The tech world is buzzing after leaked specifications for the upcoming HMD 2760 Flip phone surfaced online, revealing it to be a near-identical rebadge of the Nokia 2760 Flip. The discovery, first reported by prominent leaker @smashx_60 on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked debates about HMD Global’s strategy in reviving classic phone designs under its own brand.
According to the leaked details, the HMD 2760 Flip mirrors the Nokia 2760 Flip’s hardware down to the smallest detail. Both devices feature a 2.8-inch primary display, a 1.3-inch external cover screen, and a removable 1,450mAh battery. Even the camera setup—a basic 0.3MP rear sensor—appears unchanged. The only discernible difference lies in the branding: the HMD version swaps out the Nokia logo for its own, signaling a shift in the company’s approach as it gradually phases out the Nokia name for feature phones.
Industry insiders speculate that the rebadge reflects HMD’s broader pivot toward establishing itself as a standalone brand. Since acquiring the rights to produce Nokia-branded phones in 2016, HMD has relied heavily on nostalgia for the iconic Finnish brand. However, recent moves, including the launch of HMD-branded smartphones in 2024, suggest a strategic transition. “This is HMD testing the waters,” says tech analyst Maria Chen. “They’re seeing if consumers will embrace their own brand for devices that once banked on Nokia’s legacy.”
The HMD 2760 Flip is expected to target budget-conscious buyers and users seeking a “digital detox” device. Flip phones have seen a resurgence in niche markets, particularly among older demographics and minimalists. Priced competitively at $99, it’s set to rival the Nokia 2760 Flip, which is currently available on Amazon for the same cost.
Critics, however, question the redundancy of releasing a clone. “Why not innovate instead of recycling?” tweeted one user in response to the leak. Others argue that maintaining continuity for repairability and software support could benefit long-term users.
HMD has yet to comment on the leak, but the device is rumored to launch in Q4 2024. For now, the revelation leaves fans wondering: Is this the beginning of the end for Nokia-branded feature phones, or simply a new chapter in HMD’s evolving identity?
What do you think about HMD’s rebranding strategy? Let us know in the comments.
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