HMD Global is planning to enter the smartphone market with its own independent line of smartphones. The Finnish company has been launching smartphones under the Nokia brand for the past six years. Jean-Francois Baril, the Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of HMD Global, recently announced on their LinkedIn page that HMD-branded devices will be introduced alongside the Nokia devices.
The Co-founder has articulated in an extensive statement that HMD has successfully established its independent Research and Development, software development, distribution, and operational infrastructures. Furthermore, he underscored HMD Global’s standing as the preeminent 5G smartphone manufacturer, demonstrating remarkable year-over-year growth. Additionally, the company has earned acclaim for its commitment to sustainability by introducing repairable Nokia devices within the past twelve months.
Presently, HMD enjoys the distinction of being acknowledged as the swiftest expanding 5G smartphone manufacturer, boasting a diverse array of products tailored for individuals seeking respite from the digital realm. Obviously, HMD appears to be meticulously preparing for the post-expiration phase of its licensing agreement with Nokia. It is worth noting that this agreement, originally inked in 2016, is slated to conclude in 2026, a mere two years and a few months hence.
Furthermore, there exists the potentiality of Nokia seeking to continue the licensing of its esteemed phone brand to an alternative manufacturer, thus prompting HMD to proactively position itself accordingly. The smartphone landscape is poised to welcome a fresh contender. It remains a subject of keen anticipation to discern the strategic direction that HMD will undertake. Will the company adhere to its prevailing approach, characterised by a broad spectrum of devices emphasising sustainability and affordability, or shall we witness the emergence of a competitive offering as well?
Smartphones have evolved to become an essential part of our lives. Be it the professional front or the personal front, smartphones are the constant companions we carry around in our back pockets in order to connect with the world. One can blame that the emergence and popularity of social media has increased our dependency on smartphones but that is a topic for some different day. Today, we would like to take you through a brief history of smartphones right from their inception to where they stand now. So come along with us as we turn the pages of history and understand the smartphone –
1876: Graham Bell’s miraculous innovation
It will be unfair to look at the evolution of the smartphone without touching upon the history of the first-ever telephone ever made. Sure, smartphones now serve multiple purposes with the standard telephone features being just one of the many things they can do, but the inception of the smartphone relies entirely on being able to make calls and communicate with others while being on the move. Back in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone which revolutionized communication forever.
At first, the telephone was considered a luxury item which was only accessible to the wealthy. However, the following century brought the telephone evolution which made the communication device a common household item. Now, telephones are everywhere you go and that flashy slab of screen is what people look at first thing in the morning. So, how did we get here?
1994: IBM’s first call to smartphones
Now, the origin of the first ever ‘smartphone’ is a debatable topic with many referring to the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x launched in 1983 as the first one to launch in the mainstream market. However, IBM’s ‘Simon Personal Communicator’ was the first mobile phone to sport multiple features. IBM was the first player in a business market which is expected to be valued at over $1.35 trillion by 2026.
Simon Personal Communicator launched back on August 16, 1994, with a hefty price tag of $900. Sadly, the Simon was not received well by the masses thanks to the premium price tag. The device was bulky and had poor battery life which was coupled with poor wireless connectivity. This led to the first smartphone becoming a failed venture but it laid down the foundation of many beta-level features that are now common in modern mainstream smartphones. One can say that the Simon Personal Communicator was way ahead of its time.
1998: Nokia 5110 makes heads turn
1998 was not the first time Nokia tried to enter the consumer phone market. However, with the 5110, Nokia revamped its ideology with consumer phones and departed from the ‘business phone’ strategy. The Nokia 5110 allowed users to choose a device which was not just plain black and grey colours. It introduced the Xpress-on-covers which could change the colour of the device and stand out as eye candy.
The original Nokia 5110 advertised the device with the ‘Freedom of Expression’ tagline which was well received amongst the mass consumers. Nokia started the craze for changeable mobile cases from the late 90s to the early 2000s. This was the time humanity started to get a taste of what was about to unfold in the coming years.
1999: Here Come The Blackberry Boys
The Blackberry 850 launched back in 1999 and things were not the same after it. The personal communication device features email, fax, calendar, address book, and task lists as its primary features. It featured a full QWERTY keypad allowed it to form a league of its own. Interestingly, the Blackberry 850 did not include the ability to make calls. The feature was introduced in the Blackberry 5810 which was released in 2002.
Since the 850 did not sport any calling features, it was marketed as a personal communication device for the business world. Where Blackberry aced was the marketing where it skillfully advertised its security features garnering good reception from professionals.
2007: The iPhone!
As a tech fanatic myself, I’ve seen Steve Jobs’ video introducing the first-ever iPhone at MacWorld in 2007 multiple times. The world has not been the same ever since the iPhone made its way to the market. It still stands tall as one of the most disruptive pieces of technology ever launched globally which changed the way we communicate with tech and each other as a species. In my biased opinion, iPhone’s launch is what signifies that mobile phones becoming smartphones.
