As I head to Barcelona for Mobile World Congress 2025, my first since 2019, I can’t help but recall the unique atmosphere of that year. While MWC encompasses far more than just smartphones, 2019 felt different. One phone, with a truly audacious camera setup, dominated the conversation: the Nokia 9 PureView.
Alt: Attendees experiencing the HTC Vive VR headset at Mobile World Congress.
Beyond Smartphones: The Evolving Landscape of MWC
Mobile World Congress often showcases much more than just handsets. From VR headsets like the HTC Vive in 2015 to the 5G advancements in 2019, the show has become a platform for broader technological innovation. While smartphones serve as crucial vessels for emerging technologies like 5G and AI, they sometimes play a supporting role. We anticipate AI to be a central theme at MWC 2025.
Of course, phone launches still occur. The Samsung Galaxy S6 made waves in 2015, followed by the modular LG G5 and the Huawei P10. Camera technology has always been a key differentiator, but back then, it wasn’t the primary selling point it is today. Imagine the impact a 200MP camera would have had in 2015! Today, it’s a standard specification. Yet, in 2019, one phone attempted to change the game by focusing squarely on its camera: the Nokia 9 PureView.
Alt: Close-up of the rear camera on the Samsung Galaxy S6.
The Nokia 9 PureView: A Camera-First Approach
Alt: Hands-on image of the Nokia 9 PureView showcasing its five-camera array.
HMD Global, newly licensed to produce Nokia phones, arrived at MWC 2019 with a statement piece: the Nokia 9 PureView. Its five 12MP rear cameras, along with two additional sensors, immediately overshadowed the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G’s quad-camera setup. Even now, its flush, insect-like camera array looks unconventional compared to today’s large camera modules.
Alt: Detailed view of the Nokia 9 PureView’s rear, highlighting the flush camera design.
Beyond its unique aesthetics, the Nokia 9 PureView boasted a custom Snapdragon 845 processor, a Lux Capacitor for enhanced camera performance, and collaborations with Zeiss and Light. Light, known for its multi-lens L16 camera, brought its expertise to the Nokia 9, allowing all five cameras to capture simultaneously. This innovative approach, combined with RAW image capture, promised DSLR-like editing capabilities. However, this complexity targeted experienced photographers, not casual users. At a time when the Google Pixel 3 reigned supreme for mobile photography, the Nokia 9 PureView’s intricate system felt out of place. Unfortunately, these complexities were just the beginning of its challenges.
From Excitement to Disappointment: The Nokia 9 PureView’s Downfall
Alt: Another hands-on image of the Nokia 9 PureView, this time focusing on the user interface.
The Nokia 9 PureView, intended as a triumph for HMD Global, ultimately fell short. My own experience with the phone in Taipei was plagued by a sluggish camera app, lengthy processing times, and frequent freezing. Other users reported even more severe issues, including poor performance and complete camera app failures. The phone’s inconsistency damaged HMD Global’s reputation. The Nokia 9 PureView, a bold experiment, ultimately failed to deliver on its ambitious promise. Light, the company behind its innovative camera system, also faced challenges, eventually being acquired by John Deere.
Alt: The Light L16 camera, which influenced the Nokia 9 PureView’s camera technology.
Looking Ahead to MWC 2025: The Legacy of the Nokia 9 PureView
Alt: Promotional image of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, showcasing its sleek design.
The Nokia 9 PureView’s story is a reminder that innovation can be both exciting and challenging. While it generated buzz at MWC 2019, its shortcomings turned it into a cautionary tale. Perhaps its multi-camera approach was ahead of its time. Today’s processors and software might handle its complexity better, but it’s unlikely we’ll see a similar gamble from HMD Global, or any other manufacturer, anytime soon.
As we look to MWC 2025, Xiaomi, with its impressive camera phone legacy, is bringing the Xiaomi 15 Ultra to Barcelona. While it may not be as unconventional as the Nokia 9 PureView, I hope it lives up to the high bar set by the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. And, perhaps, just perhaps, we’ll see a surprise appearance from a Nokia 10 PureView, with even more cameras and the processing power to match its ambition. One can dream.
