Subscribe
  • Home
  • /
  • Wireless
  • /
  • Nokia refreshes phone line-up with six new phones

Nokia refreshes phone line-up with six new phones

Sibahle Malinga
By Sibahle Malinga, ITWeb senior news journalist.
Johannesburg, 09 Apr 2021
The new Nokia X, G and C-series devices.
The new Nokia X, G and C-series devices.

HMD Global, the Finnish company that operates the Nokia mobile phone business, has introduced six new smartphones, which have been streamlined into three distinct lines: the top of the range Nokia X-series, intermediate G-series and entry-level C-series.

The new models, which the company says are built to last longer, are the X20, X10, G20, G10, C20 and C10.

The new devices were introduced in line with HMD Global’s new brand identity “Love it, trust it, keep it”, as it refreshes its phone line-up to better contend with rivals.

While Nokia continues to lead the feature phone category by value, its smartphone market share falls behind competitors Huawei, Samsung and Apple.

Speaking at the Nokia virtual launch of the new models last night, HMD Global CEO Florian Seiche said the company has strengthened its partnerships with retail, online and third-party operators, to make it easier for consumers to make online purchases on Nokia phones, as the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increases reliance on smartphones.

Today, consumers are able to buy Nokia phones on its Web site across 14 countries, he noted.

The company also announced its new mobile virtual network operator, HMD Mobile, which is currently only available in the UK. HMD Mobile is operated independently by HMD Global, to provide a one-stop-shop for mobile connectivity, phones and service.

“The past 12 months have no doubt been challenging, yet they also gave us a moment to pause, think and prepare for the next big step in our start-up journey,” said Seiche.

“As a Finnish company, our approach to technology and business is human-first and that is reflected in this new smartphone range. We want people to love their phones. The launch of HMD Mobile – a milestone in our journey to a holistic provider of all things mobile – amplifies this, and it is only the beginning. Nokia smartphones come with security and software updates for extra peace of mind. And we want people to keep their phones for longer, thanks to our signature durability.”

Nokia X-series

The Nokia X-series.
The Nokia X-series.

Sitting at the top of HMD’s new portfolio are the Nokia X20 and Nokia X10 devices. These mid-range smartphones, claims the company, provide an experience that outweighs their price tag.

Both are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G mobile platform, which provides a global 5G connection.

The handsets come with Android 11, ZEISS Optics and artificial intelligence (AI) features that enable versatile imaging options. It has a 6.67-inch full HD display, allowing content to be viewed on a crisp screen.

The Nokia X20 comes with a 32MP front camera and 64MP quad camera on the rear. The new Dual Sight feature activates two cameras simultaneously, so that users can capture multiple sides or multiple angles of the same image or video.

It will be available in select markets from May, and comes in 6/128GB and 8/128GB configurations.

The Nokia X10 features a 48MP quad-camera with cinematic capture, and a suite of pro editing tools. It will be available in select markets globally from June, and will come in 6/64GB, 6/128GB and 4/128GB configurations.

G-series

The Nokia G-series.
The Nokia G-series.

Both phones in the G range have a three-day battery life – the longest yet on a Nokia smartphone, according to HMD Global.

The Nokia G20 is described by the company as an on-the-go creative studio that fits in the palm of the hand. It has a 48MP camera, ample storage and immersive OZO surround audio. It will be available in select markets globally starting May, and comes in 4/64GB and 4/128GB configurations.

The Nokia G10 has a triple rear camera and advanced imaging with AI-enhanced shooting modes, which are able to take shots from tricky low-light settings.

C-series

The Nokia C-series.
The Nokia C-series.

Described by HMD as ideal devices to introduce consumers to smartphones, the C-series feature 6.5-inch HD+ display, with Android 11, up to 20% faster speeds and improved security features, with quarterly security updates for two years.

The Nokia C20 includes front and rear LED flash to capture images in low-light.

The Nokia C10 is the most affordable device in the new portfolio, and has an ergonomic casing with a micro-texture finish to ensure durability.

HMD Mobile on the go

Also speaking at the event, Janne Lehtosalo, VP of services at HMD Global, noted HMD Mobile follows the success of the brand’s global roaming solution, HMD Connect, which launched in March 2020.

The new service, which was introduced in the UK this month, will be gradually rolled out globally.

“HMD Mobile is built on the foundation of trust, simplicity and flexibility, where you only pay for the features you will use every day with no fixed-term subscriptions or premiums.”

Share