The cherry on top was its asking price of $499 which allowed Apple to sell them like hotcakes clocking in at 270,000 iPhones getting sold within just the first two days of the release. Furthermore, over 6 million iPhones were sold during its entire run in the global market. It was a new product with never seen before technology which could have resulted in hesitation or straight-up rejection from the general public, but that was not the case here. The huge number of sales for a first-generation product like the iPhone signified humanity’s shift in the sphere of personal technology.
iPhone took many fundamental features from IBM’s Simon and dialled them to 100. The device allowed talk, text, email, music, YouTube, maps, calendar, weather, camera, along with internet web browsing. An average tech fan back in 2007 must-have definitely lost their mind when Jobs introduced the revolutionary device.
2008: iPhone 3G
While I am an Android user myself and do not enjoy the modern iOS interface, I cannot deny the contribution of the iPhone in shaping the modern smartphone era. It was back in 2008 when Apple released the iPhone 3G which made a bigger splash than the original. It provided all the modern functionality present in the iPhone while allowing personalization. The App Store was introduced which allowed third-party applications to be installed. This revolutionized the smartphone experience furthermore as it meant that the devices were no longer limited to the default factory settings, allowing users to have complete control of the device.
The iPhone 3G sold over a million devices in the first weekend itself and ended its run with over 15 million units sold. The iPhone was growing in popularity and started getting a hold of the personal communication market until Android stepped in!
2008: Android Enters The Chat!
After the massive success of the second-generation iPhone along with the App Store, Google started making waves with the launch of its very own operating system; Android. Google developed Android in order to compete against iOS with the launch of HTC Dream which launched back in 2008. HTC Dream was the first ever device to run on Android OS. It features a sliding keyboard, multi-touch screen, 3G & WiFi connection along with a much better camera than iPhone 3G at the time.
But Google didn’t stop at merely creating an OS and a device running on it as it also launched the Play Store. The Google Play Store was an app store predominantly designed to compete with Apple’s App Store. The popularity of the two prominent app stores from Apple and Google hinted towards the fact that people were beginning to use smartphones for beyond just simple communication purposes. This was the time when mobile phones transformed from becoming communication devices to lifestyle tools.
Bigger Screens and Immersive Experiences
What followed in the next years was a game of cat and mouse among Android and iPhone devices. In 2012, Samsung launched the Galaxy S3 which featured a bigger screen. Samsung ended up outselling the iPhones after the launch of the S3 thanks to the bigger screen. This indicated that consumers are wanting larger screens on their smartphones to consume videos, read the news, play games, and more. This led to the current trend where we get smartphones in a large slab of screen form factor.
Samsung folds the smartphone trend
Now we come to the current scenario with the smartphone industry moving towards foldable devices. Samsung was the first smartphone manufacturer to venture into foldable with the launch of its controversial Galaxy Fold. The launch of this device was no less than a mess when users started removing the protective film from the device thinking it can be removed. This resulted in Samsung recalling most of the Galaxy Fold Gen 1 devices. Currently, every smartphone manufacturer seems to be getting in the foldable business with players like Google, Oppo, Tecno, and many more introducing their own foldable smartphones.
Smartphones: What’s Next?
hand holding a futuristic transparent smartphone with home screen on display
It is difficult to predict how smartphones evolve in the near future. It has not even been three decades since smartphones were introduced and the relatively new technology has gone through multiple changes. The social narrative around smartphones has also changed drastically as it is not just an accessory we carry around but an important part of our existence.
Smartphones enable digital spaces like social media which are here to stay. Thus, it can be assumed that smartphones too are going to be around for the longest time. However, one cannot be sure in which form factor will exist. I am leaning towards foldable devices being the future but that is not set in stone. Society’s dependence on technology is ever-increasing thus the smartphone will undoubtedly be around in some shape or form.
HMD Global has unveiled its latest addition to the lineup, the Nokia G42, a mid-range smartphone significantly emphasising repairability. Building on the success of their previous release, the Nokia G22, which allowed users to repair their devices, HMD takes a step further with the introduction of the Nokia G42 5G. This device marks HMD’s maiden foray into consumer-repairable 5G smartphones, solidifying their commitment to giving users greater control over their devices’ maintenance.
HMD has joined forces with iFixit, a renowned platform that specialises in providing repair guides and genuine OEM parts to facilitate user repairs. This partnership ensures that users will have access to essential components such as displays, batteries, charging ports, and back covers for a period of five years. It should be noted, however, that while the back cover can be replaced, the battery is not removable in the traditional sense and necessitates using a pick tool for removal.
Beyond its repairability, the Nokia G42 5G retains the core features that have come to define Nokia’s budget-friendly offerings. Powered by the Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G chipset and accompanied by 4GB to 6GB of RAM, the device strikes a balance between performance and affordability. Users can expect ample storage with 128GB of expandable capacity and a visually pleasing 6.56-inch 90Hz LCD screen protected by Gorilla Glass 3.
