According to the manufacturer, the Nokia XR21 European variant starts at EUR 649, or around Rs. 56,500.
HMD Global, the company authorized to produce Nokia-branded smartphones, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first major smartphone manufacturer to produce devices in Europe. Their inaugural 5G model, the Nokia XR21, has been manufactured in Hungary and is now accessible for purchase, catering to customers who prioritize data security.
HMD Global’s co-founder, chairman, and CEO, Jean-Francois Baril, expressed excitement about this achievement, stating, “We are delighted to produce the Nokia XR21, our rugged 5G smartphone, right here in Europe. We remain committed to investing in security, technology, and manufacturing processes that enhance the security and durability of our devices.”
Prior to HMD’s establishment in Hungary, Europe lacked large-scale smartphone manufacturing, as major industry players like Apple and Samsung primarily manufactured their phones in Asia to reduce production costs. HMD’s initial European model was specifically designed for enterprise customers, many of whom had requested heightened security measures in collaboration with their IT security partners.
Since 2019, the company has already been storing consumer and corporate data in the European Union, processing it on servers located in Finland. HMD Global entered into an exclusive 10-year licensing agreement with Nokia Oyj in 2016, granting them the rights to produce Nokia-branded smartphones and tablets.
In March, the company announced its intention to commence manufacturing within the European Union, aligning with the region’s efforts to encourage companies to establish production facilities in critical sectors like semiconductors. The European edition of the Nokia XR21 is priced starting at EUR 649, with a limited edition of 30 units produced in Europe and available for purchase from the company’s website at EUR 699, featuring a frosted platinum design.
