Feature phones aren't usually where you'd normally expect to find AI, but HMD Global is betting otherwise. The company has just launched four new Nokia-branded feature phones with AI baked into them, namely the Nokia 200 4G, Nokia 210 4G, Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition and Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition.
Sikey AI Handles Voice Commands and Basic Queries on the Nokia Feature Phones
Now, the standout addition across all the four new Nokia phones is a dedicated AI assistant button placed right on the keypad. This gives users instant access to on-device AI without having to dig through menus.
The AI assistant powering these new Nokia feature phones is called Sikey AI. It lets users control basic functions like turning on the torch, opening the camera app, setting reminders, place calls and more by using voice commands. Users can also ask the assistant simple questions. However, there's a catch.
According to HMD's official product listings, Sikey AI is free to use for the first 180 days, after which users need to subscribe to a paid plan to keep using it. The irony is that subscribing to that plan requires an actual smartphone. So, owners of these ultra-basic 4G feature phones would need a separate, more capable phone just to keep their AI assistant running.
Anyway, moving on, these Nokia feature phones also come with cloud phone service support, which HMD says lets users check recent videos, weather forecasts and sports news without eating into the phone's limited onboard storage.
Nokia 200 4G, 210 4G, 215 4G 2nd Edition, and 235 4G 2nd Edition Specifications
Despite the focus on AI this time around, these remain classic Nokia feature phones at their core. HMD has added a few new design touches, including a metallic frame around the selfie camera and the speaker sitting right above the display.
All four phones run on the S30+ operating system and are powered by a 1,450mAh battery. They also share Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio and USB-C charging.
However, display size is where the lineup splits. The Nokia 200 4G and Nokia 210 4G feature a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, while the Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition and Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition offer a larger 2.8-inch QVGA IPS panel.
On the camera front, all four feature phones support Xpress Chat video calling through their integrated VGA front cameras. Meanwhile, the Nokia 210 4G and Nokia 235 4G get rear cameras, with the latter using a 2 MP shooter.
Talking about colourways, the Nokia 200 4G comes in Black, Blue and Yellow options. Meanwhile, the 210 4G comes in Dark Blue and Silver hues, while the 215 4G 2nd arrives in a single Black colourway. Lastly, the Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition comes in Blue and Black colour options.
Sadly, HMD has not revealed the pricing or availability details for the Nokia 200 4G, Nokia 210 4G, Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition and Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition. Since the AI subscription is central to these phones, it will be interesting to see how these phones are priced to appeal to budget and feature-phone buyers.
