Nokia is back with retro dumb phones for a smarter generation – but why the AI button?
This feature phone has a decidedly smartphone-like function
Quick Summary
HMD has launched new Nokia-branded phones that include an AI button.
The AI will give voice support for basic features and questions, but is a cloud-based service and will therefore need a subscription in the future.
HMD Global has released new feature phones under the Nokia brand, but has added a couple of smartphone features, including an AI assistant.
The new phones have been quietly released, following HMD's confirmation at MWC 2026 that it would be bringing some more advanced options to its feature phones. The idea is to ensure that those who can't access smartphones don't get left behind as technology advances.
That's resulted in the Nokia 200 4G, 210 4G, 215 4G and finally the Nokia 235 4G. They all work around a similar theme, with a T9 keyboard and pretty solid looking design.
What's interesting about these devices is the inclusion of AI. This is accessed via an AI button in the centre of the D-pad and it enables voice controls of various functions, like opening the camera or turning on the flashlight, but it's also suggested it could help with translation when travelling.
AI is available in a full range of languages and according to GSMArena, comes from Sikey AI and runs as a cloud-based service. Reportedly, it will be free for 180 days and then require a subscription.
That raises a lot of questions. With these phones being targeted at the low-cost end of the market and designed for simplicity, people probably aren't going to want to pay for a subscription – especially for a service that's appears to be very basic.
That might mean there's then an AI button that's not being used – but then, that's no different from many top-flight Android phones that shoehorn in an AI button to trigger a service you don't want to use.
Back to Nokia and these phones are 4G, support video calling (dubbed Xpress chat), with the app also available for Android and iPhone, so you're not limited in who you can call.
Elsewhere, we're looking at standard feature phone specifications – there's a 3.5mm headphone socket, a removable battery, FM radio and charging via USB-C.
There are basic cameras on the rear of some models, with display sizes between 2.4 and 2.8 inches.
There's no word on pricing and it's not clear where these phones will be available – HMD has enjoyed success with such devices in India and Africa, whether or not you'll be able to get them in the UK remains to be seen.
