HMD Global debuts two killer mid-range Nokia phones

HMD Global has its eye on the bustling mid-range smartphone segment and thinks its new offerings, the Nokia 6.2 and Nokia 7.2, will compete with the best. These new Nokia phones, announced at IFA 2019 in Berlin, are joined by three KaiOS-based feature phones that flesh out HMD’s global roster.

Nokia 7.2 and Nokia 6.2 hands-on: These are your new mid-range heroes

Here’s the skinny on the new hardware, which should appeal to a wide base of potential users.

Nokia 6.2 and Nokia 7.2

These two mid-segment phones are nearly identical. The Nokia 6.2 and Nokia 7.2 share the same medium-sized chassis and display, though certain internal specs, such as the processor and camera, are upgraded in the 7.2.

Similarities between the phones include a 6.3-inch Full HD+ LCD panel with always-on HDR, wide color representation and accuracy, adaptive capabilities, and a dedicated processor to keep it in line.

The Nokia 6.2 and Nokia 7.2 look like they are made from metal and glass, but they aren’t quite. Instead, HMD created a high-tech polymer composite frame that it claims is incredibly tough — while being lighter than metal. It has been coated multiple times for a finish that gives it a metallic look. The front and back are covered by Gorilla Glass 3.

Other shared features include: 3,500mAh batteries with two-day battery life; USB-C ports and 3.5mm headphone jacks, FM and NFC radios; dedicated Google Assistant buttons; and Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX audio.

The cheaper Nokia 6.2 is powered by a Snapdragon 636 processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It has a three-camera array on the back, featuring a 16MP main sensor at f/1.8 that is joined by a 5MP depth sensor and an 8MP wide-angle sensor at f/2.2. The front camera boasts an 8MP sensor at f/2.

The Nokia 6.2 goes on sale in October for 209 euro in Charcoal or Ice colors.

Those who want a bit more oomph in a package that’s made from the same tough skin as the 6.2 should look at the Nokia 7.2. It’s the same phone with significantly improved specs. For example, the processor has been bumped up to a Snapdragon 660 with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

The biggest difference is the camera, which has been improved to a 48MP primary sensor at f/1.79 with ZEISS optics. This sensor can be binned down to 12MP for better low-light performance, and in fact HMD says it paid particular attention to shooting in the dark. The phone can take up to 20 images to find the right exposure. The main shooter is joined by the same 5MP depth sensor and an 8MP wide-angle sensor at f/2.2 as the 6.2. ZEISS contributed to the software, and is offering three of its own bokeh effects to the Nokia 7.2.

HMD is going all-in on the selfie camera. The sensor rates 20MP and includes a bevy of tools for snapping that perfect selfie. For example, it supports HDR, live beautification, and de-noising in low light. The “super portrait” feature, tested down to 0.1 lux, uses multiple frames and various exposure values to help with blurring the background in bokeh shots

The Nokia 7.2 will go on sale by the end of September in Cyan Green, Charcoal, and Ice for 349 euros. Of all these devices announced by HMD Global, the 7.2 is the only one that will be available to U.S. consumers via the open market.

Nokia 7.2 and 6.2 specs

Bulking up

HMD’s newest form factor is the rugged Nokia 800 Tough. This bar-style feature phone may run KaiOS, but it’s tougher than most.

Nokia has a legacy of building tough devices, but the 800 Tough takes it to a new level. This phone is a MIL-STD-810G-rated rugged handset that’s drop proof, water proof, dust proof, and climate proof. It features a built-on hook and ships with a strap and carabiner in the box. Features include a rubberized keypad, which is elevated and easier to use with gloves.

The HMD Nokia 800 Tough launches in October for 109 euros in Black and Desert Camo. Markets have yet to be disclosed.

Entry-level simplicity

The Nokia 110 and Nokia 2720 round out HMD Global’s IFA announcements. Both devices run KaiOS, which is a feature phone platform popular with inexpensive handsets. Simple apps such as Facebook, a web browser, and WhatsApp are on board for keeping in touch.

The 110 is the successor to the 105, a candybar-style phone. The primary upgrades include an FM radio, 2MP camera, and microSD card for media. HMD says the bright colors and simple lines bring back character. It calls this “joyful design.” The plastic device has a small, full-color screen and it includes the old favorite, Snake.

It should be available in mid-September for about 18 euro. HMD plans to offer it in developing markets and it’s possible the 110 will not reach North America.

Clamshell lovers should look to the Nokia 2720 for inspiration. This classic design includes LTE 4G, programmable keys, and a dual-screen design with a 1.3-inch monochrome display outside and a 2.8-inch color screen inside. Apps for the 2720 will likely be Google Maps, YouTube, Google Assistant, and Facebook. It supports two SIM cards and standby battery life lasts as long as 27 days.

The Nokia 2720 will go on sale in mid-November for 89 euros. HMD didn’t specify which markets will get the device.