HMD's next rugged smartphone has a new name and a modular design

When HMD still manufactured Nokia-branded smartphones, it released two rugged smartphone models — the Nokia XR20 and the Nokia XR21. The latter was even re-released as the HMD XR21 in 2024. Now, a leak has revealed the Finnish brand has a new rugged smartphone on the way. Not only is it very different from the previous generation, it even goes by an entirely different name.

If you were expecting the next HMD-branded rugged smartphone to launch as the HMD XR22, that won't be happening. According to a post on X by @smashx_60, the account known for HMD-related leaks, the next rugged smartphone from the brand will launch as the HMD Lvalo XE 5G. In addition to revealing the name, the source also shared an image of the device alongside some important details.

The leaked photo of the HMD Lvalo XE 5G shows the smartphone will have thick bezels surrounding its display. It will also have a water drop notch like the newly released Moto G06, giving it a look akin to a cheap budget smartphone, which it isn't. The rear design is more pleasant to look at with the large pill-shaped island that houses dual cameras and the manufacturer's name. There is also a large black circle below the LED flash that probably houses a sensor.

The HMD Lvalo XE 5G will have a modular design like the HMD Fusion (available on Amazon for $249.99) based on the set of pogo connectors and screws at the bottom left corner of the device. The design of the connectors shows the HMD Lvalo XE 5G will be getting a new set of modular accessories and not the same ones used by the HMD Fusion.

With respect to technical specifications, the HMD Lvalo XE 5G will have IP68 and IP69K water and dust resistance ratings, and will meet MIL-810H standards. The source also revealed that HMD will provide 7 years of software updates, but it isn't specified if it means 7 years of Android OS upgrades and or 7 years of security updates.

Finally, the HMD Lvalo XE 5G is reported to be powered by a Qualcomm processor called the Snapdragon Q6690. It is said to have a similar performance to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that powered the flagships of 2023. There's no info on when the HMD Lvalo XE 5G will be released and how much it will cost, but based on the features, we don't expect it to be cheap.