HMD Global discontinues all Nokia smartphones, marking the end of an iconic era

In a significant development that marks the end of an iconic chapter in mobile history, HMD Global has officially discontinued all Nokia-branded smartphones. This decision signifies a strategic retreat for the once-beloved brand that was synonymous with durability and innovation in the mobile phone sector. Under HMD’s stewardship, Nokia smartphones have been sidelined, with even the Nokia XR21—lauded for its rugged build and reliability—quietly retired from production. This withdrawal has been symbolized by the removal of Nokia smartphones to a separate category on HMD’s website, marking their formal removal from the company’s active product lineup.

Nokia was once a titan in the mobile phone industry, known for its feature phones and groundbreaking innovations. The company dominated the market, particularly in the early 2000s, until the rise of iOS and Android smartphones drastically altered the landscape. In what many considered a misstep, Nokia failed to pivot quickly enough to smartphone technology, leading to a significant decline in market presence. In 2017, HMD Global acquired the rights to manufacture and market Nokia-branded devices, sparking hopes for a revival. The launch of models like the Nokia 6, which gained attention for its exceptional build quality and stock Android experience, generated renewed interest in the brand.

Despite these efforts, Nokia-branded smartphones struggled to reclaim their former glory amidst fierce competition from industry giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Although devices such as the ambitious nine-camera Nokia 9 PureView showcased innovative features, the brand was unable to meet the rapidly evolving consumer demands and outpace aggressive competition in the smartphone market. The struggles appeared to culminate when HMD Global announced its multi-brand strategy in 2024, signaling a shift in focus towards developing a proprietary line of devices. This shift implicitly indicated that the slow phase-out of Nokia smartphones was on the horizon, as evidenced by their declining presence in major announcements and diminishing visibility on HMD’s global website.

The complete discontinuation of all Nokia-branded smartphones signifies a substantial pivot for HMD Global, as the company now looks to consolidate its market position through its in-house brand. As Nokia-branded smartphones fade into history, the name ‘Nokia’ will continue to endure within the feature phone market. HMD Global still sells Nokia-branded basic phones, which maintain popularity in select markets due to their simplicity and reliability. Additionally, Nokia as a company has successfully shifted its focus away from the consumer smartphone market and into the more lucrative domain of network infrastructure and telecommunications, establishing itself as a leader in 5G technology, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. This evolution demonstrates Nokia’s resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing tech landscape.

The departure of Nokia-branded smartphones from the market serves as a bittersweet moment in the annals of mobile technology history. Despite no longer being present in the smartphone realm, the legacy of Nokia as a pioneering force in the industry remains ingrained in the memory of tech enthusiasts around the globe. The brand, once synonymous with reliability and innovation, is sure to hold a special place in the hearts of many. As HMD Global moves forward, it will be fascinating to see how the company navigates the challenges of an increasingly competitive landscape while holding onto the rich legacy of the Nokia name.