Buy HMD smartphones
HMD smartphones stand out for two reasons: a stripped-back Android experience without unnecessary extras, and components that you can replace yourself. The manufacturer produced the phones under the Nokia name for many years and has also been using its own brand name since 2024. If you’re looking for a handset with physical keys, take a look at HMD’s feature phones. Use the filters to select by RAM, screen size or camera, and find the handset that suits you straight away.
What should you look out for when choosing an HMD smartphone?
The range is straightforward and focuses mainly on the entry-level and mid-range segments. Do you want to spend as little as possible, or do you want a handset that will last a long time and that you can repair yourself? That choice determines everything else.
Distinguishing between the ranges
HMD uses a few recognisable names. The Pulse models are in the entry-level range and are designed for making calls, sending messages and the occasional photo. The Fusion models sit above them and have more processing power, making the phone feel smoother in everyday use. In addition, special editions are released which mainly differ from the base model in terms of appearance; check the specifications in the product overview on this page if you want to be sure of what you’re getting.
Do-it-yourself repairs are no empty promise here
This is the brand’s strongest selling point, although part of it is now required by law. For models launched on the EU market from 20 June 2025 onwards, manufacturers must provide security updates for at least five years and keep spare parts available for seven years. HMD goes beyond this obligation: parts, tools and step-by-step guides are available for consumers to purchase via iFixit. This allows you to replace a screen or battery yourself. The parts available vary by model, so check this before you choose. According to HMD, the manufacturer’s warranty remains valid if you use official parts; using parts from elsewhere may invalidate it. Your statutory rights vis-à-vis the seller are separate from this. Bear in mind, however, that DIY repairs require suitable tools and a fair bit of patience; if you’re not up for it, you’re better off taking it to a repairer. Also take a look at the broader overview of sustainable phones.
Android without extras
The devices run virtually the standard version of Android: few pre-installed apps and hardly any custom user interface on top. This makes the user experience smooth and familiar. The downside is that you also miss out on the extra features that other manufacturers include in their own user interfaces, ranging from advanced camera modes to smart editing options.
What to look out for in each HMD model
The differences within this range lie in a few specific points.
- RAM: determines how many apps can remain open at the same time and how responsive the device feels
- Update cycle: indicates how long the manufacturer promises to provide security updates for that specific model
- Camera: on entry-level models, you’ll clearly notice the difference compared to a more expensive device when shooting in low light or with moving subjects
Who is an HMD smartphone a good choice for?
An HMD smartphone is ideal for anyone looking for a phone that does the job without causing any hassle, and which you can open yourself if something goes wrong. If you’re primarily looking for the top-of-the-range specifications or the best camera, you won’t find what you’re looking for in this range and would be better off looking more broadly in the overviews of mid-range smartphones and camera phones.
