Google’s Nexus line of phones is now dead. But Nokia, under the stewardship of HMD Global, could well bring back elements of what made Google’s Nexus phones so popular with users. Things like stock Android, fast updates and competitive pricing.
In a recent release, HMD noted it is putting in place a new strategic partnership with Google and Foxconn to further its gains in the mobile space during 2017/18.
“Most of the smartphones in the market do not have the Android OS in the way it should be,” said HMD Global’s vice president for the Middle East and North Africa Per Ekman.
“Vendors are adding a skin on top of the OS. Consumers have the right to have the latest version of the OS, and we will be pushing the latest version and the patches as soon as it is available from Google.”
We and Google will jointly enhance the Nokia brand to put the right kind of inputs into the phone, including Google Assistant,” he said.
Nokia’s current phones – the Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 – all run a pretty clean version of Android. But these handsets appear to be just the tip of the iceberg.
Nokia’s BIG release for 2017 is called the Nokia 9. This is the phone everybody has been waiting for, as it is the phone that will match both Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy S8 with respect to specs and features.
The Nokia 9 is basically HMD’s first, proper Nokia flagship – expectation is understandably high. And given its specs, the rumoured one’s are detailed below, it is kind of easy to see why:5.3in QHD OLED display
Snapdragon 835 processor, Adreno 540 GPU, 6GB/8GB RAM
64GB/128GB storage
13MP dual camera with optical image stablisation, 4K video
Built-in iris scanner, fingerprint scanner
Unibody aluminium chassis with IP68 certification
3,800mAh battery, Quick Charge support
Android 7.1.2 NougatHMD wants to get Google onboard to help push its Nokia agenda and that should be music to the ears of any Nokia/Android fan.
This particular route, if done correctly, could create quite a USP for the Nokia brand inside the Android space, as no other manufacturer has perfected getting Android updates out in a timely fashion.
If Nokia – either through its own blood, sweat and tears or via assistance from Google – can