HMD Global to make Nokia 5G smartphones in Europe, adds repairability
HMD Global is to bring manufacture of Nokia 5G smartphones back to Europe and has teamed with iFixit to launch a phone designed for easy repair.
HMD was formed from the spinoff of the Nokia phone business from Microsoft, and manufactuers in China, Korea, Vietnam and India.
“We are very pleased to announce this first step in our journey to bring 5G device manufacturing to Europe. The Nokia brand has a proud history within the European market, and with this move we are continuing to strengthen our position as the only major European smartphone provider,” said Jean-Francois Baril, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of HMD Global. However this is just the ‘first step’ and there are no details of a plant or a manufacturing partner. It does have a supply chain agreement with Foxconn which also makes iPhones for Apple.
- Nokia’s brand goes to startup with $500m plan
- Repair companies challenge OEMs over standards
- Apple announces self service repair
The company has also launched a 4G phone at Mobile World Congress (MWC)2023 in Barcelona this coming week that is designed for repairability ahead of European regulations. A collaboration with repairability campaigner iFixit gives easy access to guides, tools and parts, including screen, USB PD3.0 charging port and battery. The €179 phone is based on the dual ARM core Unisoc processor and a separate Nokia 65W USB-C Dual Port Wall charger costs €49.99.
“People value long lasting, quality devices and they shouldn’t have to compromise on price to get it. The new Nokia G22 is purposefully built with a repairable design so you can keep it even longer, and with advanced imaging on Nokia C32 and improved durability on Nokia C22, we are bringing even more value to the C-series,” said Adam Ferguson, Head of Product Marketing, HMD Global
The new G-series smartphone also comes with a 100% recycled plastic back, two years of Android OS upgrades, three years of monthly security updates and an extended three-year warranty³ at no extra cost.
At-home FixKits for Nokia G22 are available for €5 from iFixit.com. Replacement parts are available from iFixit.com at a global average price of €49.95, battery at €24.95 and charging port at €19.95.
“As consumers increasingly demand more sustainable and longer-lasting devices, the ability to repair smartphones easily and affordably will become a key differentiator in the market. CCS Insight’s end user research reflects this with approximately half of mobile phone users in Western Europe saying they would like to be able to have their device repaired at a reasonable cost if they break outside of the warranty period,” said Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight.
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
