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The Nubia Play is now live: a 144Hz display in a phone set at ~US$381

The latest 144Hz phone on the market. (Source: Nubia)
The latest 144Hz phone on the market. (Source: Nubia)
Nubia has launched its latest smartphone, the Play, during an online event today (April 21, 2020). This Snapdragon 765G device has a 6.65-inch screen with a refresh rate of 144 hertz (Hz). It has 8GB of RAM and a solidly mid-range price.

The Nubia Play is now officially 2020’s second 144Hz-screen phone. However, unlike the first, it is a premium mid-tier device rather than a brand’s flagship. Its 6.65-inch AMOLED display also has an in-built fingerprint sensor, something that can’t be said for some of its Snapdragon 765G-powered competitors.

The Play is also equipped with the programmable shoulder buttons and the 240Hz touch-sampling rate also found in its bigger gaming-focused sibling. Furthermore, it has quad 48+8+2+2MP rear cameras found in a vaguely hexagonal housing, thus compounding the impression of its being a 'Red Magic 5G Lite'. The new phone’s “ICE2.5” cooling system, CNC metal frame and rear panel (styled as it is with triangular accents and a “5G” logo) doesn’t hurt it either.

All these specs are powered by a 5100mAh battery, which can charge to 30-watt Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0 levels – a first for the OEM. Nubia has equipped the Play with 8GB of RAM options, paired to 128GB in fixed storage.

It is priced at 2699 yuan (~US$381), and will go up for preorder through the OEM's JD.com store in its native country on April 21, 2020. The Nubia Play will enter a general-sales stage 3 days thereafter.

There is no mention of more global availability at this time, although there is no guarantee that the prices for this new and possibly more accessible pathway to 144Hz in a phone would stay constant across all regions.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2020 04 > The Nubia Play is now live: a 144Hz display in a phone set at ~US$381
Deirdre O Donnell, 2020-04-21 (Update: 2020-04-21)