I’m Back: How Nokia is Returning to its Former Glory in SA

We all know, that a phone isn’t just a phone anymore. Now, people are able to manage their entire lives from the palm of their hands. So, of course, choosing a new device that is up to the task is not always the simplest task. There is a long list of factors to consider when choosing to upgrade to a new smartphone or buy a paired-down feature phone.

Whether it is deciding on the best feature phone for your everyday needs or a smartphone that can keep you connected, Nokia offers a range of phones at various price points. Nokia says its range of feature phones and smartphones aims to empower people to feel good about keeping their devices for longer.

If you’re considering investing in Nokia for your next device, here are the five reasons a Nokia device may be the right choice for you.

Affordability and value for money:

After a tough 2 years, most people are feeling the economic pinch. When it comes to investing in a new phone, most people are looking for an affordable device that still houses high-end features to provide a top-quality experience. If it’s affordable prices you’re after with high-end, must-have features, then a Nokia device may just be the right option for you.

“We know that price and value is the most important deciding factor when it comes to a phone purchase in Africa, and we believe fundamentally that a phone belongs to everyone, no matter the budget,” says Shaun Durandt, General Manager at HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones Sub- Saharan Africa. “So we design our phones with this in mind, combining quality and durability with sleek design and innovations such as imaging algorithms and novel key component technology to provide a top-notch experience.”

Security is built-in, end-to-end in every device:

In today’s digital age, the number, scale, and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to evolve and grow. These days, security is the bedrock that underpins every function and capability of a device. According to HMD, every smartphone manufactured by HMD Global is built upon foundations of security, reliability and dependability and receives regular software and security updates, no matter which segment it is made for. If you value security features and the safety of your data, then a Nokia device is a great choice for you.

HMD says it guarantees access to the latest applications and protection from the most recent security threats, offering up to three years of monthly security updates and operating system updates for two years. In this way, the phones are built to last longer, giving you a longer ‘shelf-life’ on your device before you need to upgrade.

“Our devices are built to last,” says Patrick Henchie, Head of Product and Operations, Sub Sahara Africa. “We create phones with robust hardware and secure, up-to-date software, that can be used by more people over a longer lifetime. The company continues to invest heavily in security and data protection, taking responsibility in the privacy of personal data. Proudly Finnish, proudly European, and truly global, our Nordic heritage means that enterprises can trust that GDPR regulations are the foundation of our security and privacy policies.”

Sustainability is more than a buzzword:

Nokia says its devices are designed and built sustainably. The company is placed in the top 6% of businesses audited for their commitment to sustainable practices in the manufacturing of communications equipment, earning HMD a Gold EcoVadis 2021 Sustainability Rating. Plus, with Nokia phones being built to last with durability and longevity at their core, investing in a Nokia phone and keeping it for as long as possible means you’re making a more sustainable choice.

Nokia says its phones undergo over 50 rigorous tests, from force measurement to wear and scratch, as part of Standard Product Requirement tests. The assessments are known to be some of the most stringent in the industry and have been tried and tested over the years. “Our phones go through tougher and more testing parameters than the industry average during manufacturing to ensure that you can keep your phone in your hands and off the landfill for longer,” says Shaun.

Micro financing solutions:

HMD aims to make devices more accessible to more users through micro-financing solutions. HMD Global has partners who offer a financing program that allows people to purchase devices in easy instalment plans. The device can be sold with a pre-loaded Soft Lock solution. Through this solution, the financing plan is secured against the device, which is automatically “locked” if payments cease – encouraging prompt payments and also allowing people without a credit record to buy a smartphone because the device itself is used as collateral. With this service, customers are able to get immediate access to a smartphone, avoiding the high upfront retail cost, and pay for it in a way that is better suited to their income level and cash flow. This enables access to affordable devices with high-end features.

Help harness technology for good:

HMD says, supporting Nokia means helping the company harness technology for good. With HMD involved in various community projects, the brand is investing in the countries where its products are sold and used.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that technology has the ability to act as a force for good, helping to solve real societal challenges – and HMD Global is committed to playing our part and forming partnerships to help create positive change in communities,” says Shaun. Partnerships include the Impumelelo Educare Centre, supporting a community initiative to improve Early Childhood Development, as well as with brand ambassador Buhle Sithela on his Vuma Pop-Up Cinema to create safe and accessible spaces for children in communities to watch animation films. Technology plays an important role in building communities and entrepreneurs – so it is vital to act as a driver of positive change collectively and actively.

Find out more about what HMD Global has to offer by visiting the home of Nokia phones website.