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Verdict
The Nokia 7 Plus looks to almost blur the lines between the mid-range and high-end, offering as it does a big battery, a decent dual-lens camera, an 18:9 screen and stock Android Oreo.
Look a little closer and some of the cracks start to show - notably when it comes to the chipset and the actual quality of the screen. But that's not enough to take the shine off the 7 Plus, especially when you consider its distinctly mid-range price.
This isn't quite a phone for everyone, but it should have broad appeal, especially to those who can't quite stretch to a flagship.
Who's this for?
When justifying a mid-range phone, it's easy to fall into the habit of claiming that these devices are for those people who want the best but simply don't have the budget.
That's true in the case of the Nokia 7 Plus, but here we have a phone which could easily pass for a top-of-the-line device based on looks and performance alone. If you also value a pure Android experience that isn't weighed down by carrier bloatware and pointless apps, then chances are you'll adore this phone.
Should you buy it?
If you're on a limited budget and can't afford a flagship handset then the answer is a resounding yes. The Nokia 7 Plus ticks all of the important boxes; it has a great design, brilliant camera setup, good battery life and an OS that runs smoothly and will be guaranteed updates for 24 months from launch.
The only negatives are the somewhat dull screen and the occasional moments where the phone needs to catch up with what you're doing, but even these shortcomings can't hide the fact that this is a very capable device for the money.
The Nokia 7 Plus isn't alone, as the following three phones are strong alternatives:
OnePlus 5T
Only a little more expensive than the Nokia 7 Plus is OnePlus' latest (and now discontinued) flagship. It has a faster chipset and a lovely AMOLED screen, but also comes with a largely clutter-free version of Android.
Read our full OnePlus 5T review
Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra
Sony's mid-range challenger has a great screen and dual front cameras, making it an interesting proposition in this price range. Sadly, it suffers from performance hiccups and the camera could be a lot better.
Read our full Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra review
Honor 9
If you can live with those old-school bezels then the Honor 9 is also worth a look. It looks great and delivers excellent performance for the price.
Read our full Honor 9 review
First reviewed: May 2018
