Nokia 8.1 will be a global version of Nokia X7, which was launched in China last month. It has been confirmed that Nokia 8.1 will support Google ARCore platform. (Image of Nokia X7)

HMD Global’s Nokia 8.1, which is expected to make its debut next year, will support Google’s ARCore platform. This was spotted by NokiaPowerUser in an updated list of smartphones that support Google’s platform for augmented reality (AR). The listing does not reveal specifications of the upcoming phone, though the device was previously spotted on benchmarking site Geekbench, which confirms an octa-core Snapdragon 710 processor for Nokia 8.1.

Nokia 8.1 will be a global version of Nokia X7, which was launched in China last month. Notably, Nokia X7 was expected to be rebranded as Nokia 7.1 Plus for global markets, but tipster Nokia anew claimed in a tweet that Nokia 8.1 was the name change suggested by HMD Chief Product officer Juho Sarvikas. Now, it has been confirmed that Nokia 8.1 will support Google ARCore platform.

Nokia 8.1 Geekbench listing reveals the phone will have Snapdragon 710 coupled with 4GB RAM. The phone will run Android 9 Pie out of the box. The listing gives the smartphone single-core score of 1851 and a multi-core score of 5807, indicating that Nokia 8.1 could be launched as a mid-range smartphone. HMD Global could introduce a 6GB RAM variant as well for Nokia 8.1.

As for Nokia X7, it features a 6.18-inch FHD+ display with PureDisplay technology and screen aspect ratio of 18.7:9. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 710 processor and it comes in three storage configurations: 4GB RAM/64GB internal storage, 6GB RAM/64GB internal storage and 6GB RAM/128GB internal storage. The internal storage is expandable up to 400GB via a microSD card slot. Nokia X7 sports 13MP+12MP dual rear cameras and a 20MP front camera.