A LITTLE-KNOWN smartphone brand is hoping to shake up the expensive mobile scene with a device costing less than £100.
HMD Global is not a name most people will be familiar with but it’s actually the company that makes the latest Nokia phones.
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You may have heard about them releasing a Barbie phone earlier this year – and more recently working on a Heineken mobile too.
But the Finnish firm is breaking away from Nokia with its own name on a trio of new handsets revealed today.
The Android range consists of HMD Pulse Pro, HMD Pulse+ and HMD Pulse – the latter being the cheapest of the bunch at only £99.99.
But one of the key selling points for all three is their repairability – which could save you even more money in the long run.
HMD says each device is built to be repairable so owners can replace a damaged display, bent charging port, or a depleted battery, without needing an expensive expert.
Users can pick up a self-repair kit in partnership with iFixit, starting from £17.99.
Ben Wood, Chief Analyst CCS insight, said: “Repairability is a hot topic for consumers, and CCS insight has seen interest in repairing mobile phones increase significantly in both the EU and US over the last year.
“Approximately 55% of those surveyed in the EU said they would like to have a device that’s outside its warranty period repaired at a reasonable cost rather than replacing it with a new device.
“In the US interest is also strong, at an impressive 49%.”
HMD claims the cheapest Pulse has a battery that can last up to 59 hours.
You only get 64 GB of storage but there’s an SD card slot to pack some extra.
HMD has also committed to providing the device with 2 operating system upgrades upgrades.
The 13-megapixel camera on the back uses AI HDR to enhance images and comes with skin-tone optimisation for naturally vibrant shots.
Who offers free updates longest?
The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone – with the latest features thrown in too for free.
Samsung
For the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates.
OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 12, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates.
Google
For the Pixel 8, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support.
Top of the trio is the HMD Pulse Pro which is being marketed as the ” selfie-lover’s new best friend”.
That’s because it comes with a whooping 50-megapixel front facing camera.
You can even give your phone the two-finger salute to kick-start all new Selfie Gesture Navigation – or go hands-free with a finger-heart, thumbs up or two-handed heart sign for group selfies.
Must-know Android tips to boost your phone
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