HMD
HMD Launches Repairable Affordable-Flagship Model
HMD today announced the HMD Skyline, the company's first "premium" model under its own HMD brand. The phone is easily repairable thanks to a unique "internal screw-driven camshaft" that lets you pop open the back cover with just the turn of a screw. The screen, battery, charging port, and back cover are all designed to be easily replaced by the end user or a repair center. The phone has high-end specs including a 108 megapixel main camera, 13 megapixel wide camera, 50 megapixel tele camera for 4x zoom, and a 50 megapixel front camera with auto-focus. The 6.55-inch pOLED display has FHD+ resolution, 144 Hz refresh, and Gorilla Glass 3. The recycled-aluminum-frame body is rated IP54 for water and dust. The 4,600 mAh battery can be charged with 33-watt fast charging. The Skyline also supports two-way Qi2 wireless charging (15W/5W). Other specs include Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, 8 or 12 GB RAM, 128 or 256 GB storage (expandable), NFC, Wi-Fi 6E, and a fingerprint sensor. It has good support for most 4G and 5G networks in the US (particularly T-Mobile, and Verizon if they certify it). It will come in pink or black. The HMD Skyline goes on sale in the US this August for $499 unlocked. HMD is best known for making Nokia-branded phones for the last several years, but is now branching out to other brands, including its own.
The First HMD-Branded Phone for the US Now Available
The HMD Vibe is now available to buy unlocked. HMD is selling it directly on its web site. HMD has long made Nokia-branded phones, but is now branching out to offer its own brand as well as others. For $150, the HMD Vibe offers a 6.56" HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh, 13 megapixel camera, 4,000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 680 chip, 6 GB RAM, and 128 GB of storage (expandable). It will also be sold by TracFone.
HMD to Launch its Own Phone Brand Alongside Nokia
HMD Global, the company that took over the Nokia brand in the phone space, plans to launch its own brand of phones. HMD Global CEO Jean-Francois Baril published a post saying that "we are establishing an original HMD brand. You can expect to see a new portfolio of HMD branded mobile devices, as well as Nokia devices and collaboration with exciting new partners."
