HMD to Relaunch the Rugged Nokia 800 Tough with Subtle Upgrades

HMD Global appears ready to revive one of Nokia’s most durable phones. A recent leak hints that the company is working on a new version of the Nokia 800 Tough, the sturdy feature phone that first came out in 2019. The updated model is expected to keep its solid build while adding a few small improvements under the hood.

The first Nokia 800 Tough was made for people who needed a phone that could survive heavy use and tough conditions. The new version, said to be called the Nokia 800 Tough 2nd Gen, seems ready to carry on that same idea.

According to details shared by a reliable leaker known as smashx_60 on X, the upcoming model won’t stray far from the design of its predecessor. In fact, leaked renders show a nearly identical look, including the rugged body and black color scheme.

One of the most noticeable visual changes is branding. This time, the device will carry both the Nokia logo and HMD’s own branding on the back, marking HMD’s recent move to put its name more prominently on its products.

While the design remains mostly unchanged, HMD is tweaking some of the hardware for a more modern experience. The outdated MicroUSB port is being swapped out for a USB-C connection, a simple but useful change that makes the phone feel more up to date.

The software is also expected to get its update. The new 800 Tough is expected to run on KaiOS 3.1, compared to version 2.5.2 on the 2019 release. That should offer smoother performance, better app support, and improved reliability.

Other core specs haven’t surfaced yet, but the phone will likely keep the same high durability standards. The first model carried IP68 dust and water resistance and an MIL-STD-810 military-grade certification, so users can expect similar rugged credentials this time around.

There’s no official release date or pricing yet. However, HMD has a pattern for its mobile phone launch event. If it follows this pattern, the Nokia 800 Tough should land in a similar price range. This device should sell for around €110.

For now, the leak suggests that HMD isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. The company is only trying to apply a proven formula. The device comes with a few small updates and its familiar rugged build.

The Nokia 800 Tough seems ready to return as a sturdy favorite. It will be for people who care more about reliability and strength than fancy looks or extra features.