HMD Pulse: Sustainable budget smartphones announced for self-repair

Published by Timo Altmeyer on the 28. April 2024

HMD Global, previously known for Nokia smartphones, is launching its own series: The HMD Pulse smartphones score points with their repairability and solid technology at a low price. We looked at the details.

HMD Pulse Series Hero

Pulse, Pulse Plus and Pulse Pro: The differences

All three HMD Pulse models have a 6,65 inch HD+ display with a smooth 90 Hz. Inside, the solid Unisoc T606 chip works with up to 6 GB of RAM. Depending on the model, the memory is 64 GB or 128 GB and can be expanded via microSD. The 5000 mAh battery is intended to ensure long runtimes, and the Pulse Pro can also be charged faster with 20W.

HMD Pulse Pro Lifestyle (1)

With unusual color options such as Twilight Purple, Black Ocean and Glacier Green, the HMD Pulse series stands out visually from the gray crowd and hits the nerve of a trendy, youthful design.

 The main differences are in the camera: 

  •  Pulse: 13 MP main camera + 8 MP front camera
  •  Pulse Plus: 50 MP main camera + 8 MP front camera
  •  Pulse Pro: 50 MP main camera with depth sensor + 50 MP selfie cam with AI functions

Pure Android and long updates

On the software side, there is pure Android 14 without any annoying bloatware. HMD also promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches. This means that Pulse cell phones stay up to date for a long time.

HMD Pulse Pro Lifestyle (3)

It's the user's responsibility: repairs made easy

The special thing about the Pulse series is that it is easy to repair. Together with iFixit, HMD offers repair kits and spare parts. This means that users can easily replace the battery, display or charging socket themselves if there is a defect.

According to the HMD study, this is a buying argument for 39% of young Germans. Market researchers also see a trend towards greater repairability. HMD's goal: by 2024, three out of four devices sold should be repairable.

HMD Pulse Pro Lifestyle (2)

The HMD Pulse series is now available for pre-order in the HMD online shop:

  • Pulse: 139 euros
  • Pulse Plus: 159 euros
  • Pulse Pro: 179 euros

The repair kits from iFixit are available from 24,95 euros.

Source: Press Release

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