It’s OFFICIAL! Android-Powered Nokia Smartphones to Debut in H1 2017

Now that the cat is out of the bag, HMD Global has confirmed that it will be launching Android powered Nokia-branded smartphones sometime in the first half of 2017.

"HMD will bring a new generation of mobile phones to consumers with the first smartphone products set to be launched in the first half of 2017, alongside the existing Nokia branded feature phone business," the company said in a statement.

Also Read: Upcoming Nokia Android Smartphone Specs Leaked Online: 5 Things You Need to Know

For those who are not in the know, HMD Global, earlier this year, had signed a strategic licensing agreement with Nokia which gives the company, exclusive rights to launch smartphones and tablets under Nokia-branding for the next 10 years.

These Nokia-branded smartphones will be manufactured by Foxconn. Interestingly enough, Foxconn is one of the Apple's major manufacturer of iPhones alongside Pegatron.

"HMD is developing an exciting new consumer-centric product range which will focus on innovation, quality, and experience, alongside the iconic Nokia mobile phone attributes of design, robustness, and reliability," it added.

Also Read: Nokia Plans to Comeback With 3 New Smartphones: Nokia D1C and Two More on the Cards

Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global said, "Today marks a happy and important day for HMD. Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades. The excitement of re-introducing this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand to smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone at HMD shares."

Nokia's upcoming Android-powered smartphones have been in the news for a while now. The Finnish company is expected to showcase its first Nokia-labelled smartphone at the MWC next year since it has signed up as one of the exhibitors at the event.