HMD’s Pulse Series: Breaking into New Territory with Mid-Range Smartphones
HMD Global, the company behind Nokia phones, has embarked on a new chapter by introducing its first smartphone lineup under its own brand name, the ‘Pulse’ series. This mid-range trio includes the Pulse, Pulse Plus, and Pulse Pro, offering a blend of features and affordability.
Pulse Pro: Leading the Pack with Enhanced Features
The Pulse Pro, the most advanced model in the series, boasts a Unisoc T606 processor, a 5,000mAh battery capable of lasting up to 59 hours on a single charge, and up to 8GB of RAM. Its 6.65-inch HD Plus touchscreen provides a bright and clear display, while the 50MP selfie camera is supported by features such as Gesture Navigation and AI Super Portrait for enhanced photography. The rear camera setup features a 50MP lens and a 2MP depth option, with Skin Tone Optimization and Flash Shot capabilities.
Pulse and Pulse Plus: Similar Configurations, Subtle Camera Differences
The Pulse and Pulse Plus share many of the same specifications as the Pulse Pro, including the chipset, battery, and display. However, their camera systems differ slightly. The Pulse Plus features a 50MP rear camera (despite its dual-lens appearance) and an 8MP selfie camera, while the standard Pulse has a 13MP rear camera. Both models include some of the Pulse Pro’s image-enhancing software, such as Skin Tone Optimization, but lack the Gesture Navigation feature.
Repairability and Sustainability: A Collaborative Effort
HMD has partnered with iFixit to promote repairability within the Pulse series. Users will be able to replace cracked screens, bent charging ports, or dead batteries, extending the lifespan of their devices. This move aligns with HMD’s commitment to sustainability and reducing electronic waste.
Availability and Pricing
The standard Pulse phone is currently available for purchase in the UK for £99.99 on HMD’s website in Meteor Black. The Dreamy Pink variant is temporarily out of stock. The Pulse Plus and Pulse Pro are expected to launch in the UK soon, with no exact date provided. Plans are underway to release the HMD Vibe, an independent phone in the United States, featuring a similar configuration with a Snapdragon chipset instead of Unisoc. The trio is also slated for release in the EU, but international purchases currently encounter error messages. HMD has been contacted for further information.
