The largest of the trio, the Nokia 6, was launched in China last month. After previously suggesting it would be exclusive to its home country, HMD unveiled an international version of the phone at MWC over the weekend.
Nokia 6
The Nokia 6 features a 5.5-inch Full HD display and a uni-body design based on a single block of 6000-series aluminium. There’s a 16-megapixel camera and a smart audio amplifier coupled to a dual speaker setup for greater sound quality.
As the most expensive of the new phones, the 6 is being pitched as a premium device focused on giving users a sophisticated smartphone experience in keeping with the Nokia brand. A special limited edition version, the Arte Black, offers an exclusive black gloss finish and increases RAM and storage to 4GB and 64GB respectively. The regular phone comes in matte black, silver, tempered blue and copper colours and will retail at €229.
Nokia 5
The Nokia 5 is a mid-range alternative to the 6. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor and features a 5.2-inch display. It is also moulded from a single block of 6000-series aluminium, giving it a solid construction that evokes classic Nokia designs of old.
According to HMD, the 5 is intended to offer a flagship-quality experience that’s accessible to everyone. It takes the best of the 6 and refines it down to its core elements. Retailing at €189, it’ll also come in matte black, silver, tempered blue and copper finishes.
Nokia 3
At the bottom of the range, the Nokia 3 is a budget handset that draws on the same design principles as the 5 and 6. The main body is made of plastic but an aluminium frame adds a touch of premium class. The 5-inch display makes the phone a more portable option than its bigger siblings, ideal for infrequent or first-time smartphone users. It will cost €139.
New Nokias, same philosophy
Although it’s not really Nokia behind the new phones, HMD has carefully preserved the brand’s reputation when designing the new handsets. “Quality, simplicity and reliability” were the themes driving the development. Out of the box, all three Nokia devices run stock Android, offering a pure and uncluttered experience that complements the Scandinavian-inspired design.
“Nokia phones stir real emotions; people know them for their beautiful design and craftsmanship, together with a built-to-last quality that you can rely on,” said Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer of HMD Global. “Our new portfolio combines these classic Nokia hallmarks with a best-in-class Android performance and a new level of craftsmanship.”
The international launch of new Nokia-badged Android devices marks the company’s revival as a smartphone brand. Once a market leader but left struggling to catch up with Apple’s iPhone, Nokia invested its future in Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform when it launched in 2010. After years of sluggish sales, Microsoft bought Nokia’s devices division in 2014, subsequently gutting the company and retiring the name.
Now the iconic brand is back with a range of devices that has already been received positively across the world. With anticipation running high for what the reinvented Nokia could achieve, HMD could have a successful line-up on its hands. The phones will be available globally in the second quarter of the year.