HMD Global to bring Nokia smartphones based on Android OS in H1, 2017

Finnish company HMD Global will bring a new generation of Nokia Smartphones in the first half of 2017, alongside the existing Nokia branded feature phone business.

The launch of HMD comes just six months after the company signed a strategic licensing agreement with Nokia, giving HMD exclusive use of the Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets worldwide for the next 10 years.

With a leading position in the feature phone market already, HMD has a significant global foothold including Americas, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, India and China from day one. This scale, coupled with a world-class and highly experienced leadership team positions HMD for a truly accelerated start.

HMD has developed a unique strategic partnership model that will see it working with some of the world’s leading technology companies including Nokia, FIH Mobile Limited (FIH) and Google. 

Future Nokia smartphones will utilise Google’s Android operating system, currently deployed on 86 percent of the world’s smartphones.

A cornerstone of HMD’s partnership model is an agreement with FIH, a global consumer electronics manufacturing and technology powerhouse that will manufacture Nokia branded mobile phones and tablets, guaranteeing quality of manufacture and innovation at scale as well as giving access to FIH’s world-class R&D capability.

Arto Nummela, CEO, HMD Global said, "Today marks a happy and important day for HMD. Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades. The excitement of re-introducing this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand to smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone at HMD shares.

Florian Seiche, president, HMD Global said, "We believe that the time is right for renewal in the mobile industry. The market is fatigued and flooded with undifferentiated products. Consumers are looking for technology with clear purpose that is useful, exciting and with a brand they can trust, so our approach will focus on true, core user experiences and a dedication to quality.

“With our passionate team, start up attitude, a brand with a 95 per cent worldwide awareness and a unique, asset light partnership approach, we believe we are perfectly placed to forge a new way in mobile,” added Seiche.

Brad Rodrigues, interim president, Nokia Technologies said, "We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. The HMD Global team has the ambition, talent and resources to bring a new generation of Nokia branded phones to market, and we wish them every success. I’m sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products!

Samuel W. L. Chin, chairman of the board, HMD Global said, "Today marks an exciting moment for all those involved in this venture. As one of the Founders of HMD Global it has been very satisfying to oversee the launch of our business through the completion of a number of agreements. Through the hard work of all involved we can now move forward with our new business, a new approach to the category and a fresh start for Nokia mobile phones.”