The next big thing in the telecommunications sector is 5G and smartphone manufacturers have already started launching new devices with 5G support. The tech is new and expensive but HMD Global the manufacturer of Nokia phones is working on a phone that will bring 5G to a more affordable price range.
In a phone interview given to Digital Trends, Juho Sarvikas - CPO, HMD Global shared plans of bringing a Nokia 5G phone to the market in 2020 that will cost half the price of 5G smartphones that are currently available. The price of the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G(such a long name) starts at $1300USD and several other flagships from premium brands will be priced similarly as well. This means a Nokia 5G phone could be around the $650USD price bracket. This isn't truly affordable but if we compare it to the prices of current 5G smartphones it is much better and will help push 5G adoption.
Juho Sarvikas said, "We see a particular opportunity for us in bringing 5G to a more affordable segment as we enter the market,” Sarvikas told Digital Trends in a phone call. “I would say affordable in relation to what’s available today. I would love to see us at half of the price where you have 5G today.”
HMD Global is closely working with Qualcomm and Nokia for bringing 5G devices to the market. They are also in talks with the US carriers as it would not be possible to grow in the US without carrier partnerships. Recently, HMD Global has partnered with three US carriers Verizon, AT&T, and Cricket Mobile which sell Nokia smartphones through their stores across the United States.
Every year in February, HMD Global announces its new generation of Nokia smartphones at Mobile World Congress. If the affordable 5G phone is ready in time there is a high chance that we might see it launched at MWC. An affordable 5G phone if launched early next year will give Nokia Mobile an edge over the competitors and allow them to gain a significant userbase of early 5G adopters.
What are your thoughts on the affordable Nokia 5G phone? Could it be the rumoured successor of Nokia 9 PureView which is said to come with 5G support?
Source: Digital Trends