Nokia returns: New Android phones confirmed for 2017 release

Nokia has resumed selling own-brand mobile phones on its website after a three-year hiatus that followed the sale of its handset business to Microsoft. The no-frills feature phones will be marketed by Helsinki-based HMD Global, who has also confirmed that Android-based Nokia phones will arrive during the first half of 2017.

Nokia has been planning a return to the mobile marketplace for some time, despite having previously denied such reports. In November, benchmark results were spotted hinting at an Android-powered device referred to as the Nokia D1C, seemingly corroborating reports from earlier in the year suggesting the company had two devices in the works based on Google's mobile platform.

Said devices are now expected to be announced at Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona, with HMD today confirming that Android-based Nokia smartphones are indeed in the works. In the meantime, Nokia's new line-up consists of basic 2G handsets powered by Nokia's Series 30 software. The five devices on sale include the Nokia 105, Nokia 130, Nokia 216, Nokia 222 and Nokia 230.

The Nokia 105 comes sporting a 1.4in 128 x 128 LCD display, FM radio, built-in torch and 800mAh battery, which is still good for 15 hours talk time, according to Nokia. The Nokia 230 meanwhile, which sits at the higher end of the line-up, features 2MP front and rear cameras, a 2.8in 320 x 240 display and Bluetooth, and a 1200mAh battery.

HMD said the new 10-year licensing partnership with Nokia marked a "fresh start" for the brand, which used to be the undisputed king of the mobile industry.

Florian Seiche, president of HMD Global, said: "We believe that the time is right for renewal in the mobile industry. The market is fatigued and flooded with undifferentiated products. Consumers are looking for technology with clear purpose that is useful, exciting and with a brand they can trust, so our approach will focus on true, core user experiences and a dedication to quality...we believe we are perfectly placed to forge a new way in mobile."