Nokia unveils three C-series smartphones in Rs 6,000-10,000 range

Hot on the heels of the recent launch of the Nokia G11 and Nokia G21 earlier this month, HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, Monday announced three new Nokia C-series smartphones – the Nokia C21, Nokia C21 Plus and Nokia C2 2nd Edition. 

This is in response to success for Nokia smartphones within the affordable smartphone market, which saw a 41% smartphone revenue growth for HMD increase from 2020 to 2021, the company said in a press statement. 

HMD Global reached its first full year of operational profitability in 2021.

Forecasting one million subscriptions to its Services suite in H1 2022, HMD’s Services business aims significant growth and scale in 2022. This milestone marks an inflection point in the scale of HMD Global’s connectivity, EMM, IoT and security offerings and positions the company for greater penetration into the enterprise space in the coming years, the company added.

Florian Seiche, Chief Executive Officer, HMD Global, said, “2021 was a transformational year, resulting in solid revenue growth across the business and today, we are celebrating a profitable new chapter for HMD Global with the release of three new affordable Nokia devices which are not only safe, reliable and durable, but ensure as many people as possible can access the latest innovative technology for less.

“I am excited to announce that our services portfolio includes a secure device financing solution for smartphones and other devices. At HMD, we are bringing together these two ingredients, a high-quality smartphone experience and a financing solution which builds upon our mission to make modern mobile technology accessible to everyone.

Combined with the success of our enterprise services offering scaling to one million subscriptions in the first half of the year, and delivering the exceptional level of services clients expect from us, we are delivering an accessible and seamlessly connected experience for people and enterprises worldwide.”

The Nokia C-series

The three new devices epitomise the durability and long-lasting battery life qualities Nokia phones became famous for all those years ago. This, combined with the best of Android software, and security updates cements HMD’s vision for 2022 and beyond – designing Nokia phones that last for longer whilst maintaining excellent build quality. Nokia phones have incorporated a beautiful Finnish aesthetic that is also functional. The company is bolstering its successful Nokia C-series range, which was introduced in 2020 and already makes up 16% of total company smartphone sales in the last five years.

Nokia C21 Plus

The hero of the C-series family – Nokia C21 Plus – is the smartphone that keeps on giving. It’s designed for durability and is rigorously tested to achieve sleek style and strength, while also delivering on battery life and, most importantly, remaining affordable. The device comes with two different battery sizes, 4000 mAh and 5050 mAh<4> which deliver up to two and three days of battery life<5> respectively – allowing people to stay connected for longer.

Built around a robust inner metal chassis with an IP52 rating protecting against elements, with dirt, dust, and water droplet resistance thanks to a toughened cover glass that protects the dazzling 6.5” HD+ display – ensuring Nokia C21 Plus can stand up to all of life’s hustle-and-bustle.

A 13MP dual camera with Panorama and Portrait modes allows you to capture life’s best bits in stunning detail. A clean OS with minimal preloads gives you more space for the apps and content you choose. Plus, two years of quarterly security updates<6>, and fingerprint and AI face unlock technology ensures the Nokia C21 Plus stays secure, inside and out.

Nokia C21

The Nokia C21 maintains the excellent build quality, security promises and the all-day battery life signature to the popular C-series. The device brings an improved 8MP camera with autofocus technology that seamlessly reads QR codes – so whether people are scanning menus, making payments or simply looking up information – the Nokia C21 ensures scanning QR codes is a breeze.

Enhanced memory capabilities and a multi-core processor bring efficiencies without sacrificing the all-day battery life, while AI-powered face unlock is now supported by a fingerprint sensor for extra security and convenience. Two years of regular security updates also come as standard for C-series devices, so people can rest assured that the Nokia C21 works hard in the background to keep their smartphone safe.

Nokia C2 2nd Edition

The Nokia C2 2nd Edition comes with super-tough and reliable Nokia build quality with even more ways to connect.  Designed to withstand life’s knocks, thanks to a tough inner metal chassis, and premium Nordic craftsmanship, this C-series device has been rigorously tested to ensure it meets high durability standards and delivers a thoughtful and purposeful design at an affordable price point.

Giving you greater freedom to connect, and a reliable, super-smooth smartphone experience, the all-day battery life from a single charge, which enables hours of talk time and days of standby. The generous 5.7” display lets people easily stream, share and scroll through their favourite content and apps in brilliant definition – and capture the best bits of life, day or night, thanks to front and rear flash cameras. Two years of quarterly security updates<8> also ensure that the Nokia C2 2nd Edition stays secure on the inside. The up-to-date OS with minimal preloads helps data go further, freeing up more space for the content and apps you love. 

New Nokia accessories

HMD’s growth story continues with the accessories range, doubling the accessories business in 2021 with ambitious plans for future growth. The new phones come with a range of accessories, including over-ear wired and wireless headphones, and truly wireless earbuds offering an easy, hands-free calling experience. 

Nokia Go Earbuds2+ – a truly wireless, clear sound with environmental noise cancellation (ENC) and comfortable fit at ultra-high value, whilst sweat and splash resistance and up to 24 hours of playtime will see users through the longest and rainiest of days.

Nokia Headphones (come in wired and wireless versions) – a super lightweight design with soft over-ear cushioning and a foldable arm for extra comfort and convenience, make for a seamless experience whether working or listening to music 

Pricing and availability

• Nokia C21 Plus will be available in select markets globally from April in Dark Cyan and Warm Grey colour options and comes in 2/32 GB, 3/32 GB and 4/64 GB variants starting at a global average price of 119 Eur. This phone is expected to arrive in the UK in April for £99.99.
• Nokia C21 will be available in select markets globally from end of March in Dark Blue and Warm Grey colour options and comes in 2/32 GB and 3/32GB variants starting at a global average price of 99 Eur.
• Nokia C2 2nd Edition will be available in select markets globally from April in Grey and Blue colour options and comes in 1/32 GB and 2/32 GB variants starting at a global average price of 79 Eur. These two variants will be available in the UK in May starting at £74.99.
• Nokia Go Earbuds2 + are available now in select markets globally in Black and White colour options for a global average price of 39 Eur. UK availability to be announced (£35.90 GBP)
• Nokia Wireless Headphones are available now in select markets globally in Black and White colour options for a global average price of 49 Eur. UK availability to be announced (£45.90 GBP)
• Nokia Wired Headphones are available now in select markets globally in Black and White colour options for a global average price of 30 Eur. UK availability to be announced (£29.90 GBP)