The Nokia Safari Premium 5G (2025) feels like Nokia’s bold re-entry into the flagship arena — marrying rugged build with top-tier internals, aimed at users who want serious performance, camera firepower, and all-day endurance without paying flagship markup.
Estimated Price (ex-showroom, India): ₹65,000 – ₹80,000
Target: Tech lovers, mobile photographers, power users demanding 5G and future readiness
Competing models in its class: Samsung Galaxy S25, OnePlus 13, Vivo X200
Expected highlights: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, 108 MP quad camera setup, expandable storage
This review is based on leaks and rumors available as of late September 2025; take every number with caution.
Design & Build
| Feature | Expected / Leaked Info |
|---|---|
| Frame & back material | Metal frame + glass or glass-composite back |
| Weight & dimensions | Around 200 g; approx. 160 × 75 × 8 mm (slim but solid) |
| Durability | IP68 splash / dust resistance; Gorilla Glass front protection |
| SIM & storage | Dual SIM (eSIM + physical) plus microSD slot (up to 512 GB) |
| Colors | Nordic Blue, Midnight Black, Glacier White (rumored) |
| Display shape & unlock | Flat AMOLED display; side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
In short: it’s aiming for that balance of rugged durability and premium feel. The dimensions and weight suggest it’s not going for the ultra-light route, but it should feel solid and reassuring in hand.
Display & Audio
- Screen: 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED (QHD+ / 1440×3200), 120 Hz refresh rate
- Peak Brightness: ~2000 nits, intended for outdoor legibility
- Extras: HDR10+, always-on display
- Sound: Stereo speakers (tuned for balance, helpful for media consumption)
- Trade-off: It won’t hit 4K resolution, but the visual fidelity and smoothness should be excellent
This should offer an immersive experience — good for editing, watching content or even light gaming — though purists who want 4K might quibble.
Performance & Software
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (octa-core, up to ~3.4 GHz in leaks)
- Memory / Storage: 12 GB / 16 GB RAM + 256 GB / 512 GB storage, expandable to 1 TB via microSD
- 5G & Bands: Expected support for major 5G bands in India
- Benchmark (leaked): Over 1.8 million on AnTuTu (rumor)
- OS: Android 15 with Nokia’s UI; expected 4 years of OS upgrades + security updates
- Thermals: Vapor chamber cooling rumored to prevent throttling
In everyday use — social, productivity, multitasking — it should feel snappy and smooth. For heavy gaming (high fps, long sessions), the real-world performance will depend heavily on thermal and software optimization.
Camera System
- Rear (quad setup):
• 108 MP main (with OIS)
• 32 MP ultrawide
• 8 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom)
• 5 MP macro - Front / Selfie: 32 MP with AI enhancements
- Video: Up to 8K @ 30 fps, night mode, digital zoom up to 10×
- Extras: AI scene detection, object eraser, portrait enhancements
- Security: Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint + face unlock
While not revolutionary in configuration, the versatility is good. The effectiveness will hinge on image processing and low-light performance — that’s where many flagship contenders win or lose.
Battery & Charging
- Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh (leaked / rumored)
- Usage estimates: 1.5 to 2 days under moderate use (10–12 h screen time)
- Charging:
• Wired: 80 W (full charge in ~35 minutes)
• Wireless: 50 W (50% in ~20 minutes)
• Reverse charging support (for accessories like earbuds) - Running cost: Rumored ≈ ₹1–2 per hour under load
This is a strong suit. If Nokia nails charging curves and battery management, users will be able to get through a full day (or more) easily. Reverse charging is handy in a power-cut context (not uncommon in some areas).
Connectivity & Features
- 5G: Full band support (leaked)
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
- NFC: For payments / wallet use
- Other: IR blaster, USB-C, wireless charging
- UI & Utilities: Clean Nokia UI with AI tools (live translate, photo editing), gesture controls, always-on voice listening (Google Assistant)
- Audio & Ports: Stereo with Dolby Atmos, 3.5 mm jack retained (a plus for many)
It aims to be a full-feature device — no glaring omissions in connectivity or extras.
Pricing, Availability & After-sales
| Variant | Estimated Ex-showroom Price | Delhi On-road (incl. tax, insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 GB / 256 GB Base | ~ ₹65,000 | ~ ₹70,000–₹75,000 (+ ₹3,000–4,000 tax) + insurance |
| 16 GB / 512 GB | ~ ₹80,000 | ~ ₹85,000–₹87,000 |
- Launch window: Expected November 2025 (rumor)
- Offers: Festival discounts of ₹2,000–5,000 possible
- Warranty & support: 2 years standard + 4 OS updates (leaked / rumored)
- Maintenance: Annual service around ₹2,000–4,000
- Availability: Nokia stores, major e-retailers; initial wait times 5–10 days
As always with leaks, these numbers might shift. But the pricing seems aggressive for specs at that level — which is what gives this device potential.
Strengths & Drawbacks (Early Take)
Pros:
- Strong value for feature set — high-end specs without ultra-premium pricing
- Versatile camera setup + AI tools — useful for creators
- Good battery + fast charging — serious stamina
- Rugged build with premium feel — IP68 + glass + metal
- Clean UI with update promise — appeals to long-term users
Cons / Risks:
- Leaked performance might underdeliver in extreme gaming compared to rival flagships
- Front camera in low light may lag (rumored)
- Potential software bloat or delayed updates
- Charger may not come in box (common trend)
- Real-world numbers may differ from leaks
Comparison with Rivals
In the ₹65,000–₹80,000 bracket, here’s how it stacks up:
- vs Galaxy S25: The Safari may beat S25 on storage / value; Samsung may edge it in ecosystem, polish, brand trust
- vs OnePlus 13: OnePlus might be faster in benchmarks / optimized UI, but Nokia gets points for durability, features, UI simplicity
- vs Vivo X200: X200 may compete strongly in camera; Nokia’s update policy, features like IR / expandable storage may pull ahead
If Nokia delivers as rumored, the Safari Premium could be the “smart middle ground” — not chasing extremes, but balancing practicality and performance.
Spec Recap (Leaked / Rumored)
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
- 12/16 GB RAM + 256/512 GB storage (expandable to 1 TB)
- 6.8″ LTPO AMOLED, 120 Hz, QHD+, ~2000 nits
- Quad rear camera: 108 + 32 + 8 + 5 MP
- 32 MP selfie camera
- 5,000 mAh battery, 80 W wired, 50 W wireless
- IP68, Gorilla Glass, metal frame
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IR blaster
- 2 years warranty + 4 OS upgrades (rumored)
Final Verdict
If the Nokia Safari Premium 5G (2025) achieves even 80–90% of its leaked promises, it’ll be a serious contender in India’s premium-mid segment. The blend of robust build, well-rounded specs, long battery life, and a clean Nokia UI has real appeal. It may not rival the very top-tier flagships in raw speed or ultra-premium materials, but for users who want durability, versatility, and longevity rather than hype, this is a phone to watch.