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The Nokia 8.3 5G is the world’s first “global 5G smartphone”

Like many smartphone makers, HMD Global (which makes Nokia Mobile devices) was forced to call off its appearance at MWC 2020 earlier in the year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). With new hardware that still needs to be showcased, the firm instead held a live streamed press conference this evening to reveal a number of new offerings, including the flagship Nokia 8.3 5G.

It is the firm’s first 5G device, and for a debut product, is sporting some rather interesting tech. Focusing on the 5G elements, the Nokia 8.3 is powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 760 5G modular chipset, making it the first commercial device to do so. This has led HMD to christen this new device as a “futureproof 5G smartphone.”

This means the Nokia 8.3 5G is capable of supporting a multitude of 5G band frequencies, which does not limit the phone’s connectivity to whatever standard a specific country or carrier chooses to implement for its 5G network.

We spoke to HMD Global’s representatives about the device prior to today’s reveal and they noted that a South African launch would be dependant on how quickly 5G spectrum is allocated and rolled out by local networks. As such the advised Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 2020 release date for the device is pending for SA.

There is no locally recommended pricing either at this stage either, but in Europe the Nokia 8.3 5G is expected to retail for €599 (~R11 150).

With few 5G supporting options available in SA right now, if HMD can get the pricing right, the 8.3 5G could be a highly coveted device.

As for what else it is sporting, the manufacturer has given the device a quartet of lenses on the rear, with a large 64MP option taking care of the primary shooting, and a macro, ultra-wide and depth sensing lens also on offer. There’s also a 6.81″ display up front, with a punch hole housing the selfie camera. Interesting the fingerprint sensor is not under the display, and instead on the power button found on the side.

With 5G phones still scarce in the market, and carrying a premium price tag, it will be interesting to see if the new Nokia 8.3 5G can shake things up a bit.

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