HMD Global to establish its own smartphone brand, apart from Nokia

HMD Global has been “the home of Nokia phones” for the past six years now. But things are to change soon as the company plans to introduce its own HMD-branded mobile devices.

HMD Global to establish its own HMD-branded mobile devices

The news officially comes from Jean-Francois Baril, chairman and CEO of HMD Global. “I am thrilled to announce a significant milestone in HMD’s evolution — we are establishing an original HMD brand,” said Baril in his LinkedIn page.

He also hinted that both Nokia and HMD devices will co-exist. And reveals that they have exciting collaboration with ‘new partners’. Baril claims that they’re the ‘fastest growing 5G smartphone manufacturer year-on-year’, and a leader in sustainability with its repairable Nokia phones 10.

“Now we are ready for the next step on our journey — to enter the market independently as a force to create a new world for telecommunications focused on consumer needs.”

HMD-branded phone early render leaks

Furthermore, new leak revealed an early look of the upcoming HMD-branded smartphone. According to 91mobiles, HMD Global will reportedly launch at least two phones this year based on the IMEI data previously spotted.

The said phones have model numbers N159V and TA-1585. And the exclusive render they got shows the N159V model. Looking at the render, the phone features a familiar back shell design, reminiscent of previous Nokia phones.

Image/ 91mobiles

One notable change is the new uppercased HMD logo placed at the center. The material also looks like plastic with a matte finish and curved sides.

The phone’s frame is flat with the SIM tray located on the left and the power button plus volume rocker situated on the right side. While at the front sees a hole-punch notch on its flat display.

Based on its design features, it is quite fitting to be a mid-range device. 91mobiles says that they have confirmed that HMD-branded phones will launch in India as soon as April 2024.