The HMD Pulse Pro, released in April 2024, marks a significant entry into the affordable smartphone market, aiming to deliver a solid user experience alongside a standout feature: user repairability. HMD Global, the company behind the former Nokia phones, is clearly prioritizing sustainability and longevity with this device, making it an interesting option for budget-conscious consumers who value maintainability.
Design and Display
The HMD Pulse Pro features a sleek and modern design that belies its affordable price point. It boasts a clean, almost minimalist aesthetic with a glossy plastic back (available in Black Ocean, Glacier Green, and Twilight Purple) that, while attractive, can be a fingerprint magnet. Measuring 8.6mm thin and weighing 196 grams, it’s reasonably comfortable to handle. A key aspect of its design philosophy is “QuickFix repairability,” allowing users to easily replace common components like the display, battery, and charging port with readily available parts and guides from iFixit. This commitment to self-repair is a major differentiator.
The display is a 6.65-inch IPS LCD panel with an HD+ resolution (720×1612 pixels). While a 720p resolution isn’t the sharpest, it’s common in this price bracket. The inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition, providing smoother scrolling and a more fluid feel during daily interactions. It also offers a typical brightness of 480 nits, with a boost to 600 nits for improved outdoor visibility.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the HMD Pulse Pro is powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset. This octa-core processor is an entry-level solution, capable of handling everyday tasks like web Browse, social media, messaging, and light productivity apps. However, users should not expect a powerhouse for demanding games or heavy multitasking, as some reviews indicate it can struggle under heavier loads. The phone is typically available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of eMMC 5.1 internal storage, which is expandable via a microSDXC card slot.
The device runs on a near-stock version of Android 14, offering a clean and intuitive user interface free from excessive bloatware. HMD has committed to two years of Android OS upgrades and three years of quarterly security updates, which is a decent support period for an affordable smartphone.
Camera Capabilities
The HMD Pulse Pro comes with a dual-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 50MP main camera (with autofocus) and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the 50MP sensor can capture decent photos for social sharing, though detail and dynamic range might not rival more expensive devices. The 2MP depth sensor assists with portrait mode for bokeh effects. Surprisingly, the HMD Pulse Pro boasts a 50MP front-facing camera, which is a high resolution for selfies in this price range and includes features like selfie gestures and skin-tone optimization. Both front and rear cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Battery Life
The HMD Pulse Pro is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, which, combined with the power-efficient Unisoc T606 chipset and HD+ display, contributes to excellent battery life. HMD claims up to 59 hours of battery life, with many reviews supporting claims of comfortably lasting two full days on moderate usage. It supports 20W wired charging via a USB Type-C port, which is an acceptable speed for its price, though some competitors offer faster charging. Notably, the battery is user-replaceable thanks to the QuickFix design.
Price and Value
The HMD Pulse Pro is competitively priced in the budget segment, starting around ₹15,990 in India (approximately $190 USD) and around ₦110,000 in Nigeria. Its primary value proposition lies in its strong battery life, decent display with a 90Hz refresh rate, and especially its user repairability, which can significantly extend the phone’s lifespan and reduce ownership costs.
Conclusion
The HMD Pulse Pro is a compelling option for those seeking an affordable smartphone that doesn’t compromise on longevity and basic functionality. Its focus on user repairability is a commendable and unique selling point. While its processor might not be the fastest and the display resolution is modest, the combination of a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, impressive battery life, and the promise of easy self-repairs makes the HMD Pulse Pro a practical and environmentally conscious choice for everyday users.
