Nokia has extended licensing agreement with HMD Global to sell Nokia feature phones by about another three years beyond its original 2026 expiry. HMD Global makes Nokia branded features phones in India and China and has been the custodian of the Nokia brand for mobile devices since 2016.
India is the biggest market for Nokia feature phones with HMD exporting Nokia mobile phones from the country as well.
As per IDC data, HMD commands a dominant 22.4% market share by volume and 30.7% by value in India’s feature phone segment. The country remains the single-largest feature phone market globally, with shipments touching nearly 54 million units in 2024.
The extension of the licensing deal provides operational continuity for both companies. For Nokia, it safeguards brand presence in a category it once defined globally, while for HMD, it ensures access to a legacy name that continues to resonate strongly across urban and rural India alike.
Industry watchers say the move reflects Nokia’s intent to keep its legacy brand relevant in emerging markets, even as the global smartphone ecosystem shifts toward premium 5G devices.
For HMD, the deal secures brand credibility in a segment where nostalgia and trust continue to drive consumer loyalty.
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