HMD - the manufacturer of Nokia-branded smartphones - has confirmed its latest budget handset, the Nokia 1.4, will be available locally from May 9 for $169. While the phone itself is a barebones device, it has a rather unique proposition for such a cheap phone: it will get three years of monthly security updates.
Google releases monthly security updates for Android smartphones, but it is up to a manufacturer to distribute them to their smartphones. Flagship Android smartphones tend to only get three years of security updates at max, and this kind of support is rare in the more affordable handset space. These are important as they address new vulnerabilities discovered in the Android operating system. In addition, the Nokia 1.4 will see upgrades all the way through to Android 12.
Out of the box, the Nokia 1.4 runs Android 10 (Go edition). Android Go is designed for faster and smoother performance on entry-level hardware. Apps start faster, the operating system takes up less storage, and Google has redesigned many of its apps to be lighter and less data intensive. Given the modest hardware inside, that should be a win.
Key specifications for the Nokia 1.4 include a 6.5-inch HD+ display, a Snapdragon 215 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage, and a 4,000mAh battery. The rear-facing camera configuration is made up to a 8MP primary camera and 2MP macro lens.
You'll be able to pick up the Nokia 1.4 in a choice of "Charcoal" or "Fjord" (Blue) through Harvey Norman, Big W, Officeworks, and direct through the Nokia Australia webstore.
Alex Choros
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