Nokia 2.1V leaks out as first Verizon-branded Nokia device in years

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To say that the Nokia smartphone brand has performed well under the management of HMD Global is probably an understatement. In less than two years, the company has gone from selling no devices to being one of the top 5 brands across Europe. And now, according to Evan Blass, it seems HMD’s next focus will be the US.

While Android-powered Nokia smartphones have been available to purchase unlocked in the country for quite some time, it seems HMD is now aiming to take things a step further with a carrier partnership, more specifically one with Verizon.

The first release will come in the form of the Nokia 2.1V, which will presumably be identical to the original Nokia 2.1 which launched this summer, albeit with Verizon branding on the rear. This means a 5.5-inch display complete with a 16:9 aspect ratio is to be expected. Also, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 425 will be included on the inside along with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Other details should include an 8-megapixel camera on the rear, a large 4,000mAh battery, and Android 8.1 Oreo Go Edition.

Understandably, many consumers will be hoping for a much more powerful device such as the Nokia 7.1 or perhaps even the upcoming Nokia 7.1 Plus. However, it’s worth noting that this new device will allow Verizon to test the demand for Nokia smartphones in a low-risk manner. And if the carrier is happy with the results, it will pave the way for even more Nokia devices.