Forgotten Nokia N95 Surfaces: HMD Developing New Slider Smartphone

HMD Global is preparing an unconventional slider smartphone, with a concept based on the cancelled 2020 Nokia N95 prototype. The company intends to move away from the standard touchscreen slab format and offer users a device with a mechanical sliding screen and hidden controls.

The Slider Concept

The upcoming device inherits ideas from the 2020 prototype, which stood out for its unique mechanics. The key design feature is a screen that slides sideways, revealing hidden controls. This project is part of HMD’s new multi-brand strategy, aimed at abandoning standard design solutions in favor of a more interactive user experience.

Technical Specifications

Although final specifications may be adjusted by the time of release, the device is based on the parameters of the 2020 project:

The choice of an IPS panel instead of OLED suggests the manufacturer’s desire to keep the device’s price competitive. This approach echoes the philosophy of other current brand models, such as the HMD Skyline, where the focus is on functionality and design rather than premium components.

The new HMD smartphone could be an interesting alternative to generic touchscreen slabs. However, the project’s success will depend on how reliably the company implements the complex slider mechanism and whether it can offer an unusual form factor at an attractive price. If HMD can maintain a balance between cost, functionality, and reliability, the device could pique the interest of classic Nokia fans and experimental design enthusiasts.