HMD Global, the company behind the revival of the Nokia brand in the smartphone market, has unveiled its own line of Android devices under its own brand name. The company is introducing two distinct series of smartphones, the Pulse and Vibe, each catering to different market segments and price points.
The Pulse series is positioned as a budget-friendly option, comprising three models: the Pulse, Pulse+, and Pulse Pro. These smartphones feature Unisoc processors, with the Pulse featuring a T606 chip, the Pulse+ offering double the RAM and a 50MP main camera, and the Pulse Pro boasting faster charging and a 50MP front-facing camera. All three models share a common 6.56-inch display and are priced at €139, €159, and €179, respectively. They will be available in Europe and emphasize repairability, as highlighted on HMD’s website.
In the US, HMD Global is launching the Vibe, a more compelling device that will debut in May. The Vibe is equipped with a Snapdragon 680 processor, 6GB of RAM, and a 6.56-inch 90Hz display. It features a 13MP main rear camera and a 4,000 mAh battery with USB-C charging, slightly less than the 5,000 mAh battery capacity of the Pulse lineup. The Vibe also includes a convenient 3.5mm headphone jack and runs Android 14 out of the box. HMD will offer the Vibe in the US for $149 when it becomes available in May.
While the Vibe may not be a groundbreaking smartphone, it presents a solid value proposition for its price point. It remains to be seen what other devices HMD has in store for the future, but these new Pulse and Vibe series represent the company’s latest efforts to establish its own brand identity in the Android smartphone market.
