HMD adds AI button to Nokia feature phones, sparking backlash from minimalist phone users

Nokia's new retro-styled feature phones have AI buttons for some reason -- and users are dismissing the odd feature as 'useless' and 'dumb'

* HMD has four new Nokia-branded phones * They follow on from previous Nokia feature phones * There's also an AI button on these handsets Nokia parent company HMD has four new phones for your consideration -- but they seem to be striking an awkward balance between eschewing and embracing the trappings that come along with the best modern day handsets. The smartphones (via Notebookcheck) are labeled as feature phones, so you wouldn't expect the traditional slew of apps here. They are, specifically, the Nokia 210 4G, the Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, the Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition, and the Nokia 200 4G. These seem to be a step up from the similar Nokia-branded phones launched across the last couple of years, but they still offer legacy features from smartphone eras past: a 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD card support, and (on all but the Nokia 200 4G) an FM radio. So far so Nokia of yesteryear, but there's an interesting feature you'll notice right in the middle of the front of the device: an AI button. Apparently this is powered by an app called Sikey AI, and lets you do basic tasks on the phone -- like placing calls or turning on the flashlight -- rather than tapping into advanced generative AI models. Free to try Details of how the on-board AI actually works are pretty thin on the ground, but as per Nokia, you can use it to set alarms, open up the camera, and add reminders. It can also answer basic questions: the examples Nokia gives are producing simple recipes or providing sample phrases in a foreign language. That suggests access to a limited AI model at least perhaps through the cloud connectivity that Nokia is also adding with these phones. However, it seems the AI assistant is only free for 180 days -- it's not clear how much it'll cost you after that. Video calls and voice messages are possible through the Xpress Chat platform, so as feature phones go, it's pretty advanced. What we don't yet know is how much these handsets will cost, or where they're going to be available. The combination of phone basics plus a little AI hasn't exactly gone down well on Reddit: posters are describing the addition of an AI button as "dumb", "out of touch", and "useless" for users who are going to be interested in feature phones. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.

HDM just launched four dumb phones with a Nokia badge and an AI button

These new Nokia dumb phones bring AI help without the smartphone doomscrolling AI has been pushed on all your latest smartphones, laptops, browsers, and anything else manufacturers can cram it in. Now, HMD has decided that even your basic dumb phone shouldn't be left out either. The company is bringing back the Nokia branding for this one, and yes, you also get a keypad. HMD has quietly unveiled four Nokia-branded 4G feature phones, namely the Nokia 210 4G, Nokia 200 4G, Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, and Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition. All four have physical number pads and a dedicated button for activating a voice-based AI assistant. Press it, speak a command, and the phone can switch on its torch, set an alarm or reminder, open the camera, or call someone from your contacts. It can also answer basic questions, offer simple recipes, and help with common foreign-language phrases. Is this a smarter dumb phone? Feature phones remain useful for people who want longer battery life, fewer distractions, simpler menus, or an affordable way to stay connected. They are also commonly used by older customers and people who may find layers of menus harder to navigate. Voice controls can make those devices considerably easier to operate. Asking the phone to call someone or set an alarm removes several keypad presses and menu screens. Recommended Videos This makes it a lot more practical here than another AI image generating feature crammed into your modern day smartphones. The new Nokias also support Xpress Chat, which enables video calls, voice messages, group chats, photos, and emojis. Smartphone users can join conversations through the free Xpress Chat app on Android and iOS. HMD's Cloud Phone Service supplies shortcuts for videos, games, weather forecasts, news, and sports results without requiring conventional smartphone apps or large amounts of local storage. This basically means that your simple feature phone isn't being left behind anymore. It's got one bad news.... subscription The most 2026 detail is buried in the fine print. HMD includes a 180-day AI assistant trial, after which service fees apply. Customers also need a smartphone app to buy the subscription. Yes, the AI-powered dumb phone may eventually require access to a smartphone so its owner can continue paying for the AI assistant. The four models share familiar feature-phone hardware, including 4G connectivity, USB-C charging, headphone jacks, removable 1,450mAh batteries, and microSD support. The Nokia 210 4G and Nokia 200 4G use 2.4-inch displays and promise up to 13 days of standby time. Meanwhile, the Nokia 215 and 235 offer larger 2.8-inch screens and up to 12 days of standby. The Nokia 235 is the best-equipped camera model with a VGA selfie camera and a 2MP rear camera. The Nokia 210 has front and rear VGA cameras, while the Nokia 200 and Nokia 215 focus on the front camera for video calls. The pricing and regional availability details are still at large, but HMD is making sure that dumb phones are no longer rejecting modern technology.

