Nokia may soon return to the smartphone space in a new way. The company is reportedly looking to license its brand to a new smartphone manufacturer, inviting large-scale mobile makers to reach out.
Initial licensing offers may start from RM0, indicating Nokia’s interest in building new brand partnerships after its current deal with HMD Global nears its end.
Nokia plans brand revival
Nokia’s return to the smartphone market began in 2017 through HMD Global, which launched Android-powered Nokia phones under a licensing agreement. That agreement started in 2016 and is expected to expire in 2026.
In early 2025, Nokia-branded phones began disappearing from HMD Global’s official website, suggesting uncertainty about the future of their partnership.
Now, Nokia appears to be preparing for the next chapter. A community manager from the company recently posted an open invitation online, calling for interested manufacturers to explore brand licensing opportunities.
Open call on Reddit
On 22 July 2025, Nokia’s community manager posted a message on Reddit inviting mobile manufacturers to reach out if they were interested in collaborating.
While unusual, this move suggests that Nokia is open to proposals beyond traditional business channels and is actively seeking a new smartphone partner.
Why the shift?
Several factors indicate why Nokia is exploring new licensing opportunities:
- HMD’s Strategic Pivot: HMD Global has started shifting focus to its own “HMD” brand and is reducing the release of Nokia-branded phones.
- End of Licensing Term: With the licensing deal between Nokia and HMD Global set to conclude in 2026, this creates an opportunity for Nokia to engage new partners.
- Past Licensing Experience: Nokia has a history of licensing its brand beyond smartphones, including TVs, headphones, and laptops through partners like Streamview, RichGo, and OFF Global. However, many of these licensing deals have since ended.
Potential impact in Malaysia
While no new licensing deals or devices have been confirmed, a renewed Nokia-branded smartphone could eventually reach markets like Malaysia.
If a new manufacturing partner steps in, Malaysians may see new models that include updates on local availability, features, tech specs, release dates, and pricing.
Would you be interested in a new Nokia-branded smartphone if it returned under a different manufacturer? Which features or pricing would make it a worthy contender in today’s market?
Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.
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