Finnish company HMD Global has unveiled its latest Nokia-branded smartphone, and this time it's a true flagship aiming to win over fans of Samsung and Apple.

In contrast to the mid-to-low spec phones HMD has produced so far, the Nokia 8 is powered by the high-end Snapdragon 835 processor, packs 4GB of RAM and its 5.3-inch, Quad HD display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. Like the company's existing Nokia phones, the 8 will also run a clean, current version of Android with updates being made available as Google releases them.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the phone's design, however, is its cameras. Featuring exclusive ZEISS optics, the trio of 13MP shooters — one for colour and one for monochrome at the rear, and a third front-facing — enable a trick HMD hopes will speak to share-happy millenials.

Using a bit of software hocus pocus, the Nokia 8 can split the screen to display from the front and rear of the phone simultaneously, allowing pictures and videos that show the photographer's reaction alongside the image's subject. Nokia's software also allows this split feed to be easily streamed online.

In its marketing, HMD describes this "Dual-Sight" feature as "less Selfie, more Bothie".

"This is especially meant for millennial creators, people who want to share what's happening every day," HMD's chief marketing officer Pekka Rantala said.

The phone can also record full 4K video and capture spatial 360-degree audio.

Launching locally in September for $899, the Nokia 8 joins the Nokia 3, 5 and 6 which are currently available at $250, $330 and $399 respectively. In other regions, the company also offers a modernised version of the classic Nokia 3310.

HMD chose to release cheaper models first because 50 per cent of global demand was for phones costing between 100 euros and 250 euros (between $150 and $370), said Juho Sarvikas, HMD's chief product officer.

"We wanted to start there, where we know that we are highly relevant with our proposition. We're very eager to enter the flagship segment as well."

The launch comes as Apple prepares to launch a new iPhone and Samsung rolls out its new Galaxy Note 8. Sarvikas said that HMD was "less concerned about competition; we're here to design for the consumers."

With agencies