Once a king, now a memory: What happened to Nokia phones?

KATHMANDU: Once the undisputed king of mobile phones, Nokia ruled the pockets and hearts of millions. So, what went wrong?

There was a time when the word “mobile” was almost synonymous with Nokia. From the sturdy Nokia 3310 to the iconic N-series smartphones, the Finnish tech giant was not just a brand — it was a global phenomenon.

But today, in a world dominated by iPhones and Androids, Nokia phones have nearly vanished from the mainstream market.

The Rise: A Legacy of Innovation and Trust

Founded in 1865 and entering the mobile industry in the 1980s, Nokia quickly rose to the top. By the early 2000s, it was the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer.

Their phones were known for unmatched durability, long battery life, and user-friendly interfaces. In emerging markets like Asia and Africa, Nokia symbolized technological empowerment.

The Fall: A Costly Delay in Adapting to the Smartphone Era

The turning point came with the rise of Apple’s iPhone in 2007 and Android smartphones soon after. Nokia stuck with its Symbian operating system for too long, underestimating the rapid shift in consumer demand for touchscreen smartphones and app ecosystems. When Nokia finally partnered with Microsoft in 2011 to produce Windows Phones, it was too late. Android and iOS had already captured the lion’s share of the market.

Acquisition and Aftermath

In 2014, Microsoft acquired Nokia’s mobile division in a $7.2 billion deal, aiming to integrate it with its Windows platform. However, the strategy failed to revive interest among users. Eventually, Microsoft dropped the Nokia name altogether, leading to the quiet disappearance of what was once a household name.

Where Is Nokia Now?

Nokia still exists, but it has shifted focus. Today, Nokia Corporation is a leading player in 5G technology and network infrastructure, working behind the scenes of global communication. Meanwhile, HMD Global — a company founded by former Nokia executives — now manufactures phones under the Nokia brand. These devices have a modest presence in select markets, especially among budget users.

The Legacy Lives On

Though it no longer dominates, Nokia remains a symbol of a golden era in mobile technology. Its legacy endures in the memories of those who once owned its indestructible phones and in the ongoing development of digital networks worldwide.

Launch, Evolution, and Legacy

From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance

Nokia, the Finnish telecommunications giant, began its journey far before mobile phones became household essentials. Founded in 1865 as a pulp mill company, Nokia diversified into telecommunications in the 1960s and launched its first mobile phone in 1987 — the Mobira Cityman 900 — one of the earliest handheld mobile phones.

Early Years: Building a Reputation (1980s – 1990s)

• 1987 – Mobira Cityman 900: This bulky, brick-sized phone was one of the first to allow users true mobility. It quickly gained attention in Nordic countries.

• 1992 – Nokia 1011: Known as Nokia’s first mass-produced GSM phone, it marked the company’s entry into digital cellular networks, setting the stage for global expansion.

• Mid-1990s: Nokia released smaller, more user-friendly models like the Nokia 2110, which introduced the famous ringtone now recognized worldwide.

Golden Era: Innovation and Market Leadership (Late 1990s – Early 2000s)

• 1996 – Nokia 9000 Communicator: A pioneer of smartphone-like features, it combined a phone with a full QWERTY keyboard and PDA functions.

• 1998 – Nokia 5110: Known for its durability and interchangeable covers, this model became a massive hit worldwide.

• 2000 – Nokia 3310: Possibly the most iconic phone ever, celebrated for its legendary battery life, resilience, and games like Snake. It became the symbol of Nokia’s dominance.

• Early 2000s: Nokia expanded its product line with the Nokia 6100 series and introduced color screens, polyphonic ringtones, and cameras, meeting growing consumer expectations.

Smartphone Shift and Challenges (Mid-2000s  2010s)

• 2005 – Nokia Nseries: Nokia launched smartphones like the Nokia N95, combining multimedia features, GPS, and a powerful camera, competing directly with early smartphones.

• 2007 – iPhone Launch: Apple’s revolutionary device changed the game. Nokia’s response was slow and fragmented, continuing with the Symbian OS while the market shifted towards touchscreens and app ecosystems.

• 2011 – Partnership with Microsoft: Nokia adopted Windows Phone OS in an attempt to catch up. The Lumia series received praise for design and performance but failed to capture significant market share.

Decline and Transition (2013 – Present)

• 2014: Microsoft acquired Nokia’s mobile phone division for $7.2 billion but struggled to revive the brand, eventually phasing out Nokia-branded phones.

• 2016: Finnish company HMD Global licensed the Nokia brand and started producing Android-based Nokia smartphones, focusing on mid-range and budget segments.

• Today: Nokia phones exist mainly as budget-friendly devices with a nostalgic brand name, while Nokia Corporation focuses on network infrastructure, including 5G technology.

Legacy

Nokia’s journey from the bulky Mobira Cityman to sleek Lumia smartphones is a testament to innovation, resilience, and lessons in adapting to rapid technological shifts.

Though no longer the mobile giant it once was, Nokia remains an enduring symbol of the early mobile revolution and continues to influence the telecommunications world.

(Makalu Khabar Staff)