Nokia's new retro-styled feature phones have AI buttons for some reason and users are dismissing the odd feature as 'useless' and 'dumb'

Date:
Sun, 05 Jul 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Description:
HMD has unveiled four new feature phones, but there are question marks over the inclusion of an AI button.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter HMD has four new Nokia-branded phones They follow on from previous Nokia feature phones There's also an AI button on these handsets Nokia parent company HMD has four new phones for
your consideration but they seem to be striking an awkward balance between eschewing and embracing the trappings that come along with the best modern
day handsets.

The smartphones (via Notebookcheck ) are labeled as feature phones, so you wouldn't expect the traditional slew of apps here. They are, specifically,
the Nokia 210 4G, the Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, the Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition, and the Nokia 200 4G. These seem to be a step up from the similar Nokia-branded phones launched across the last couple of years, but they still offer legacy features from smartphone eras past: a 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD card support, and (on all but the Nokia 200 4G) an FM radio. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

So far so Nokia of yesteryear, but there's an interesting feature you'll notice right in the middle of the front of the device: an AI button. Apparently this is powered by an app called Sikey AI, and lets you do basic tasks on the phone like placing calls or turning on the flashlight rather than tapping into advanced generative AI models. Free to try From left: the Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition, and Nokia 200 4G (Image credit: HMD) Details of how the on-board AI actually works are pretty thin on the ground, but as per Nokia, you can use it to set alarms, open up the camera, and add reminders. It can also answer basic questions: the examples Nokia gives are producing simple recipes or providing sample phrases in a foreign language. You may like The best AI phone of 2026 Nothing is proving that smartphones can still be chic, and I hope other Android manufacturers
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That suggests access to a limited AI model at least perhaps through the cloud connectivity that Nokia is also adding with these phones. However, it seems the AI assistant is only free for 180 days it's not clear how much it'll
cost you after that.

Video calls and voice messages are possible through the Xpress Chat platform, so as feature phones go, it's pretty advanced. What we don't yet know is how much these handsets will cost, or where they're going to be available. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The combination of phone basics plus a little AI hasn't exactly gone down
well on Reddit : posters are describing the addition of an AI button as "dumb", "out of touch", and "useless" for users who are going to be
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/nokia-phones/nokias-new-retro-styled-feature- phones-have-ai-buttons-for-some-reason-and-users-are-dismissing-the-odd-featur e-as-useless-and-dumb


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