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After a long six-year pause, Nokia's rugged 800 Tough could be getting a modest sequel. Recent leaks point to a follow-up from HMD Global that keeps the core toughness intact while making a few practical modernizations.
What’s actually new? Expect small but sensible updates
Tipsters active on X say the second-generation Nokia 800 Tough will stick close to the original 2019 blueprint. The changes leaked so far sound incremental: swapping the old microUSB port for USB-C and upgrading the software from KaiOS 2.5.2 to KaiOS 3.1. That’s not a dramatic overhaul, but it’s the kind of refresh buyers of basic rugged phones appreciate.
Looks familiar — and intentionally so
A shared render makes the point visually: the new model appears almost identical to its predecessor. On the back there’s a single rear camera with an LED flash to one side and a speaker grille on the other. The silhouette, button layout and overall chunky aesthetic remain unchanged — which is good news if you liked the durability-first design.
Built for the elements: durability remains a selling point
Given the device's lineage, you can reasonably expect IP68 water and dust resistance and a MIL-STD-810G rating, just like the first-gen 800 Tough. These certifications helped define the original as a go-to option for field workers, outdoorsy users, and anyone who wants a no-nonsense handset that can take real wear and tear.
Who is this phone for?
If you need a reliable backup device, work outdoors, or simply prefer long battery life and physical keys over flashy features, this kind of incremental update makes sense. It preserves everything that made the 800 Tough attractive while fixing a few small pain points.
Specs flashback — and what might carry over
To set expectations, the 2019 Nokia 800 Tough shipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 chipset, 512MB of RAM and a 2MP rear camera. Connectivity included Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 and GPS, powered by a 2,100mAh battery. The leaks suggest those core specs will remain largely unchanged, reinforcing the idea that this is a light refresh rather than a full redesign.
Price and availability: likely familiar territory
There’s no official word on price or a launch date yet. The original debuted at about €110, and given the modest upgrades, analysts expect a similar price point if HMD Global follows the same positioning. Affordable rugged phones have a steady audience, so keeping it competitively priced would be a smart move.
Why it matters — and what to watch for
Why pay attention to a near-identical handset? Because small changes can matter: USB-C fixes a daily annoyance, and a newer KaiOS version could bring smoother performance and better app support. Expect HMD to announce details soon if the licensing renewal with Nokia is already producing hardware.
Keep an eye on official word from HMD Global or Nokia, and watch for hands-on coverage when units start appearing. For now, the Nokia 800 Tough (2nd Gen) looks like a pragmatic update aimed at users who value durability and simplicity over bells and whistles.
Source: gizmochina
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