Nokia returns with the N1 Android tablet that looks like an iPad mini

Nokia N1 tablet running Android Lollipop

Is it a new iPad mini? Is it a new Windows RT tablet? Nope… It’s the Nokia N1, the first tablet that the company is announcing after selling its devices and services division to Microsoft for $7.2 billion, and it runs Android.

The Nokia N1 mimics the Apple’s iPad mini design almost on every way. Like the Apple’s tablet, the N1 features a 7.9-inch screen with 2048 x 1536 resolution and the unibody aluminum design with the same color scheme. If not because of the back-facing camera placement and the Nokia name in the back of the device, you could easily think this is an iPad mini. Even the buttons, headphone jack and the speaker grills are located in the same place. The only difference is that the Nokia N1 uses the new reversible type-C USB connector, instead of a Lightning port.

Although the Nokia N1 looks like an iPad mini knock-off, the company added a few features that set the two devices apart. The reversible type-C USB connector is one, because unlike Apple, the N1 has a data port. The tablet is also 6.9 mm thick and only weighs 318 grams, which is thinner and lighter than the iPad mini.

As for tech specs the N1 runs on a 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage. And the tablet also features an 8-megapixel back- and 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

For software, you would think it’ll run Windows RT, but the Nokia N1 actually comes with a stock version of Android 5.0 Lollipop. Also features Android’s Z Launcher, which is a piece of software that learns as you use the device and promote your favorite apps for faster access. But perhaps the most interesting feature is gestures, as you can type a letter on the screen to get a listing of apps and contacts based on the input.

As for accessories, Nokia will offer a cover that it’s identical to the Apple’s Smart Cover.

Gallery 

The Nokia N1 tablet will first launch in China for $249 and it’ll be available in February 19, 2015. Russia and several European markets will follow after the Chinese release. Clearly Nokia is not trying to hide that is going after the Apple market, not only the N1 looks extremely similar to the iPad mini, but also the price point is lower than the $399 Apple’s offering.

Source Nokia

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.