HMD Launches Nokia 123 Shield, a Rugged Feature Phone with Long-lasting Battery
HUMAN Mobile Devices (HMD) has officially launched the Nokia 123 Shield. The Finnish company, which holds the licence to produce Nokia-branded mobile phones, has introduced a device focused on durability, both in terms of physical toughness and long-lasting battery life.
The device features a design engineered to be more rugged than typical feature phones. It has achieved IP65 certification according to the IEC 60529 standard, indicating protection against dust ingress and water splashes under laboratory testing conditions. However, HMD emphasised that this resistance is not permanent and may diminish with use.
The Nokia 123 Shield is equipped with a removable 1,750 mAh battery. According to HMD, the battery can support all-day usage and can last up to 19 days in standby mode, based on the company’s internal testing. The device also utilises USB Type-C as its charging port, ensuring compatibility with widely used modern charging standards.
The handset includes several features commonly found in feature phones, including 4 MB of RAM and 4 MB of internal storage, with support for microSD cards up to 32 GB to expand capacity. The Nokia 123 Shield runs on the S30+ operating system and includes an FM radio that can be used in both wired and wireless modes.
To support communication needs, the device uses GSM 900/1800 networks and supports Dual Mini SIM (2FF + 2FF). The retail package includes the removable battery, a charger, and a Quick Start Guide.
HMD explained that the Nokia 123 Shield has been designed to optimise signal strength for clear calls and seamless connectivity. The company stated that the device utilises a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) antenna structure, providing a larger antenna area. This design is claimed to optimise Over-the-Air (OTA) performance compared to devices using metal antennas, ensuring more reliable signal reception across various usage conditions.
With its dust and water resistance, a battery claimed to last up to 19 days on standby, and support for essential communication features, this device is aimed at users requiring a simple mobile phone for daily activities or outdoor work.