They used to make Nokia phones; now HMD copies the iPhone

The Finnish company, for years the custodian of the legacy of a historic Nokia brand capable of shaping entire generations, seems to have embarked on an unexpected path to capture consumers’ attention.

HMD has recently launched in the Indian market its new budget device, named Vibe 2 5G. From the very first images shared online, one aesthetic detail immediately sparked discussion: the clear and undeniable similarity to Apple’s iPhones.

This choice represents a rather bitter departure from the original past that had defined Nordic telephony for decades.

HMD Vibe 2 5G Looks Like an iPhone

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In the following blocks, the aesthetics of the new device revolve around a large rear camera module that spans most of the width of the panel. It is a visual solution that unmistakably recalls the recent iPhone 17 Pro.

The main difference lies solely in the number of sensors, two instead of the three present on the Californian device.

What is surprising, and in some ways makes one smile, is the Finnish company’s communicative choice, which in its promotional campaigns describes this aesthetic as a futuristic design. In reality, the presence of the large camera island and the two-tone finish of the back shell make the comparison with Cupertino’s smartphones not only inevitable, but almost explicitly sought.

From a company that bears the weight of Nordic design, one might have expected a far more daring and personal visual approach.

Solid specs for the price

However, the device must be contextualized within its market segment. The Vibe 2 5G has no pretension of competing with premium products. It is offered in India with a starting price of 10,999 rupees, equivalent to about 100 euros.

Given this affordable price, the technical sheet offers absolutely respectable specifications. The device features a generous 6.7-inch display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Battery life is entrusted to a massive 6,000 mAh battery, an excellent figure that likely represents the most concrete and practical selling point for the intended user base. Completing the software is Android 16 already preinstalled.

The camera setup holds up well thanks to a 50 MP main sensor, paired with an 8 MP front-facing camera for selfies. The technical package also includes support for 18 W fast charging, a practical lateral fingerprint reader, and IP64 certification, which ensures good resistance to dust and splashes.

The product will be distributed through the well-known Flipkart portal, offered in three vibrant colorways: Cosmic Lavender, Nordic Blue and Peach Pink.

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In a highly crowded and competitive market like India’s affordable 5G devices, standing out from the crowd is a complex challenge.

HMD has evidently deemed that adopting a familiar aesthetic immediately associated with luxury products would be the quickest shortcut to get noticed by consumers, while accepting the trade-off of giving up a piece of its own aesthetic identity.