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.

The HMD Key sports a sizable 6.52-inch LCD display, delivering HD+ resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 460 nits, users can expect clear visuals even in varying lighting conditions. At its core, the device is powered by the UNISOC SC9832E system-on-chip (SoC), complemented by a Mali 820MP1 GPU, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks. The smartphone includes 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 128GB with a microSD card. An added benefit is the option to increase RAM by another 2GB through virtual RAM expansion, thus enhancing multitasking capabilities.

For longevity, the HMD Key houses a 4,000mAh battery, capable of supporting standard 10W charging—sufficient for users not requiring ultra-fast charging solutions. The device runs on the lightweight Android 14 Go Edition, designed specifically for entry-level smartphones to optimize performance and app functionalities.

When it comes to photography, the HMD Key includes an 8MP rear camera equipped with auto-focus and LED flash, making it suitable for casual photography endeavors. The front-facing 5MP camera is adequate for selfies and video calls. Additional photography features include Portrait mode, Night mode, Pro mode, and Slow Motion options, allowing users to experiment with their shots.

Beyond the camera, the smartphone boasts practical features such as face unlock, a 3.5mm audio jack for headphone compatibility, FM radio, and Dual SIM support, catering to users’ diverse needs.

The HMD Key is available in two contemporary colors: Icy Blue and Midnight Black, both exuding a modern aesthetic. Retailing at approximately £59 (around $73), this budget-friendly device offers consumers a low-cost entry into the smartphone market. The launch of the HMD Key follows closely on the heels of the HMD Arc, another no-frills smartphone aimed at cost-conscious users.

With its robust capabilities and affordable price tag, the HMD Key positions itself as a compelling choice for consumers prioritizing functionality without the premium cost associated with flagship devices. As HMD continues to expand its product lineup, tech enthusiasts and casual users alike are eager to see how this device performs in the competitive landscape of budget smartphones.

One of the standout features of the HMD Fusion is its “Smart Outfit” system. This modular system utilizes attachable back panels that connect via a six-pin mechanism to provide additional functionalities. Among the available options are the Gaming Outfit, designed for avid gamers, the Flashy Outfit that includes a camera-circling LED for enhanced photography, a Rugged Outfit for added durability, and a Casual Outfit for everyday use. However, HMD remains tight-lipped about which specific outfits will be available at launch in India, leaving potential buyers eagerly anticipating more information.

In addition to its customizable exterior, the HMD Fusion promotes self-repair with its Gen2 repairability feature. This allows users to easily replace certain components using kits that are readily available, reflecting a growing trend in consumer technology toward sustainability and longevity.

When it comes to its core specifications, the HMD Fusion does not disappoint. The device boasts a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with a fluid 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. Powering the smartphone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM, offering ample performance for multitasking and running demanding apps. In terms of storage, users can choose models with up to 128GB, which is expandable via a microSD card, meeting the needs of users who require additional space for their photos and apps.

Operating on Android 14, the HMD Fusion will provide users with a contemporary software experience that includes the latest features and security updates. A robust 5,000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, enabling extended usage without the inconvenience of frequent charging sessions.

In the photography department, the HMD Fusion is equipped with a dual rear camera system featuring a powerful 108-megapixel main camera, perfect for capturing stunning images in various lighting conditions. For those who enjoy video calling or taking selfies, the device also includes a 50-megapixel front-facing camera, ensuring high-quality self-portraits and video chats.

Moreover, the HMD Fusion is designed with IP54 certification, offering some level of dust and water resistance, making it suitable for various environments. The phone includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for quick and secure unlocking, alongside standard connectivity features such as Dual SIM support, Bluetooth 5.1, and a USB Type-C port.

While HMD Global has not disclosed an official launch date for the HMD Fusion in India, the recent teasers suggest that an announcement is imminent. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, the reception of the HMD Fusion’s modular design and self-repair capabilities by Indian consumers will be critical. HMD’s innovative approach promises to provide a refreshing take on smartphone functionality, catering to a demographic increasingly interested in sustainability and personalization.

This new smartphone could serve as a timely advancement from the original Pulse Pro, which debuted in April and is currently available on Amazon for around $199. However, this latest reveal suggests that the Pulse 2 Pro may not present a dramatically upgraded experience. The display specifications appear largely unchanged, featuring the same 6.65-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 720p. The good news, however, is that users can still expect a smooth visual experience with a 90Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of up to 600 nits (HBM).

The camera specifications are also reported to remain quite similar, boasting a 50MP main sensor in addition to a 2MP depth sensor, paired with a 50MP selfie camera. Battery life continues to be a strong point with a robust 5,000mAh capacity, supporting 20W of wired charging. In terms of memory, the Pulse 2 Pro is anticipated to come with 6GB or 8GB of RAM options, ensuring adequate multitasking performance for budget-conscious users.

The most significant enhancement appears to be in storage capacity. Moving from the Pulse Pro’s 128GB limitation, the Pulse 2 Pro is expected to provide an impressive 256GB option, catering to users who require more space for media and applications. Additionally, the leak suggests that there may be a shift in processing power, upgrading from the Unisoc T606 processor used in the original Pulse Pro to the newer Unisoc T612.

While these specifications point to only a modest improvement, it is essential to remember that the original Pulse Pro already offered a compelling package at an accessible price point. This subtle update in the Pulse 2 Pro could attract consumers searching for a device that features a large display, commendable cameras, and a reliable battery—all bundled in a budget-friendly format.

As for the timeline of the launch, specific details remain unclear. HMD Global has yet to provide an official announcement, leaving the exact release date of the Pulse 2 Pro still up in the air. Enthusiasts and potential buyers should stay tuned for further developments, as we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they arise. This upcoming release could mark another successful step for HMD Global in solidifying Nokia’s place in the ever-evolving smartphone landscape.