HMD, or Human Mobile Devices, best known for the Nokia branded feature and smartphones has overnight launched its own device range, the HMD Pulse, Pulse + and Pulse Pro. What is also interesting is the HMD Pulse range is built to be repairable, HMD calls it ‘Gen 1 repairability’, empowering owners to replace a damaged display, bent charging port, or depleted battery, without an engineering degree. Users can simply pick up a self-repair kit in partnership with iFixit.

Now before you think HMD is getting rid of the Nokia Brand, Brenden Folitarik GM for Australia and Oceania said that HMD will still be a house of brand, further noting:

“We are here to deliver something new, exciting and different to Australian consumers and to the industry as a whole. Our inaugural Pulse range epitomises what HMD will stand for in the market, reinforcing that Australians no longer need to decide between design or value, features or fashion. As Human Mobile Devices our focus will always be what is best for Australians, balancing the very best in design, technology and value.”

Furthermore, CMO of Human Mobile Devices, Lars Silberbauer has stated:

“We’ve got our finger on the pulse, and recognise consumers’ needs and anticipate market trends; repair is the cornerstone of a fresh chapter in smartphone innovation. Forget the ordinary; this is a new era of smartphone sophistication with substance.”

So let’s have a look at what each of the devices are offering shall we

HMD Pulse

The HMD Pulse is the starter of the line up and come with a 6.56-inch HD+ HID display with a 90Hz and 480 nits (1612×720) that is powered by a Unisoc T606 processor chipset, 4GB RAM, 64 GB onboard storage which can be expanded via MicroSD card to 256GB.

In terms of cameras, the HMD Pulse comes with a Dual rear camera setup made up of a 13MP whilst the front facing camera is 8MP of which both the rear and selfie cameras come complete with AI HDR and skin-tone optimisation for naturally vibrant shots.

The HMD Pulse comes with Android 14 right out of the box and will support 2 years’ worth of security and OS Firmware updates. Furthermore, the Pulse will come with a 5000 mAh battery and support 10W charging, alongside Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth version 5.0, NFC, and there is also a 3.5mm audio jack for those that prefer to use wired earbuds or headphones. The Pulse will only support 4G LTE connectivity, while potentially disappointing, is also understandable given the price point is so sharp.

The HMD Pulse is available in three colours, meteor black, tundra rose and atmos blue for $229 through retail partners, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks and Big W.

HMD Pulse +

The HMD Pulse + is the middle device and offers a lot more for a smaller price increase.

The HMD Pulse + comes with a 6.56-inch HD+ HID display that comes with a 90Hz and 480 nits display (1612×720) that is powered by a Unisoc T606, 4GB RAM that comes with 128GB of onboard storage which can be expanded via MicroSD card to 256GB.

In terms of camera´s, the HMD Pulse + comes with a dual rear camera setup made up of a 50MP wide lens and a depth sensor but there is no mention of the lens megapixels. The front facing is an 8MP camera lens.

The HMD Pulse + runs Android 14 right out of the box and will be supported with 2 years of security and firmware updates.

Furthermore, the Pulse + will come with a 5000 mAh quick fix battery that supports 10W charging, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth version 5.0.

The Pulse + will come in three various colours – Apricot Crush, Midnight Blue, Glacier Green and will be available from retail partners B Hi-Fi and Officeworks and at a later date from Big W, Telstra and Vodafone for $259.

Pulse Pro

The HMD Pulse Pro is the hero of the show, with the Pulse Pro being described as the selfie-lover’s new best friend thanks to its camera set up and AI tech they have placed into the cameras software.

The HMD Pulse Pro comes with a 6.65-inch PS LCD display that supports 90Hz refresh rate and 480 nits (720 x 1612 which is powered by an Octa-core Unisoc T606, 6GB RAM, 128 onboard storage that can be expanded 256GB via MicroSD card.

In terms of cameras, the Pulse Pro comes with a dual rear camera setup that is made up of a 50 MP wide camera lens and a 3MP depth sensor whilst the front facing is also a 50MP camera lens.

The Pulse Pro will run Android 14 right out of the box and will support 2 years worth of security and OS Firmware updates. Furthermore, the HDM Pulse Pro will also comes with a 3.5mm Audio jack for those who do prefer wired earbuds or headphones.

The Pulse Pro will also include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth version 5.0, NFC capabilities and a 5000 mAh quickfix replaceable battery which can support 20W fast charging.The Pulse pro will be available in three colours – Glacier Green, Twilight Purple and Black Ocean and is available to purchase right now through retail partners B Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks and Big W for $299.

We are hoping to review the Pulse line up, so keep an eye out for this when they hit the site to find out our thoughts and experience with the Pulse line up

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JeniSkunk

With their substandard 720p displays, these HMD Pulse devices are overpriced by at least $200.

GrKTcB

4G only devices in 2024 just don’t cut it, especially when the competition has 5G devices at similar prices with better hardware.

The Motorola G54 walks all over these devices at $249