Back with a bang? Nokia to re-enter the smartphone business

Nokia is all set to make a comeback to the world of smartphones and feature phones, an area it once dominated across the world. While we saw renders of what Nokia’s next Android device might look like, the latest report originating from China hints at launch of Nokia branded smartphones, feature phones and tablets.

It seems Nokia branded phones and tablets will finally hit market in the fourth quarter of 2016. Nokia currently has a non-compete deal with Microsoft, which limits the company from announcing its own hardware products. Microsoft acquired Nokia’s mobile division in 2014 before writing it off completely. Post that write off, Microsoft also reorganised the feature phone business by selling the business division to Foxconn.

Microsoft and Nokia’s non-competent deal expires at the end of this year and Nokia China’s Mike Wang says Nokia will stage a comeback in the ever competent smartphone business. Nokia’s comeback devices will be manufactured by HMD Global, a Finnish company started by former Nokia employees.

HMD Global currently has exclusive license to sell Nokia branded devices post the deal for next 10 years. Nokia is also establishing its network business to further strengthen its device portfolio. Nokia recently acquired Alcatel-Lucent for $16.6 billion in an all-stock deal.

HMD Global has also announced appointment of Pekka Rantala as Chief Marketing Officer to drive the launch of Nokia branded products. Pekka Rantala is a former Nokia employee and was CEO of Rovio Entertainment, makers of popular Angry Birds franchise.

Nokia’s comeback devices will run Android operating system with company’s own Z Launcher. Early leaks also suggested that the flagship devices will come with 4GB RAM and Snapdragon 820 processor, which might change near the launch.

The leaked images of Nokia branded devices also suggest use of colourful palettes for the device casing, which has been typical of Nokia devices. Nokia devices have been known for colourful design, flagship specifications and an impressive camera and HMD says Nokia’s comeback devices will be based on that same concept.