HMD continues to throw interesting ideas into the mix as it launches itself as both an old and new smartphone brand for consumers this week.
Since it holds the licence to make Nokia phones but appeared to have paused that part of its strategy, it looked for all the world like we wouldn't be getting a new Nokia phone any time soon.
Now though, a report from 91mobiles suggests a reversal of course – or a lineup that is simply so complicated it would have been hard to guess at.
It would seem that HMD does indeed plan to release some new Nokia phones in the near future. However, these phones will seemingly be a sort of odd addendum to its new lineup of HMD's own-branded handsets.
HMD's main phones will be available as you'd expect from a modern manufacturer – online and in stores as widely as possible.
The Nokia smartphones it plans will apparently be available exclusively in stores, and won't sell online in any capacity, which is a pretty kooky twist.
There's a good chance that the Nokia models will also only launch in India, and they're reportedly going to be more expensive than their HMD counterparts, too. That makes them seem somewhat less than desirable.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
This will doubtless have been the result of extensive market testing and research to work out what price points will make HMD's phones land the best.
This all does still seem to fly somewhat in the face of the brand's efforts to demonstrate that it is an exciting and attractive alternative, independent of Nokia earlier this week though, with a snazzy new website and brand identity to flaunt.
Still, it's great news for anyone who felt a pang of regret when they learned that Nokia was probably headed for the scrapheap at least for the next few years.
HMD apparently holds the Nokia licence until 2026, so even if we only get a few phones under its name in the next couple of years, that might also make for the hope that one of the forefathers of mobile phones can fly under its own banner again one day.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
Double O-heaven? Could this hybrid be James Bond's next ride?
Hybrid Aston Martin Valhalla is finally here, and I can't wait to drive it
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Here's 5 things to try with Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is finally available. These are the first things to try out once you've updated your iPhone
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
This could be the Nokia flagship phone we've been waiting for – there's just one thing missing
Nokia under HMD's guidance didn't dally in flagship phones, but this could change things
By Chris Hall Published
-
HMD's Barbie flip phone looks exactly as you'd expect – Nokia fans will be pleased
And there are some specification details too
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
HMD reveals Barbie flip phone release date – could be a rebadged Nokia
But which Nokia is it?
By Rik Henderson Published
-
HMD Skyline brings back that Nokia Lumia cool – just not the name
HMD's new mid-range phone harks back to iconic Nokia phone design
By Rik Henderson Published
-
The iconic Nokia Lumia 920 will reportedly be reborn as a new HMD phone
Fabula design returning to the HMD line-up – and it looks great
By Chris Hall Published
-
HMD Pulse Pro appears online in renders, specs, the lot
As leaks go, it's a big one
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
HMD and Heineken combine for a flip phone that's boring on purpose
Produced in collaboration with Bodega, The Boring Phone is for those looking for a digital detox
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Vodafone and Nokia make huge breakthrough in quest for zero latency broadband
Online test results in just 1.05ms of latency
By Rik Henderson Published