Nokia and ZEISS reunite to bring Zeiss optics on Nokia Android smartphones

HMD Global, the licensee to use the Finnish brand “Nokia” and produce phones under the popular brand name, has no announced about the reunion with another famous optics manufacturer – ZEISS, an old partner with Nokia.

Nokia has build its devices’ cameras using Carl Zeiss optics for years which have been most praised for even years for the quality of its imaging. The last Nokia smartphones which featured Zeiss optics include Nokia Lumia 930, Nokia Lumia 1020, Nokia 808 PureView. Later after the acquisition the partnership was transitioned into Microsoft-ZEISS which could only produce Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL.

Now HMD is bringing back the Zeiss optics on Nokia-branded smartphone which is considered as really good move to make its devices stand into competition as well as the devices will sure carry another brand name “ZEISS” on the back along side the camera like they did previously.

While the talks might be underway since weeks or months, the partnership was revealed today by both HMD and ZEISS on their respective platforms. There is  time frame given as when the new devices will start carrying Zeiss lenses. However the teaser video above hints “Coming this year” that you may see the collaboration result within this year

HMD has already launched a trio of Nokia Android smartphones, which didn’t bring Zeiss optics with their cameras – sure they were the mid-range and low range devices. You can expect upcoming premium high-end Nokia smartphones with the Zeiss optics.

You also need to note that it’s not the great lens quality alone which had worked for Nokia previously. It was also those custom designed camera sensors that Nokia produced to take mobile photography at heights. Most recent technology the company introduced was the image oversampling (or binding) that actually had advantage of impressive mobile photography through Nokia 808 PureView and then Lumia 1020.

We’ll know what the companies have to bring that impressive photography expertise to Android based smartphones in future. Right now you can read the press release below.

Press Release

Espoo, Finland/ Oberkochen, Germany, 6 July 2017 – HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, and ZEISS today jointly announced the signing of an exclusive partnership that aims to set new imaging standards within the smartphone industry. This long-term agreement builds on the shared history and expertise between ZEISS and Nokia smartphones.

With a joint ambition to advance the quality of the total imaging experience on smartphones spanning the entire ecosystem from software, services, through to screen quality, and optic design, the partnership will see ZEISS and HMD Global co-develop standard-defining imaging capabilities and will bring the ZEISS brand back to Nokia smartphones. This pledge to constantly improve consumers’ imaging experience is a reflection of the shared values between both businesses – a single minded commitment to quality, true craftsmanship and a desire to improve real life experience.

The relationship between ZEISS and Nokia phones began more than a decade ago, and is founded on a shared passion for innovation and always delivering the best for the consumer. The past collaboration saw ZEISS and Nokia phones driving technology innovations such as the world’s first multi-megapixel mobile phone and many more standard-setting devices, from the Nokia Nseries to those featuring Nokia PureView technologies. This renewed relationship is a long-term commitment to build on that technology innovation over the years to come.

Arto Nummela, CEO, HMD Global:

“Collaborating with ZEISS is an important part of our commitment to always deliver the very best experience for our customers. Our fans want more than a great smartphone camera, they want a complete imaging experience that doesn’t just set the standard but redefines it. Our fans expect it and, together with ZEISS, we’re delivering it – co-developed imaging excellence for all.”

Dr. Matthias Metz, Member of the Executive Board of ZEISS Group:

“The collaboration of HMD Global with ZEISS for Nokia smartphones will again enhance consumers’ holistic imaging experience based on excellence and innovation. Our partnership is built on a solid foundation. Together, we look forward to an exciting journey into the future of sophisticated smartphone imaging.”

This exclusive partnership with ZEISS is further proof of how HMD Global is collaborating with the best and most respected in the industry to drive perfection throughout every aspect of the phone design and build, and is a commitment to consumers to deliver the ultimate imaging experience possible on a smartphone.