HMD Global marks new chapter for Nokia smartphones

• New line-up includes Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 smartphones
• Announces the rebirth of the iconic Nokia 3310

FINNISH mobile phone maker, HMD Global (HMD) which holds the rights to develop and market phones under the Nokia brand has introduced three new models in its Nokia smartphone range in Malaysia.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the Nokia smartphones as we re-introduce this much-loved and trusted brand to Malaysians. HMD is committed to drawing on the hallmarks of the Nokia phone heritage of quality, simplicity and reliability,” said HMD Global’s country manager for Malaysia and Myanmar Vijay Thangavelu (pic, above) during the launch in Petaling Jaya.

Vijay stressed that Malaysia will be a key market for HMD Global’s efforts to push the Nokia brand back into the spotlight.

Comprising the Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3; HMD Global said it hoping to attract millennials who want a quality phone that looks good without skimping on the specs.

The smartphones, which were unveiled earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), showcase the Android powered devices that are made for a new generation of smartphone users.

The new Nokia lineup of devices, which range from entry level up to enthusiasts, share some similar features.

All three models have an aluminium element to it with the Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 featuring a precision engineered unibody made from a single block of aluminium while the entry level Nokia 3 has an aluminium frame combined with a polycarbonate body.

HMD Global stresses that the new Nokia smartphones will feature a pure Android experience that will see the phones receiving monthly security updates. All models come with a battery saving feature called Doze that conserves battery life when the phone is in a pocket or bag. All models also have access to Google Assistant.

The phones run on Android 7.1.1 Nougat and HMD Global promises that users can expect an upgrade to the upcoming Android O operating system later in the year.

They will be dual SIM compatible which will come in handy for users who travel or use separate numbers on the same phone.

 The top of the line Nokia 6 combines craftsmanship and a distinctive design to offer a premium experience. It comes with a 5.5-inch full HD (1,920 x 1,080 resolution) IPS display that is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass and laminated for easy viewing outdoors.

A smart audio amplifier with dual speakers is said to deliver deeper bass and clarity while Dolby Atmos delivers a more engaging entertainment experience.

Those looking for a slightly smaller pocket-friendly phone may find the mid-range Nokia 5 to be worth a look. It has a 5.2-inch HD display with sculpted Corning Gorilla Glass for an additional layer of protection.

Both the Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 come powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 430 mobile platform. The Nokia 6 carries 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage while the Nokia 5 features 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.

They both come equipped with a fingerprint sensor for added security and ease of unlocking.

In terms of photography, the Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 differ slightly with the higher end phone getting a 16- Megapixel autofocus camera with dual-tone flash and an 8-Megapixel for taking selfies while the mid-tier gets a 13-Megapixel rear camera with autofocus and dual-tone flash and a 8- Megapixel front camera.

Last but not least, there is the Nokia 3, a value driven phone with a fully laminated 5-inch IPS display which is similarly protected by sculpted Corning Gorilla Glass for increased durability.

Within its compact and elegant form, the Nokia also packs 8-Megapixel cameras on the front and back.

The phones will come in a variety of colours with the Nokia 3 expected to hit stores from mid-June 2017 for RM599. Meanwhile, the Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 will be released by the end June 2017 with prices at RM999 and RM799 respectively.

Blast from the past

HMD Global had one more thing to pull out of the bag at the launch and it was the reintroduction of the classic Nokia 3310.

The new thin, light and durable handset brings a modern twist to the classic feature phone. It boasts 22-hours of talk time which HMD Global claim is 10x better than the original and it has an amazing one month of standby time.

The addictive game of Snake is also back on this iteration and the phone will be available in four colours.

Classic Nokia fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the Nokia 3310 as it will be released for RM239 starting from the first week of June 2017.

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