates in 2019 also included bug fixes for camera processing delays, which reduced photo computation times, and in-display fingerprint sensor inaccuracies, improving recognition speed and reliability through firmware optimizations. Plans for an upgrade were ultimately canceled in late 2021 by , citing incompatibilities with the device's complex penta-camera software developed in partnership with , which prevented stable integration of new features. Security patches continued beyond this decision, with the final one arriving in March 2022, after which support ended, marking no further OS upgrades or maintenance for the device as of November 2025.

Reception

Critical reception

The Nokia 9 PureView received mixed critical reception upon its 2019 launch, with professional reviewers praising its innovative camera system and premium hardware while criticizing software bugs, performance inconsistencies, and usability issues that undermined its $699 price point. Overall scores from major outlets averaged around 3 to 3.5 out of 5 stars, reflecting an ambitious device that fell short of expectations. User ratings were similarly varied, hovering around 3.5 out of 5 on aggregation sites like GSMArena and , where owners appreciated the photography potential but frequently highlighted reliability flaws. Reviewers lauded the phone's unique penta-camera setup for delivering exceptional depth and RAW file capabilities, making it a standout for enthusiasts seeking post-processing flexibility. The premium build, featuring a Gorilla Glass 5 back and aluminum frame, along with the vibrant 5.99-inch QHD+ pOLED display, were also highlighted as strengths that gave it a high-end feel comparable to contemporaries like the Google Pixel 3. Clean software and strong haptics further earned praise for a stock-like experience with timely updates at launch. However, the camera's processing times—often exceeding 3 seconds per shot due to the computational demands of merging five 12MP —drew widespread frustration, leading to inconsistent outputs and app crashes that made casual use impractical. The in-display sensor was universally panned as unreliable, with success rates below 50% even after software tweaks, forcing reliance on slower face unlock or PIN entry. Critics also noted the Snapdragon 845 processor as outdated for a , resulting in occasional stutters despite benchmark viability, while the 3,320mAh battery offered only average endurance and sluggish 18W fast charging. These issues were seen as particularly glaring at the $699 price, where rivals like the provided smoother experiences. Notable reviews captured this ambivalence: Android Central called it "ambitious but flawed," commending the RAW potential while slamming the "awful" fingerprint sensor as a dealbreaker. Android Authority echoed this, praising the camera's depth data for enthusiasts but criticizing the "hazy" execution and slow app launch times of 2-5 seconds. PhoneArena awarded a low 4/10, highlighting the unstable camera software and mediocre battery life as symptoms of broader underdelivery. Overall, DxOMark's camera score of 85 underscored the innovation's inconsistency, with strong simulation but weak zoom and video performance compared to peers.

Awards and legacy

The Nokia 9 PureView received the Good Design Award 2019 in the electronics category for its groundbreaking five-camera array, developed in collaboration with and ZEISS, which enabled to rival DSLRs through features like 60MP imaging data capture, 10 times more light sensitivity than single sensors, and support for RAW DNG editing in . Commercially, the device achieved modest sales following its 2019 launch at $599–$699, facing stiff competition from established flagships like the series and models, which prompted post-launch price reductions to stimulate demand. By late 2021, introduced end-of-life incentives, offering affected owners a 50% discount on newer models such as the Nokia XR20 as compensation for withdrawing promised support, citing complexities in integrating the penta-camera system with updated software. In terms of legacy, the Nokia 9 PureView pioneered multi-camera fusion technology in smartphones by simultaneously capturing data from two RGB and three monochrome sensors to produce images with up to 12.4 stops of and 1,200 layers of depth information, setting a precedent for enhanced despite execution challenges like slow processing times that underscored the difficulties of real-time . This innovative approach influenced subsequent penta-camera designs in the industry, though the partnering firm exited the smartphone market in 2020 without broader adoption. Post-2019, the device had no direct successors, as shifted its strategy away from flagship smartphones to prioritize entry-level and mid-range models emphasizing affordability, durability, and clean Android experiences, with executives citing the unviable "spec war" in the premium segment as a key factor. As of 2025, has exited the market for Nokia phones and is preparing for the end of its licensing agreement in March 2026, effectively concluding Nokia-branded smartphones.

References

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