HMD Global unveils a slew of mid-to-low range Nokia handsets, announces plans for MVNO network in the UK

It’s a busy time for HMD Global as it announces a new portfolio of smartphones in the entry and mid-range segments and reveals its plans to operate as an MVNO in the UK. The X, C, and G-series of smartphones cover the entry-level to low-mid-range segments and are priced from £319 and below in the UK, while the Nokia Lite Earbuds come in at just £29.99.

Nokia X10 and X20

The highest specced new arrivals come with a 3-year warranty and a 100% compostable case, a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, and a Snapdragon 480 processor providing the grunt. Where the X10 features 4GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in storage, the Nokia X20 sports 6/8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It’s a similar story concerning the cameras, with the Nokia X10 having an 8MP selfie camera and a 48MP main camera while the X20 boasts a 64MP main sensor and a 32MP front-facing camera. A trio of cameras consisting of a 5MP Ultra-wide lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens are present on both handsets, as is a 4,470mAh battery that is said to be good for two days of usage.

The X-series of phones will benefit from 3 years of monthly security updates and OS updates, as well as a 3-year extended warranty, which shows HMD Global’s commitment to support its new devices.

A dedicated Google Assistant button is present on both the Nokia X10 and X20 that will go on sale in the UK from April 19th in Midnight Sun and Nordic Blue color options and priced as follows

Nokia G10 and G20

Next up are the Nokia G10 and G20 handsets that share the same 6.5-inch display with 720p resolution and 5,050mAh battery. Where the G10 is powered by MediaTek’s G25 processor the G20 sports the more powerful G35 chipset. The G10 comes in 3/32GB and 4/64GB variants with a trio of rear cameras consisting of a 13MP main camera and a couple of 2MP sensors for depth and macro functions. The Nokia G20 sports a 48MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and the same 2MP duo of depth and macro sensors. Both models have an 8MP selfie camera housed in the teardrop notch on the display.

The G-Series of smartphones get 2 years of OS updates along with 3 years worth of monthly security patches, which is pretty good at this price point where other brands often abandon their handsets on the Android version it launches with.

The Nokia G10 goes on sale in Night and Dusk colors towards the end of April while the G20 will be available in Night and Glacier colors sometime during May at the following prices:

Nokia C10

Finally, we have the entry-level Nokia C20 which HMD Global says is designed for those who aren’t used to using smartphones. Powered by the Unisoc SC9863a processor with 1/2GB of RAM and 16/32GB of storage, the Nokia C20 also has a 6.5-inch HD+ display. There’s a single rear camera with 5MP and a flash as well as a 5MP front-facing camera that is housed in a teardrop notch. A removable 3,000mAh battery keeps the lights on, and there is a MicroUSB charging port, which is unfortunate considering we are in 2021. The Nokia C20 is an Android 11 (Go Edition) handset with 2 years of security updates promised and has a sturdy polycarbonate shell that should keep it in good condition.

The Dark Blue Nokia C20 will launch in early June in Dark Blue for £79 (~$105).

Nokia Lite Earbuds

On the audio front we have the Nokia Lite Earbuds that feature up to 6 hours of playback with the USB-C charging case holding enough juice for 5 full charges. Bluetooth 5.0 is present, as is the ability to wear both or a single earbud at a time, which is useful when you are multi-tasking. Available in Charcoal and Polar Sea colors, the Nokia Lite Earbuds go on sale in June for £29.99.

HMD Mobile

Building on the global roaming product called HMD Connect, HMD Mobile will enter the UK market as an MVNO, offering a one-stop-shop where, thanks to the HMD Mobile app, users will be able to pay only for the features they use with no fixed subscriptions or premiums. Basically, it sounds like a riff on the pay-as-you-go plan, and it will be interesting to see how HMD Mobile stacks up against other MVNOs in the UK.

[Nokia]