Nokia phone maker HMD Global to come up with its own smartphones

The manufacturer of Nokia Mobile brand, HMD Global is planning to launch its smartphones. HMD’s co-founder and President, Jean-François Baril explained on LinkedIn that the company will continue to make smartphones under the Nokia brand. The company is making its foray into the segment after many years of research and development. Baril adds that the company has also built "extensive global operational and distribution networks."

The company will collaborate with new partners for the HMD smartphones and will leverage research used for Nokia phones. As per the post, "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."

Baril's posts suggest that HMD Global's standalone smartphones will continue to focus on clean user experience, 5G, and easy repair, standard features in Nokia-branded smartphones. Initial products will likely focus on a select group of customers, while Nokia phones will be made for the masses.

The post also says, "Combined with a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable mobile devices to consumers around the world, every single one of us at HMD is excited for our future of designing innovative products that endure, reducing electronic waste, helping people keep their mobile devices for longer and making a positive impact on the planet."

The name of the smartphone and the launch schedule are yet to be disclosed by the company. HMD has been an official licensee of Nokia Mobile for more than six years.

Initially, HMD phones could also be restricted to European markets as the company has a strong regional presence. Baril also notes that HMD has corporate data stored in the region. However, the timing is equally complicated as the global smartphone market has declined for the past few quarters.