HMD Global Launches HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music: Simple Feature Phones Focused on Audio, Marking the Impending End of the Nokia Brand

HMD Global Launches HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music: Simple Feature Phones Focused on Audio, Marking the Impending End of the Nokia BrandAt a Barcelona launch event, HMD Global unveiled two new feature phones prioritizing music functionality: the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music. Designed with simplicity in mind for young music lovers, these phones feature a prominent rear-facing speaker and dedicated playback controls for an immersive audio experience

HMD Global Launches HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music: Simple Feature Phones Focused on Audio, Marking the Impending End of the Nokia Brand

At a Barcelona launch event, HMD Global unveiled two new feature phones prioritizing music functionality: the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music. Designed with simplicity in mind for young music lovers, these phones feature a prominent rear-facing speaker and dedicated playback controls for an immersive audio experience.

The HMD 130 Music comes in blue, pink, and black, while the HMD 150 Music is available in blue, purple, and black. Pricing for both models has yet to be announced. Despite their minimalist design, these phones are not lacking in features. Both boast a 2.4-inch IPS LCD display with a 240 x 320-pixel resolution, providing a crisp display. Equipped with 48 MB of RAM and 128 MB of storage, they comfortably handle everyday music playback. A 1450mAh battery ensures long battery life, supported by USB-C 2.75W charging, and a traditional 3.5mm audio jack allows for easy connection to various headphones and speakers.

The main difference lies in the camera: the HMD 130 Music lacks a camera, while the HMD 150 Music features a 0.3MP QVGA camera for basic photography needs. Both phones utilize the Unisoc T107 processor and support dual 4G and VoLTE HD voice calls for smooth communication. They run a customized operating system based on S30+.

HMD Global didn't reveal specific launch dates and prices but anticipates release within the next one to two months. Notably, these phones abandon the "Nokia" brand, aligning with HMD Global's strategy of phasing out the Nokia name.

In recent years, HMD Global has gradually reduced its reliance on the Nokia brand, ceasing production and sales of Nokia smartphones. While they will continue selling Nokia-branded feature phones under license for a short period, resulting in a transitional phase with dual branding (HMD and Nokia), this is temporary. HMD Global has confirmed the end of Nokia-branded feature phone sales in 2026. No new Nokia feature phones will be launched after that.

Currently, there are no corresponding "Nokia 130 Music" and "Nokia 150 Music" phones. IT Home has learned that HMD Global's Nokia brand license expires in March 2026, signaling the end of an era for the iconic Nokia mobile phone brand.

The launch of the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music marks HMD Global's transition to a new brand identity. Despite the absence of the Nokia brand, their simple design, focused music functionality, and anticipated affordable pricing could attract a segment of consumers. HMD Global's independent brand development and its ability to maintain competitiveness in the feature phone market will be key areas to watch. The market performance of the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music will be a crucial indicator of the success of this new brand strategy.

While the hardware is basic, it's sufficient for the target demographic users prioritizing music and essential communication. The 2.4-inch screen is conveniently one-handed, and the 1450mAh battery should handle a full day's use. The rear-facing speaker and dedicated playback controls demonstrate HMD Global's focus on user experience. Compared to feature phones with complex functions and high prices, the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music offer better value.

This strategic shift reflects the current competitive landscape. With the prevalence of smartphones, the feature phone market is shrinking. HMD Global's decision to forgo the Nokia license might be a necessary move, but it also presents new opportunities to explore independent market spaces. The launch of the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music is the beginning of this new strategy the future success remains to be seen, ultimately determined by market reception.

HMD Global's future direction warrants continued observation, and the performance of the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music will be a significant benchmark for its independent brand journey. This is more than just a new phone launch; it's a crucial step in HMD Global's brand transformation.