The low-end smartphone segment is saturated with Chinese smartphones that offer low prices for “okay” smartphones to anyone looking to get started with using a smartphone. HMD Global is looking to serve this market by addressing what the segment lacks the most, quality hardware and software.
The Nokia 1 is the solution to this problem. The device is built out of two-tone polycarbonate plastic with interchangeable Xpress-on covers that allow users to customize the look of the phone. HMD was very particular about the colour, claiming that if you scratched the phone, it would still retain its colour. This is because of the polycarbonate build that has the colour infused into the material. This has been done before by Nokia on their Lumia smaryphones and Asha.
Speaking of colour, the phone will be available in warm red, white, dark blue and black. Other specifications of the Nokia 1 include:
- 4.5″ IPS Display (480*854)
- 5MP main camera
- 2MP selfie shooter
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB internal storage expandable via MicroSD
- Dual SIM capability
- 4G connectivity
As for the software, the Nokia 1 will be HMD’s first smartphone to run on Android Oreo (Go Edition). Android GO edition is a light version of Android that is built specifically for devices with less than 1 gigs of RAM and also includes apps that are built to use less resources such as memory and even data.
HMD Global promised to update the Nokia 1 with both monthly security updates and new Android updates for the foreseeable future, something that we don’t see at this price point. The Nokia 1 will be available as from April and will cost your wallet $85 (approx. Kes.8,600).
