Confirmed: HMD’s Nokia smartphones to have Carl Zeiss optics [Update]

One of the trademarks of old Nokia smartphones was the addition of Carl Zeiss optics for their cameras. From the Nokia N8 to the Lumia 1020, the hardware was almost a given for their high-end handsets.

Now, HMD Global has announced the signing of an “exclusive” partnership for Zeiss optics to appear in new Nokia-branded smartphones. According to HMD, the partnership “aims to set new imaging standards within the smartphone industry”.

What should we expect from the relationship in general?

“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,” read an excerpt of the press release.

HMD Global is teaming up with Carl Zeiss to improve the smartphone camera experience — but will it pay off?

“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,” HMD Global CEO Arto Nummela added.

We’ve asked HMD Global when we can expect the first Nokia smartphone with Zeiss optics to launch, and will update the article when we receive a response. Needless to say, we’ve seen numerous leaks related to the Nokia 9 flagship, so it stands to reason that we can expect a reveal in the coming months.

Update, 6 July 2017: We’ve heard back from HMD, so when can we expect their smartphones to pack Zeiss hardware?

“We are at the early stages in this new relationship and our journey is just beginning. No further announcements or plans have been shared or confirmed yet,” a representative told Gearburn.

Featured image: Karlis Dambrans via Flickr (CC-2.0, resized)