HMD has recently unveiled its inaugural line of smartphones within the original HMD series: the HMD Pulse Pro, HMD Pulse+, and HMD Pulse, following an array of teasers and leaks.
Presenting the HMD Pulse Collection -
The HMD Pulse Collection marks the debut of HMD's core lineup, characterized by sleek designs, serene hues, contemporary aesthetics, effortless repair options, and striking design elements, all offered at an accessible price point.
As per HMD's statement, each handset within the HMD Pulse lineup is engineered for simple repairs, dubbed 'Gen 1 repairability'. This entails the capability to replace damaged components independently, facilitated by user-friendly repair kits available through a partnership with iFixit.
Introducing the HMD Pulse Pro -
The Pulse Pro model showcases refined aesthetics and modern appeal, sporting a 6.65-inch HD+ 90Hz display boasting a brightness of up to 600 nits. Powering it is the Unisoc T606 chipset, coupled with 6GB of RAM (expandable to 8GB via Virtual RAM) and 128GB of onboard storage, with the option to expand up to 256GB via a MicroSD card.
In terms of photography, it features a 50MP primary camera with skin-tone optimization, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor and LED flash on the rear, as well as a 50MP front-facing camera that supports selfie gestures and slow-motion captures.
The device houses a 5000mAh QuickFix replaceable battery with 20W fast charging support, delivering up to 59 hours of usage on a single charge, and boasts a claimed 800 full charging cycles, according to HMD.
HMD Pulse Pro Specifications -
| Display | 6.65″ HD+ 90Hz display, 1612 x 720 resolution, up to 600 nits of brightness, NTSC 70%, 20:9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | Unisoc T606 Processor |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB / 128GB; MicroSD up to 256GB; Virtual RAM options: 4GB, 6GB, 8GB |
| OS/UI | Android 14; 2 years OS upgrades, 3 years security updates (Quarterly) |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP AF + 2MP Depth + LED Flash |
| Front Camera | 50MP Front |
| Features | Side fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock, Accelerometer (G-sensor), Ambient light sensor, e-Compass, Proximity sensor, IP52 Water Resistant |
| Dimensions | 75.02 x 8.55 x 163.19 mm |
| Weight | 196g |
| Connectivity | Nano Sim, 4G / 3G/ 2G, Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Bluetooth v5.2, NFC, 3.5mm Jack, GPS/AGPS/Galileo, OTG |
| Battery/Charger | 5000mAh QuickFix replaceable battery; Up to 59 hours on a Single charge; USB-C (USB 2.0); 20W; 800 full charging cycles |
HMD Pulse+ and Pulse -
Both variants boast identical specifications, including a 6.65-inch HD+ 90Hz display with a brightness of 600 nits and a weight of 187g. Like the Pro model, both the Pulse+ and Pulse are powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset.
In terms of storage, the Pulse offers 64GB of internal storage, while the Pulse+ provides 128GB. Both models support external storage expansion up to 256GB via a MicroSD card and come with 4GB of RAM, which supports Virtual RAM functionality.
In terms of camera capabilities, the Pulse features a 13MP primary camera alongside a 2MP depth sensor and LED flash, complemented by an 8MP front-facing camera. The Pulse+, on the other hand, boasts an upgraded camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary camera with a 2MP depth sensor, LED flash, and a 50MP front-facing camera. Both devices support skin tone optimization for enhanced photography.
Additionally, both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh QuickFix replaceable battery, similar to the Pulse Pro. However, they feature 10W charging instead of 20W, providing efficient power delivery.
HMD Pulse+ and Pulse Specifications -
| Display | 6.65″ HD+ 90Hz display, 1612 x 720 resolution, up to 600 nits of brightness, NTSC 70%, 20:9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | Unisoc T606 Processor |
| RAM/Storage | 4GB / 64GB/128GB(Pulse+); MicroSD up to 256GB; Virtual RAM options: 4GB, 6GB, 8GB(Pulse+) |
| OS/UI | Android 14; 2 years OS upgrades |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM |
| Rear Cameras | Pulse - 13MP AF + 2MP Depth + LED Flash; Pulse+ - 50MP AF + 2MP Depth + LED Flash |
| Front Camera | Pulse - 8MP Front; Pulse+ - 50MP Front |
| Features | RIY design |
| Connectivity | Nano Sim, 4G / 3G/ 2G, Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Bluetooth v5.2, 3.5mm Jack, GPS/AGPS/Galileo |
| Battery/Charger | 5000mAh QuickFix replaceable battery; Up to 59 hours in Single charge; USB-C (USB 2.0); 10W; 800 full charging cycles |
Common Features -
All models come equipped with OZO Audio technology, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor seamlessly integrated into the power button, and a range of connectivity options including 4G, Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Bluetooth v5.0, NFC, 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C (USB 2.0), and GPS/Galileo.
Operating on Android 14 with eligibility for 2 OS upgrades, these devices receive quarterly security patches for three years. Moreover, they hold an IP52 rating, ensuring resistance to dust and water.
The Pulse series is constructed using recycled materials and adopts a 'Repair it Yourself' (RIY) approach. Users can access spare parts and repair guides through the HMD Repair Hub on ifixit.com, facilitating self-repair initiatives.
Pricing and Availability -
The HMD Pulse and Pulse+ are now accessible for purchase on HMD.com starting today, with the Pro variant set to become available shortly. Prices are -
- HMD Pulse comes in Dream Pink, Meteor Black, and Atmos Blue, and the price is 140 EUR (USD 149 or Rs. 12,498 approx.)
- HMD Pulse+ comes in Apricot Crush, Midnight Blue, and Glacier Green and the price is 160 EUR (USD 171 or Rs. 14,284 approx.)
- HMD Pulse Pro comes in Glacier Green, Black Ocean, and Twilight Purple, and the price is 180 EUR (USD 192 or Rs. 16,070 approx.)
In response to the launch, Lars Silberbauer, the Chief Marketing Officer of Human Mobile Devices, remarked,
"We are deeply attuned to consumers' needs and adept at foreseeing market trends. Repairability stands as the foundation of a new era in smartphone innovation. Let go of the commonplace; this heralds a fresh era of smartphone elegance coupled with functionality."
