Nokia makes a comeback with Android handsets

Finnish firm unveils three smartphones; price starts at ₹9,499

New Delhi, June 13:  

The Finnish technology company Nokia today launched three Android-based handsets, the Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3, marking what it hopes is a major comeback both globally and in the Indian smartphone market.

Having been more or less absent on the mobile stage, the former smartphone king believes the launch of their Android phones, in partnership with HMD Global, Google and Foxconn is the beginning of a new chapter in Nokia's story.

Nokia had begun to lose its hold over the market before it was acquired by Microsoft which attempted to create some traction for Windows-based phones under the Lumia brand, an initiative that failed. It was in December 2016 that Nokia became one with HMD Global, a Finish company comprised of former Nokia veteran staff. Nokia missed its chance to adopt the Android platform earlier and is now embracing Google's operating system and ecosystem at a time when the mobile market is brimming with Chinese players offering affordable handsets with high-end specifications and solid designs.

However, Nokia management is confident that the company can bank on its popularity with consumers.

Ajey Mehta, Vice-President India, HMD Global, said, "Nokia is a trusted and well-loved brand across the world and especially in India. Today's announcement scripts a new chapter for Nokia phones in this country as we set out to capture the hearts and minds of an entirely new generation of fans through an inspiring and purpose-led approach. The new line-up comprising the Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and the Nokia 3 is visually stunning and will always be available out-of-the-box with the latest and pure version of Android. We intend to break the clutter in a market dominated by undifferentiated products by providing a great user experience while living up to the Nokia brand promise of simplicity, trust, reliability and quality."

Pure Android version

To retain customer trust, Nokia is planning to focus on a pure version of Android, always updated and always secure. Nokia 3 goes on sale on June 16 and will be available across top mobile retailers in India. Consumers can pre-book their Nokia 5 starting July 7 and Nokia 6 will be available exclusive on Amazon.in; registrations begin July 14.

The unibody of the Nokia 6 is said to be crafted from a single block of 6000 series aluminium and is meant for those who want a robust phone with entertainment credentials. It has a 5.5-inch display with sunlight readability. The audio amplifier with dual speakers will allow consumers to experience deeper bass and clarity with Dolby Atmos® sound. Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon 430 mobile platform and the Qualcomm® Adreno 505 graphics processor, the Nokia 6 is available in four colours – Matte Black, Silver, Tempered Blue and Copper – and will be available on Amazon.in at a recommended best buy price of ₹14,999.

The Nokia 6 is available with a special offer — Prime members get ₹1,000 back when they purchase the device using Amazon Pay balance and all Nokia 6 customers get 80 per cent off on Kindle eBooks up to ₹300.

The Nokia 5 has a 5.2-inch IPS HD display and runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 mobile platform, It touts excellent battery life, improved graphics performance as well as an 8MP 84-degree wide-angle front facing camera. It will retail at a price of ₹12,899 in offline stores.

The Nokia 3 is the company's value offering. It features an aluminium frame forged out of a single piece of aluminium and has a 5-inch IPS display. This device costs ₹9,499.

All Nokia smartphones will be shipped with the latest version of Android OS with guaranteed monthly security updates, These smartphones also feature Google's recent Google Assistant.

HMD Global has appointed over 400 distributors in India to support its range of smartphones and feature phones. Through this network, Nokia smartphones and feature phones will be available at more than 80,000 retail outlets across the country. The company is also investing in an after-sales network branded Nokia Mobile Care. By this month-end, over 300 cities will have a Nokia Mobile Care presence.

(This article was published on June 13, 2017)

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