Nokia & HMD Phones To Coexist with Different Retail Strategies

HMD Global, once synonymous with Nokia, is set to launch its own brand, HMD. Recent updates to the website reveal potential phone designs featuring vibrant colors, rounded corners, and dual/triple cameras, offering insights into upcoming phone designs under the HMD brand.

According to a recent report from 91Mobiles Hindi that cites industry sources, HMD Global is gearing up to launch its first three phones under the HMD brand. The initial lineup will include an affordable model in the Rs 10,000 - 15,000 price range. As per the report, no phone exceeding Rs 40,000 is planned for launch in India this year.

Interestingly, HMD Global still holds the Nokia licensing rights until 2026. The report also claims the company intends to release phones under both Nokia and HMD brands concurrently via separate retail channels this year. Nokia phones will remain exclusive to offline stores, while HMD phones target online and major retail availability. Pricing strategies also differ - HMD phones aim to offer the best "value", while Nokia phones may command a small premium.

HMD Global could also open exclusive HMD service centres alongside upcoming phone launches. This strategic approach looks to immediately provide dedicated after-sales support for HMD products - a different model than relying on multi-brand centres initially as other brands typically do.

With the website rebrand and planned phone launches, it seems HMD Global is readying for its independent future beyond Nokia under the new HMD brand identity.