China gets first dibs on Nokia's comeback smartphone

China only for reborn Nokia - but other devices promised for the rest of the world this year

The first Nokia smartphone from Nokia, rather than Microsoft, in three years will be available only in China, the company has revealed.

The Android device from HMD Global, the company that holds the exclusive rights to the Nokia brand for selling smartphones, has said that the newly-launched Nokia 6 will be marketed in partnership with Chinese giant JD.com and won't be released outside of the country.

However, the company has promised that there are 'more smartphones to come' in 2017 for everyone else. This will no doubt come in the form of the much-rumoured Nokia P1 and D1C, with the Nokia 6 offering some clues as to what we can expect from the MWC-bound smartphones.

The Nokia 6 is crafted from a single block of aluminium which houses a 5.5in Full HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB built-in storage.

The handset also runs Google's Android 7.0 Nougat software, packs a 16MP rear-facing camera and an 8MP front-facing sensor, and features Dolby Atmos audio processing, which HMD says creates audio that "seems to flow all around users".

Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global said: "Just a short while ago we announced the launch of HMD Global. From the outset we have stated that we intend to move with speed to establish a position as a player in the smartphone category and create products that truly meet consumer needs.

"The Nokia 6 is a result of listening to our consumers who desire a beautifully crafted handset with exceptional durability, entertainment and display features.

"Our ambition is to deliver a premium product, which meets consumer needs at every price point, in every market. We start today, with our premium, high-quality Nokia 6; built to deliver a fantastic core user experience for Chinese consumers. We look forward to unveiling further products in the first half of this year."

When it launches in China later this month, the Nokia 6 will be priced at 1,699 yuan, which is the equivilent of around £200.