Moreover, the handset boasts an IP52 rating, rendering it resistant to splashes and minor water exposure. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the modest yet capable triple rear camera system on the Nokia G42 5G. Anchored by a 50MP primary camera, complemented by a pair of 2MP sensors for macro shots and depth sensing, it captures impressive imagery. For self-portraits and video calls, an 8MP front-facing camera is also present.
Regarding connectivity, the device features Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6, and NFC support, catering to various wireless needs. Additionally, the OZO 3D audio technology enhances the audio experience during both recording and playback. The Nokia G42 5G houses a substantial 5,000 mAh battery, augmented by 20W fast charging capabilities, ensuring extended usage.
HMD estimates the battery can last up to three days with average usage while retaining 80% of its original capacity after approximately 800 charging cycles. Noteworthy features also include an IP52 certification for added durability, a headphone jack, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, adding convenience and security to the overall user experience.
Nokia has been a household name for several decades, with its iconic ringtone and sturdy phones. In recent years, the company has returned to the smartphone market, and the Nokia X30 5G is the latest addition to the brand’s lineup. The smartphone 5G has generated a lot of buzz among tech enthusiasts in India, and its launch is highly anticipated.
The Nokia X30 is expected to be a mid-range smartphone with impressive features, including a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 695 chipset with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone will arrive with a 50-MP primary sensor (OIS), a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and in the front, the phone carries a 16-megapixel shooter.
IP67-rated Nokia X30 is expected to run on Android 12, offering users three OS updates and security updates for the device, which means you will get up support for the Android 15 version, expected to come out in 2024. The smartphone also features a 4200mAh battery with support for 33W charging speed.
The smartphone is rumoured to have a sleek and modern design, with a punch-hole display and thin bezels. The Nokia X30 5G frame has been constructed out of 100 per cent recycled aluminium, while the back panel uses 65 per cent recycled plastic material. The phone will go on sale on Monday, Feb 20 and is expected to be priced around ₹45-50k.
Tech enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Berlin, Germany, for the IFA 2022 tradeshow. The consumer tech tradeshow was opened to the public on September 2, 2022, after a hiatus of two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the fair was restricted to professionals in 2020, it was entirely called off last year. As a result, exciting new tech products have now been unveiled by tech giants like Samsung, Lenovo, Nokia, etc. The following is a comprehensive look at the new tech products introduced at IFA 2022:
Nokia
HMD Global announced four new Nokia-branded devices at IFA 2022. While two of the smartphones announced at the event are 5G Snapdragon devices, the other two consist of a budget-friendly tablet and a phone based on the Unisoc chipsets. The Nokia X30 5G and G60 5G are both based on the Snapdragon 695 SoC, and both the devices sport Android 12 out of the box, with the company promising 3 years of major updates. The affordable Nokia C31 is a 4G device packing a powerful 5,050mAh battery coupled with a 10W wired charging prowess.
The budget-friendly Nokia T20 tablet also saw an upgrade with the announcement of the Nokia T21. The tablet houses a Unisoc T612 chipset along with an 8,200mAh battery. Besides this, Nokia has introduced a new subscription model called the ‘Nokia Circular’. The subscription model enables users to hold on to their respective Nokia devices for longer in return for eco-friendly rewards. The subscription model also offers accidental damage coverage, theft/loss coverage, and replacements for no additional charge.
Samsung
While Samsung launched its new mobile devices earlier this summer, the tech giant used IFA 2022 as an opportunity to showcase connectivity and sustainability through its electronic devices. Samsung aims to build an ecosystem that promotes product lifecycle and prioritizes sustainability from manufacturing to disposal. The company showcased a washing machine in collaboration with Patagonia, a global outdoor brand. The company claims that its newly introduced washing machine reduces the impact of microplastics. The most impressive showcase of Samsung at the IFA 2022 tradeshow was the Odyssey OLED G8 gaming monitor. The monitor has a slim thickness of 3.9mm and a 34-inch form factor.
Lenovo
Lenovo had one of the most impressive showcases at the IFA 2022, where the company introduced a bunch of new devices. The most innovative of the bunch was a pair of AR glasses called Glasses T1. The AR glasses can connect to any smartphone and give users a virtual display. Besides, Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad X1 Fold model jumping on the foldable tech trend. It sports a large 16-inch OLED display which can fold down to a small 12-inch laptop. The laptop also includes up to 12th Gen Intel Core U9 i7 and i5 processors, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 1TB of PCle Gen 4 SSD storage.
Other exciting tech
IFA 2022 gave tech giants an opportunity to showcase exciting tech products, one of which is the JBL Tour Pro 2 TWS earbuds. This device is claimed by the company to have the ‘world’s first smart charging case’. The case features a 1.45-inch LED touchscreen display which can be used to perform multiple functions like checking calls, notifications, and controlling the playback. LG, on the other hand, introduced the world’s first bendable OLED television. Sony also followed suit and announced the Xperia 5 IV, their compact flagship phone.
