Having already revealed the roadmap of Android Pie update for its older smartphones, HMD Global has now announced collaborations with Cricket Wireless and Verizon in theUS. The partnership will allow the Finnish company to sell two of its budget Android smartphones as carrier-specific devices – the Nokia 3.1 Plus selling exclusively through Cricket Wireless and Nokia 2 V through Verizon.
Speaking about their latest development, HMD Global CEO, Florian Seiche said “We are extremely excited and committed to build long-term strategic partnerships with the leading carriers in North America. Our Nokia phone promise is distinct and built on consumer insight – European design and craftsmanship, excellent quality, latest Android and purposeful innovation that enhances your everyday user experience. We want consumers in North America to love and trust their Nokia phones”.
HMD Global Americas VP, Maurizio Angelone also commented saying “Just over two years ago, on a global level, we committed to delivering reliable and durable Nokia phones through purposeful, distinct design. Since then, we have reintroduced iconic devices and a range of Nokia smartphones on Android, plus established imaging, software and manufacturing partnerships with the best in the industry. Thanks to fantastic consumer response, we are now proud to be in a position where we can expand our foothold in North America by partnering with some of North America’s largest wireless providers”.
Nokia 3.1 Plus @ Cricket Wireless
The Nokia 3.1 Plus is not the same smartphone which was released in India as it features a 5.99-inch HD+ display with an aspect ratio of 18:9. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 with 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage. It’s fuelled by a 3500mAh battery and is enabled with NFC for secure and convenient authorisation of payments using Google Pay.
The device utilises a dual camera setup at the back which combines a 13MP Phase Detection Auto Focus main camera and a 5MP sensor for depth sensing. There’s an 8MP camera on the front for selfies and video recording.
The Nokia 3.1 Plus comes in Blue colour and is available through Cricket Wireless for a retail price of $159.99 from January 25.
Cricket Wireless VP and CMO, Tiffany Baehman spoke about the launch saying “We are excited to be the carrier of choice for Nokia’s inaugural device launch in North America. The Nokia 3.1 Plus allows us to continue our commitment of offering consumers affordable wireless service matched with innovative, value-priced smartphones”.
Nokia 2 V @ Verizon
The Nokia 2 V features a smaller 5.5-inch HD screen and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 Chipset with 8GB of onboard storage. The device comes with 4,000mAh battery that HMD says will last for two days and supports quick charging. There are dual front-facing stereo speakers which offer stereo sound through the 3D formed stainless steel profile.
For optics, the Nokia 2 V equips an 8MP camera at the back for primary imaging and a 5MP sensor on the front for selfies. The device runs an unspecified version of Android and will offer support for microSD cards up to 128GB.
The Nokia 2 V will be available in Blue and Silver colours through Verizon starting from January 31.
Speaking about their partnership with HMD Global, Verizon Device and Consumer Product Marketing VP, Brian Higgins said “Nokia is a brand synonymous with innovation and we are excited to once again bring Nokia devices into Verizon through our partnership with HMD Global. With the launch of the Nokia 2 V, we can offer prepaid customers a feature-packed smartphone with tremendous battery life at an affordable price”.