HMD Global Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas took to Twitter earlier this week to promise something “awesome” that the company is planning for Android-powered Nokia smartphones next month, specifically referring to this year’s iteration of the Mobile World Congress. The Barcelona, Spain-based happening is the largest mobile industry show in the world and the go-to event for any original equipment manufacturer looking to launch their latest handset offering(s) on a global level, with the Finnish firm using the 2017 edition of the event to announce the return of the Nokia brand to the smartphone segment after its unsuccessful episode with Microsoft.
While Mr. Sarvikas didn’t go into any details on the matter, the upcoming trade show is widely expected to see the introduction of the Nokia 6 (2018) given how its predecessor was announced at the same event last year and the new device has already been made official in China. The company may also opt to announce the global availability of the Nokia 7, its 2017 Android mid-ranger that’s still only available in the Far Eastern country. Recent rumors point to the existence of the Nokia 8 (2018) and Nokia 9 as well, though it may still be too early for the former to launch given how its predecessor has been on the market for less than half a year. A new flagship with a more contemporary, bezel-free design hence has a better chance of appearing in Barcelona next month.
HMD has a relatively successful year behind it, with some estimates suggesting the firm will be able to surpass ten million smartphone sales in the 12-month period ending this quarter, i.e. its first full year on the global market. The firm opted to position its Nokia-branded offerings as versatile handsets with aggressive price tags aimed at value-oriented consumers, as well as those seeking a relatively stock Android experience. Consistent software updates have also been a priority for the company, though its next mobile devices may not feature support for Google’s Project Treble, a solution meant to facilitate the process of creating updates for custom Android builds. All of the firm’s handsets set to be announced next month should start retailing come spring. MWC 2018 runs from February 26th to Mach 1st.