After taking a break from producing flagship phones due to the underwhelming response to the Nokia 9 PureView, HMD Global appears ready to re-enter the high-end smartphone market. Recent leaks suggest that the company is developing a new flagship device, equipped with a Snapdragon 8 series processor and featuring a modular design, similar to the HMD Fusion. This would mark a significant shift for HMD, which has focused on mid-range and budget phones for several years.

The Journey After Nokia 9 PureView
HMD Global (HMD phone), the company behind the Nokia brand, faced a setback after the poor reception of the Nokia 9 PureView. This model, which was aimed at the premium segment, featured five cameras but failed to meet consumer expectations, particularly in performance and software optimization. As a result, HMD decided to step back from producing flagship phones. Since then, the company has concentrated on producing feature phones, as well as entry-level and mid-range smartphones under both the Nokia and its own HMD brand.
However, new information suggests that HMD is preparing a comeback in the flagship space with a device that could compete with top-tier smartphones.
New Flagship in the Works: Leaked Details
Information about the upcoming device, allegedly codenamed “Moon Knight,” was leaked on X (formerly known as Twitter) by user @smashx_60. According to the leak, the phone carries the model number TA-1691 and will feature several high-end specifications that signal HMD’s renewed interest in the premium smartphone segment.
One of the most notable features (HMD phone) is its display—a P-OLED panel with an FHD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. While the leak doesn’t mention the exact size of the screen, these specifications point to a device designed for a smooth, vibrant visual experience, on par with other flagships in the market.
Power Under the Hood: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
The leak also suggests that HMD Phone will equip the Moon Knight with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, the same processor found in the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. This is a high-performance chip designed for flagship smartphones, indicating that HMD aims to offer a competitive device in terms of processing power.

Details regarding RAM and storage options were not disclosed in the leak, but it’s safe to assume that the phone will offer multiple configurations to cater to different user needs, given the typical standards for flagship devices. However, what stands out the most is the claim that the device will feature a quad-camera setup on the rear, hinting at strong photography capabilities—a feature that was the main selling point of the Nokia 9 PureView.
A Modular Approach: Inspired by the HMD Fusion
One of the most intriguing features of the Moon Knight is the potential for a modular design. According to the leak, the device will include POGO pins, which are often used for attaching modular components. This aligns with HMD’s previous experiment, the HMD Fusion, which allowed users to attach different cases and accessories that added extra functionality to the device.
A modular design would give the Moon Knight a unique selling point in a market where innovation in hardware has slowed. This design approach could allow users to customize their phones by adding modules for extended battery life, better camera lenses, or other hardware enhancements, depending on their needs.
Additional Features and Build Quality
The leaked details also mention that the phone will come with dual speakers, ensuring a strong audio experience, and it will naturally support 5G connectivity. The device will also feature an aluminum frame, suggesting a premium build quality that will likely appeal to users looking for durability and style in their smartphones.
While these details provide an exciting glimpse of what’s to come, other critical specifications—such as the exact camera configuration, battery capacity, and charging speed—are still unknown. According to the source, a full render of the device, along with more detailed information, should be revealed soon.
A Shift in Strategy for HMD?
For years, HMD has focused on budget and mid-range smartphones, even when it was still producing Nokia-branded phones. In fact, after the disappointing performance of the Nokia 9 PureView, the company publicly stated in 2022 that it would not make flagship phones anymore. Instead, it pivoted towards feature phones and more affordable smartphones, which have traditionally been HMD’s strength.

The decision to work on a new flagship phone suggests that HMD may be rethinking its strategy. It could indicate that the company sees an opportunity to compete in the premium smartphone segment again, especially now that it’s producing phones under its own brand name rather than Nokia’s.
However, it’s worth noting that this new flagship, the Moon Knight, won’t carry the Nokia brand. HMD Global has stopped making Nokia-branded smartphones altogether, choosing to focus on devices under the HMD name. This could be a strategic move to build HMD as a standalone brand with its own identity, separate from the legacy of Nokia.
Conclusion: A Promising Return to the Flagship Market
The (HMD phone) HMD Moon Knight is shaping up to be a fascinating device that could mark HMD’s return to the flagship market. With features like a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a P-OLED display, a modular design, and 5G support, it seems that HMD is aiming to make a splash in the premium smartphone segment. While the company has largely focused on budget and mid-range devices in recent years, the leaked specifications suggest that the Moon Knight could be a serious contender in the flagship arena.
As more information becomes available, including details about the camera system, battery life, and pricing, it will be interesting to see how this device is received. For now, it’s clear that (HMD phone) HMD is ready to re-enter the flagship space with a phone that could compete with the best in the market.
FAQ
1. Why did HMD stop making flagship phones after the Nokia 9 PureView?
The Nokia 9 PureView, (HMD phone) HMD’s last flagship device, did not perform well in the market. Its camera system, while innovative, failed to meet consumer expectations, and the overall performance of the phone was lacking. As a result, HMD shifted its focus to mid-range and budget devices.
2. What is the codename of the upcoming HMD flagship?
The upcoming flagship is codenamed “Moon Knight,” and it is expected to feature high-end specifications.
3. What processor will the HMD Moon Knight use?
According to leaks, the (HMD phone) HMD Moon Knight will be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the same processor found in the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra.
4. Will the Moon Knight have a modular design?
Yes, the leaks suggest that the Moon Knight will have a modular design, similar to the HMD Fusion. It is expected to include POGO pins for attaching different accessories.
5. Will the Moon Knight be a Nokia-branded phone?
No, the Moon Knight will not carry the Nokia brand. (HMD phone) HMD Global has stopped producing Nokia-branded smartphones and is now focusing on its own HMD-branded devices.
6. When will the Moon Knight be released?
There is no official release date yet, but more details and renders are expected to be revealed soon.
Source – Twitter @smashx_60 on X