Nokia's new dumb phones have a whopping great AI button in the middle, completely defeating the purpose

Nokia's new dumb phones come with a pretty startling contradiction. They're not smart, but they are artificially intelligent. HMD Global has launched a series of new Nokia feature phones (aka dumb phones), which would be ideal for those who'd like to spend some time away from the perils of constant smartphone use - except for the dedicated AI button slap bang in the middle of the handset. You had one job, Nokia! The Nokia 210 4G, the Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition, the Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, and the Nokia 200 4G arrive on the scene with their own AI assistant, called Sikey AI, which can simplify things like setting reminders, alarms or turning on the flashlight. You'll have to pay extra for the privilege of using it after the initial six-month trial. Some of this stuff sounds useful in a pinch, but isn't it somewhat against the spirit of having a feature phone in the first place? People are deliberately buying a "dumb phone" they are not seeking artificial intelligence for the device they take on the camping trip for the weekend while they leave their iPhone at home. Nokia explains: "With an assistant built in, using your phone has never been easier. Press the dedicated AI assistant button and let it know what it can help you with. Turn on the torch, open the rear camera, set reminders and alarm clocks, or call someone in your contacts, just by the power of your voice. Have a question on your mind? It can help with that, too." Cool, thanks. Not needed, but thanks. The handsets, which feature the classic Nokia candy bar design with the T9 numerical keyboard, run on the S30+ operating system and rock tiny 1,450 batteries designed to sustain smaller screens and lighter workloads. Bluetooth 5.0 is on board with USB-C charging. There's a mere 64MB of RAM (no RAMageddon issues here) and the battery (13 days of standby time) is removable. The Nokia 210 4G and 200 4G have 2.4-inch displays, while the Nokia 215 4G 2nd edition and the 235 4G 2nd edition have 2.8-inch panels. All four have a 3.5mm headphone jack and a front facing camera. The 215/235 phones also have basic rear cameras. The series does unlock video calling on Nokia's feature phones for the first time, at least, but you'll need to do it through the Xpress Chat app that's available on Nokia phones or via the Play Store or App Store. Nokia is yet to reveal the pricing and availability for these phones.

HMD Launches AI-Powered Nokia Feature Phones

HMD is back in the headlines after recently announcing a new phone, and it's not a smartphone. In fact, HMD is moving back to the past with Nokia's nostalgic feature phones, featuring a dedicated AI assistant. The Nokia 200 4G, 210 4G, 215 4G 2nd edition, and 235 4G 2nd edition have now launched. * Make Telecom Talk My Trusted Source This move brings older feature phones up to date with the latest AI features. Here is what we know. Nokia 200 4G, 210 4G, 215 4G (2nd Edition), and 235 4G (2nd Edition): Specs and Features HMD launches a new set of feature phones, including the Nokia 200 4G, 210 4G, 215 4G 2nd edition, and 235 4G 2nd edition. The Nokia 200 4G and 210 4G have a 2.4-inch QVGA display. The Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition and 235 4G 2nd Edition offer a 2.8-inch QVGA IPS panel. All the phones run HMD's newly built S30+ operating system, which offers an integrated AI Assistant called Sikey AI to help users control basic smartphone functions like: 1. Turning on the flash 2. Opening the camera app 3. Setting Reminders 4. Place calls with just voice commands According to HMD, these AI features will be free for the first 180 days. After that, users can subscribe to the AI plan, but they will need this phone. Besides these features, you get dedicated "Cloud Phone Service Support" to access data without using the phone's storage.HMD has not shared details about the processor yet. However, the Nokia 200 series will come with a 1450mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.0, a 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, and USB-C charging.