HMD, the company holding the rights to the legendary Nokia brand, has announced the release of a new line of mobile phones. The series includes four models that attempt to find a balance between "old school" aesthetics and modern technological trends. The new lineup features the Nokia 210 4G, Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition, and the most affordable Nokia 200 4G.
Return to roots with modern upgrades
The new devices are positioned as a direct continuation of budget lines from previous years; however, engineers have equipped them with more modern boards and improved communication modules. The manufacturer has retained key attributes that fans value in feature phones: a classic 3.5mm jack for wired headphones and microSD card slots.
Built-in FM radio is available in all models, except for the base Nokia 200 4G version. For communication, the proprietary simplified Xpress Chat platform is provided, allowing users to exchange messages and make audio or video calls, technically pushing these devices beyond the limits of ordinary retro gadgets.
AI button and cloud assistant
The most discussed element of the new lineup is the artificial intelligence button located in the center of the front panel. It activates the Sikey AI voice assistant. Since budget phones lack powerful processors to run local generative models, the assistant works via the cloud and performs basic system functions.
Voice commands allow users to turn on the flashlight, make calls, launch the camera, set alarms, or add reminders to the calendar. Additionally, Sikey AI can answer simple text queries: developers promise the ability to receive simple recipes or translate basic phrases into foreign languages.
Subscription model and audience reaction
Users will have to pay for this technological progress. Free access to the cloud assistant is provided only for the first 180 days after phone activation. In the future, an annual subscription will be required to use AI features. The cost will be $3.99 (or €3.99) for European Union countries and $2.99 for all other regions.
The combination of retro-minimalism and paid AI has sparked a wave of criticism on Reddit. Users called the idea of integrating artificial intelligence into a feature phone "stupid," "inappropriate," and "completely useless." Many noted that people choose such gadgets precisely to take a break from modern algorithms, constant data collection, and forced subscriptions.
Sales plans
The exact price of the new gadgets remains unknown for now. HMD plans to launch sales in the near future. Residents of European countries, India, China, South Africa, and the Middle East will be the first to get access to the new Nokia 4G models.
