HMD aims to ‘redefine smartphone ownership’ with new subscription model

HMD Global may have given up on launching flagships, but it’s trying a new jig to keep people interested in Nokia smartphones. The company is debuting a new subscription service for its mobile phones so that they don’t end up in landfills.

Called Circular, the subscription model will reward Nokia users for keeping their phones longer. Users will earn credits called “Seeds of Tomorrow” that let them invest in eco-friendly and humanitarian causes such as planting trees, keeping plastic out of rivers, and providing connectivity to remote areas.

The program will also allow Nokia handset owners to return or replace their phones at any time after a period of three months. However, the seeds or credits won’t count towards any discounts while buying new phones.

The longer customers keep their devices, the more credits they will earn to use towards charitable causes. Once a device is returned, HMD will either refurbish it, send it to a partner program for people in need, or recycle it responsibly.

Depending on the device, customers will have to churn out anywhere between £12 to £30 a month for a Circular subscription. There will be an additional £30 setup fee. The company will quickly replace subscription devices in case of accidental damage, loss, or theft.

HMD’s Circular program will first become available in the UK and Germany. More markets will be added in the future.

Initially, only four Nokia devices will be available with Circular subscriptions, starting with the newly launched Nokia G60 and the previously released Nokia XR20, and Nokia T10.

The Nokia X30 and Nokia T21, also launched at IFA 2022, will be added to the list when they become available.

Speaking of the Nokia X30, it’s yet another overpriced, underwhelming phone from HMD Global. The device houses a Snapdragon 695 chip, a dual camera setup with a 50MP main + 13MP ultrawide shooter, a 4,200mAh battery, 33W charging, and a 6.43-inch 90Hz display.

HMD says the phone is unique for its chassis made of 100% recycled aluminum and 65% recycled plastic. The firm has also promised to provide three years of Android updates and three years of security patches to the €529/£399 (~$462) phone.

Meanwhile, the Nokia G60 is another new Snapdragon 695 offering from HMD. It downgrades the ultrawide camera to 5MP and charging to 20W. However, it gets a 120Hz screen, a bigger 4,500mAh battery, and expandable storage. The device is also made of recycled plastic and comes with the same three-year-long update promise as the more premium X30. The Nokia G60 comes in at €319/£249 (~$288).