HMD Global Brings a 4G Feature Phone, But Why? | TechTree.com

HMD Global Brings a 4G Feature Phone, But Why?

Looks like the company is targeting the 4G crowd that is likely to swerve away from the costly 5G services

 

It was precisely two days ago when HMD Global announced the launch of the Nokia 5710 XpressAudio - a 4G feature phone. Since then we've been scratching our heads to figure out the reasons for launching such a device - especially when the country appears to be preparing itself for the much-awaited 5G services. 

Now, here is what Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President- India & MENA, HMD Global, had to say: 

“We are elated at the great response received for Nokia 8210 4G , Nokia 2660 Flip from our fans . The Nokia 5710 XpressAudio is the latest addition in our Nokia Classics portfolio. The new phone delivers audio freedom through game-changing design. It takes the most-loved features of Nokia 5310 and makes it even better by integrating wireless earbuds, boosting the battery, having dedicated audio control keys, and 4G. Nokia 5710 XpressAudio is designed for music lovers and the millions of people around the world who rely on feature phones for daily communication and are experiencing the rapid 4G takeover of 2G and 3G networks.”

Down the line, the press release announcing the new handset also waxes eloquent about how the device "celebrates" the XpressMusic heritage and brings built-in wireless earbuds stored and charged within the phone itself. The innovative design is paired with loudspeakers, audio control buttons, and a big battery to bring you seamless audio for any situation, it says. 

But then, it still doesn't answer the question around the obvious launch time. After a bit of soul searching, we figured out that it wasn't perhaps as bad a timing as Virat Kohli had experienced for four years between his 70th and 71st international centuries. Remember! Government had doled out Rs. 1.6 lakh crore to BSNL to bolster its 4G network in the country. 

When everyone and their uncles are gravitating towards 5G, it isn't really a bad strategy to bring out 4G feature phones that do a lot. Of course, we can rest assured that HMD Global may come out with a few more smartphones catering to the same network, given that besides music, the target audience for such devices also watch YouTube and other digital video channels. 

Coming to the features, dedicated music buttons make playback easy, the in-built MP3 player stores thousands of songs while the wireless FM radio keeps users in the loop at home or on the move, as well as delivering great sound. The wireless earbuds are fixed at the back of the handset - a design enhancement that other phone makers could learn from. Now, one doesn't need to carry headphones in the ear always! 

The device is powered by a 1450 mAh battery that delivers hours of talk and playback time and lasts for weeks on standby. Call quality on wireless earbuds is achieved with environmental noise cancellation with devices supporting VoLTE calls. The phone is available in white and red and black and red combinations, and is priced at Rs.4,999. 

Looks like HMD Global has stolen a march on the proposed smartphone from the Reliance Jio-Google connection. Let's wait and watch how they respond to HMD Global and whether they would be forced to up the ante on the upcoming handset. 


TAGS: Nokia, BSNL, 4G

 
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