The new Nokia 123 Shield received moisture protection, USB-C and up to 19 days of operation without recharging

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The HMD company continues to develop a line of classic mobile phones under the Nokia brand. Another novelty was the Nokia 123 Shield model – a push-button device focused not on multimedia capabilities, but on durability, autonomous operation and operation in conditions where an ordinary smartphone may not be the best choice.

The manufacturer positions the device as an affordable solution for people who need a reliable phone for work, travel, outdoor activities or as a backup device. During the development, the main emphasis was placed on the practicality of the design and the protection of the case, abandoning unnecessary elements that could complicate the use of the device.

Design

Outwardly, the Nokia 123 Shield is made in the usual form factor for classic phones, but a number of details distinguish it from most budget models. The case received embossed side surfaces, thanks to which the phone is more securely held in the hand even in wet conditions or with work gloves.

Special attention is paid to the protection of interfaces. The USB Type-C connectors and the 3.5 mm audio output are placed under a thick rubber plug that prevents water, sand and dust from getting inside the case. That is why the manufacturer considers the device as an option for use on construction sites, workshops, during tourist trips and other scenarios where smartphones require more careful treatment.

The phone weighs only 108 grams and is offered in two colors – green and purple.

Technical characteristics

By its capabilities, the Nokia 123 Shield remains a classic push-button phone. It uses a 2.4-inch screen with QVGA resolution, a Unisoc SC6531E processor and the proprietary S30+ operating system, which has long been used in similar devices.

The amount of RAM is 4 MB, the same amount is provided for data storage. Despite such modest indicators, the user will be able to expand the memory with a microSD card up to 32 GB, which is enough to store photos, music and recordings.

A simple camera with QVGA resolution and LED flash is placed on the back panel. The manufacturer does not consider it as a tool for high-quality shooting – it is intended rather for recording individual moments or documents if necessary.

The phone supports operation exclusively in second-generation GSM networks and is designed for the use of two SIM cards of the Mini SIM format.

In addition, the device is equipped with a powerful LED flashlight. The company claims that its brightness exceeds the similar function of the Nokia 110 model. Another feature is the FM radio, which works without connecting wired headphones using a built-in antenna.

Bet on autonomy

The main feature of the Nokia 123 Shield was long-term operation without recharging. The device is equipped with a removable 1750 mAh battery, which according to HMD provides almost 28 hours of continuous talk time or up to 19 days of standby time.

Using a removable battery remains one of the few advantages of push-button phones over modern smartphones: if necessary, the battery can be quickly replaced without contacting a service center.

Release date and cost

Although HMD has not yet announced the official price of the Nokia 123 Shield for all markets, the phone has already gone on sale in a number of European countries. In particular, in stores in Greece and Bulgaria, the novelty is offered at a price of 35 to 40 euros.

Thus, Nokia 123 Shield is not aimed at competing with entry-level smartphones, but at users who need the simplest possible phone for calls, long battery life and operation in conditions where reliability is more important than a wide set of modern functions.