HMD begins 5G smartphone production in Europe with Nokia XR21 Limited Edition
Back at MWC 2023, HMD Global announced its shift toward a new multi-brand portfolio strategy. This strategic move positions the company to potentially become the first smartphone manufacturer in the EU. The idea was initially introduced at MWC 2023 when HMD announced their intention to assemble Nokia devices in the EU. Today, HMD has commenced the production of 5G1 smartphones in Europe. The inaugural device to roll off the assembly line is the Nokia XR21, now available to Enterprise customers. This development aligns seamlessly with Canalys’ projection that the European smartphone market will grow by about 7% in 2024.
Jean-Francois Baril, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of HMD Global, expressed his delight with this initial milestone—the manufacturing of the Nokia XR21, the current flagship rugged 5G smartphone in Europe. HMD remains committed to investing in security, technology, and manufacturing processes with the primary goal of enhancing the security and durability of the devices they produce. Baril also announced additional investment in software security, with the aim of providing customized software and security features directly to HMD’s customers.
In response to the evolving needs of Enterprise customers, HMD has ensured that each device undergoes meticulous software and malware testing within Europe. Some Enterprise customers can opt for enhanced security in collaboration with several IT security partners. Notably, all consumer and corporate data from HMD smartphones has been securely stored and processed on HMD’s servers in Finland since 2019, highlighting their dedication to software security and privacy.
The XR21 appears to be the ideal device to be manufactured in Europe. This phone is designed to withstand various conditions, promoting sustainability thanks to its military-grade durability certification and an IP69K rating, which makes it resistant to dust, heat, impact, and water (although caution is advised with seawater). The phone’s chassis is constructed from 100% recycled aluminum, and its two-day battery life supports 60% more charges over its lifetime. However, the initial units produced in Europe will have some unique features. Only 30 units of the Nokia XR21 limited edition, manufactured in Europe, will feature a distinctive Frosted Platinum color, individual serial number engravings, and include a certificate of origin in the box. These units are already available for purchase on nokia.com.
Actually, only 50 Nokia XR21 Limited Edition smartphones have been created, and 30 of these will be the first devices off the European assembly line to land in the Nokia phones online store.
The starting price for the Nokia XR21 Limited edition in exclusive Frosted Platinum is €699 (£599) today in the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Finland on Nokia.com/phones. The Nokia XR21 European Edition in Black will be available soon, starting at €649 (£549), in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Finland on Nokia.com/phones.
