HMD appears to be working up to the launch of its anticipated new Android devices with something a little less demanding. At the start of December, Nokia restored the “Phones” section of its website, preparing it for new Android phones confirmed to be coming early next year. They won’t be the first HMD devices to launch though. That title goes to the Nokia 150, HMD’s debut Nokia handset.
The 150 continues the success of the Nokia-branded feature phones launched by Microsoft over the past two years. Microsoft has sold hundreds of millions of Nokia feature phones worldwide, something HMD is now looking to capitalise on.
The Nokia 150 is immediately recognisable as a Nokia. It runs the company’s classic Nokia Series 30+ feature phone operating system and has a hard-wearing polycarbonate case. There’s a 2.4-inch display, optional dual-SIM support and a built-in FM radio, both important features in emerging markets. A VGA camera and LED flash provide basic imaging capabilities.
Nokia will preload a selection of games on the phone, letting you play classic titles associated with the pre-smartphone era. Snake Xenzia will be available for free and other games will be available to download from Gameloft’s store. The 150 can run Java apps but does not include access to a dedicated app store.
As with its Microsoft predecessors, the 150’s endurance shames its smartphone contemporaries. The 1,020mAh battery has a standby time of up to 31 days for the single SIM model and 25 days for the dual SIM version. The maximum talk time is rated at 22 hours.
The 150 is primarily aimed at regions where smartphones are an extravagant luxury. The Nokia-branded phones built under Microsoft gained particular attention from these markets. Affordable dual-SIM handsets with a radio and long battery life are desirable in areas without a reliable mobile network or electricity supply, letting people stay connected when it matters most.
The phones aren’t solely focused on these buyers though. HMD will be selling the 150 globally, continuing the worldwide fame of devices like Microsoft’s Nokia 105. It’ll be available in select markets across the APAC, IMEA and European regions from early 2017, priced at $26 USD before local taxes and subsidies. Two colours, black and white, will be available.
“The new phones — the first Nokia feature phones to be released by HMD — combine beautiful craftsmanship with hallmark Nokia durability,” said HMD. “Featuring hard-wearing polycarbonate shells and scratch-resistant color, the Nokia 150 phones are built to last.”
