PhonePe has expanded its UPI 123Pay service to select Nokia and HMD feature phones, allowing users to make digital payments without owning a smartphone.
The move could make UPI services more accessible to India's large feature phone user base.
Which Nokia and HMD phones support PhonePe?
According to the information provided, PhonePe support is now available on several models, including the HMD 105 2G, HMD 110 2G, Nokia 105 Classic, Nokia 105 Single SIM, Nokia 105 Dual SIM, Nokia 106 and Nokia 123 Shield.
PhonePe and HMD are also reportedly working to bring UPI 123Pay to additional Nokia and HMD feature phone models.
What can users do?
Users with supported devices can send and receive money using a mobile number or UPI ID. Feature phones equipped with cameras can also scan QR codes to make payments.
The service also allows users to check their bank balance, view transaction history and recharge their mobile connection, bringing several basic digital payment services to keypad phones.
Why it matters
Feature phones continue to have a significant user base in India, with the number estimated at around 220 million. While UPI has become a major part of everyday payments, many feature phone users have traditionally had limited access to smartphone-based UPI apps.
PhonePe's expansion of UPI 123Pay could therefore help bring digital payments to more users without requiring them to upgrade to a smartphone.