HMD Global Leads the Way in European Smartphone Manufacturing with the Nokia XR21 5G

Highlights

• HMD Global, known for Nokia-branded phones, pioneers European smartphone manufacturing with the Nokia XR21 5G model.
• The Nokia XR21, a rugged 5G smartphone, is now produced in Hungary, setting a new standard for data security.
• Jean-Francois Baril, CEO of HMD Global, expresses excitement over this groundbreaking move.
• Prior to this, major smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung produced devices in Asia for cost-effectiveness.
• Escalating national security concerns led to increased scrutiny, resulting in technology sanctions on Huawei’s mobile business and restrictions on iPhones in China.
• Baril emphasizes HMD’s commitment to security, technology, and manufacturing processes.
• The European edition of the Nokia XR21, designed for enterprise customers, boasts heightened security features in response to IT security partner feedback.
• HMD has been storing data within the EU since 2019, ensuring data from their smartphones is processed in Finland.
• HMD Global’s 10-year licensing agreement with Nokia Oyj enables the production of Nokia-branded smartphones and tablets.
• The move aligns with the EU’s efforts to encourage production in key sectors, like semiconductors.
• The Nokia XR21 European edition is available starting at 649 euros or 549 pounds.
• Enthusiasts can purchase a limited edition of 30 units from the European production line, finished in frosted platinum, at 699 euros or 599 pounds.
• This groundbreaking venture not only signals a new era in smartphone manufacturing but also underscores HMD Global’s commitment to boosting European production in crucial sectors, aligning perfectly with the EU’s drive for self-sufficiency in semiconductor production.

In a groundbreaking move, HMD Global, the company behind Nokia-branded phones, has achieved a milestone by becoming the first major smartphone manufacturer to produce devices within Europe. The company’s inaugural made-in-Hungary 5G model, the Nokia XR21, is now available for purchase, setting a new standard for data security-focused consumers.

Jean-Francois Baril, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of HMD Global, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to be manufacturing the Nokia XR21, our signature rugged 5G smartphone, in Europe.”

Prior to HMD Global’s Hungarian venture, smartphone manufacturing on such a scale was absent from Europe. Industry giants like Apple and Samsung have traditionally produced their devices in Asia to maintain cost-effectiveness. Notably, a significant portion of Apple’s iPhones are manufactured in China, a pivotal market for the tech giant. However, escalating concerns over national security have led to increased scrutiny, prompting the U.S. to impose technology sanctions on Huawei’s mobile business. Simultaneously, China has extended restrictions on the use of iPhones by state employees.

Baril emphasized the company’s commitment to investment in security, technology, and manufacturing processes that enhance the security and longevity of their devices.

The inaugural European model was designed with enterprise customers in mind, responding to requests for heightened security in collaboration with IT security partners. Since 2019, HMD has already been storing data within the European Union, ensuring that consumer and corporate data from all of its smartphones is hosted and processed on servers located in Finland.

In 2016, HMD Global entered into an exclusive 10-year licensing agreement with Nokia Oyj (NOKIA.HE), once the world’s largest phone maker, to produce Nokia-branded smartphones and tablets. In March, the company announced its intention to commence manufacturing within the European Union, aligning with the EU’s efforts to encourage production in crucial sectors like semiconductors.

The Nokia XR21 European edition is available at a starting price of 649 euros or 549 pounds. For enthusiasts, a limited edition of 30 units from the European production line, finished in frosted platinum, can be purchased from the company’s website at 699 euros or 599 pounds.

HMD Global‘s strides in European manufacturing mark a significant milestone for the smartphone industry, underlining their commitment to data security and technology innovation. The availability of the Nokia XR21, now proudly ‘Made in Europe,’ represents a new era in smartphone manufacturing and is poised to capture the attention of security-conscious consumers across the continent.