HMD Global Unveils its First Flip Phone of 2023: the HMD 2660 Flip

HMD Global Unveils its First Flip Phone of 2023: the HMD 2660 FlipHMD Global officially launched its first phone of 2023 at a Barcelona event: the HMD 2660 Flip. This flip phone is an upgrade to the 2022 Nokia 2660 Flip, primarily featuring an updated USB-C port and a logo change to comply with new EU regulations and reflect brand strategy adjustments

HMD Global Unveils its First Flip Phone of 2023: the HMD 2660 Flip

HMD Global officially launched its first phone of 2023 at a Barcelona event: the HMD 2660 Flip. This flip phone is an upgrade to the 2022 Nokia 2660 Flip, primarily featuring an updated USB-C port and a logo change to comply with new EU regulations and reflect brand strategy adjustments. Otherwise, the HMD 2660 Flip largely retains the design and features of its predecessor.

The HMD 2660 Flip comes in charcoal, burgundy, and purple, maintaining the classic flip phone design. It boasts a 2.8-inch TFT internal display with a 240x320 pixel resolution, providing clear visuals for calls and messaging. An external 1.7-inch TFT display (160x120 pixels) allows users to quickly check calls and messages without opening the phone.

The most significant difference from the Nokia 2660 Flip is the upgrade from a Micro-USB port to a 2.75W USB-C port. This change complies with upcoming EU unified charging port regulations and improves charging efficiency and compatibility. Additionally, the Nokia logo on the back has been replaced with the HMD logo, reflecting the brand's strategic shift. Beyond the port and logo changes, the hardware specifications and functionality remain largely unchanged from the Nokia 2660 Flip.

The phone is powered by a Unisoc Spreadtrum T107 entry-level processor, suitable for basic everyday applications. It features a 1450mAh battery, providing adequate battery life. The camera is a QVGA (300,000-pixel) unit, sufficient for basic photography needs. It runs on the lightweight S30+ operating system, ensuring smooth performance given the hardware. Internal storage is 128MB, enough for basic apps and data storage.

Despite its entry-level specifications, the HMD 2660 Flip retains the classic retro design and user-friendly features of traditional flip phones. Its a good option for users who prioritize simplicity, ease of use, and a retro aesthetic. It offers basic calling, texting, and photography capabilities, meeting the needs of everyday communication and record-keeping. Its lightweight design and simple operation make it ideal for seniors or those unfamiliar with smartphones.

Notably, HMD Global did not disclose the price of the HMD 2660 Flip at the launch event. Considering the Nokia 2660 Flip's price of approximately 399 RMB (Chinese Yuan) on JD.com, the HMD 2660 Flip is expected to be similarly priced. Consumers can follow HMD Global's official channels and major e-commerce platforms for the latest launch information and pricing details.

The launch of the HMD 2660 Flip reaffirms HMD Global's continued commitment to the feature phone market. While the smartphone market is fiercely competitive, feature phones maintain a unique market position and customer base. The HMD 2660 Flip's upgrade showcases HMD Global's dedication to product refinement and its keen understanding of user needs and market trends. The future may hold more feature phone releases from HMD Global, making it a development worth watching.