Why Nokia missed the smartphone shift

For years, Nokia didn't just compete in mobile phones — it defined the category. From the iconic 3310 to the best-selling Nokia 1100, the Finnish company built a global empire on durable devices, mass-market appeal and an unmatched ability to scale. At its peak, Nokia was Europe's most valuable company and one of the most dominant consumer tech brands in the world. But the smartphone era changed where value in the industry was created.