Key Takeaways
- Certification: The Nokia 123 Shield passes IP65 testing under the IEC 60529 standard, guaranteeing full protection against dust and resistance to water jets.
- Battery Life: The removable 1,750 mAh battery delivers up to 19 days of standby and 27.9 hours of talk time, charging via USB-C.
- Signal: The FPC antenna improves call stability compared to HMD Global's standard 2G models such as the Nokia 105.
IP65 Certification and Physical Durability
HMD Global has unveiled the Nokia 123 Shield, a 2G feature phone built to withstand water, sand, and dust. The manufacturer's official site confirms compliance with the IP65 standard under IEC 60529: total protection against dust ingress (level 6) and resistance to low-pressure water jets (level 5).
The build features textured sides for a secure grip in humid or sweaty conditions. The charging ports and audio jack are sealed with rubber gaskets, a critical component for the declared waterproofing.
Essential Hardware Specs
The device runs a 2.4-inch QVGA display, powered by the Unisoc SC6531E processor with the S30+ operating system. Memory tops out at 4 MB of RAM and 4 MB of internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 32 GB.
A QVGA camera sits on the back, secondary to the LED flash, which HMD states is up to 300% brighter than the one fitted on the Nokia 110. The flashlight function is designed for use in low-light environments.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The removable 1,750 mAh battery guarantees up to 19 days of standby and 27.9 hours of continuous talk time. Charging happens through a USB-C port, a standard not typically found in this device category.
The phone supports dual SIM 2G connectivity, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and FM radio that works both with wired headphones and in wireless mode.
Signal Quality Under Difficult Conditions
HMD Global has focused on the antenna, adopting an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) configuration in place of traditional metal antennas. The choice improves signal reception compared to similar 2G models like the Nokia 105, proving more effective in areas with unstable network coverage.
Availability
The Nokia 123 Shield is available in green and purple color options. The device has already been spotted at retailers in several European markets, with an official launch expected in the coming weeks.
