Human Mobile Devices (HMD) Global, known for its Nokia-branded phones, has unveiled its first line of smartphones under its brand: the HMD Pulse Pro, HMD Pulse+, and HMD Pulse in the Kenyan market.
HMD emphasizes a commitment to understanding consumer needs and anticipating market trends.
The company positions repairability as a core innovation in this new smartphone chapter.
Every phone in the Human Mobile Devices Pulse range boasts “Gen 1 repairability,” allowing users to replace damaged components without extensive technical expertise.
HMD’s launch aligns with the growing trend of repairable electronics. Their research suggests a significant shift in consumer behaviour towards repairable devices. They project that most devices sold in Europe by 2024 will be repairable.
Sanmeet Singh Kocchar, HMD VP for AMEA, highlighted their commitment to understanding consumer needs and delivering innovative products. “This launch in Kenya represents not only a significant milestone for our company but also a testament to our commitment to serving diverse markets with excellence, innovation, and integrity.”
Joseph Umunakwe, HMD General Manager for WECA, emphasized repairability and its potential to empower user creativity.
“We want to champion people’s creativity – which is leaps and bounds beyond what we can achieve solo. The potential is endless. These could be as simple as a case with an extended battery, a bespoke fashion-forward outfit, a payment terminal, barcode scanners, or even portable, connected medical equipment, it really is a blank canvas for creativity.”
This launch follows HMD’s recent collaboration with Heineken and Bodega on “The Boring Phone.”
The HMD Pulse Series
The Pulse series features clean lines, modern aesthetics, and a focus on repairability, all at an accessible price point. The phones are also constructed with recycled materials.
HMD Pulse Pro
- Large Display and Powerful Battery: This model boasts a 6.65-inch HD+ 90Hz display with 600 nits of brightness. It runs on a Unisoc T606 processor with 6GB of RAM (expandable to 8GB) and 128GB of storage (expandable to 256GB via microSD).
- Strong Cameras: The Pulse Pro features a 50MP main camera with skin tone optimization, a 2MP depth sensor, and LED flash on the back. The front-facing camera is also 50MP and supports selfie gestures and slow-motion selfies.
- Long Battery Life: According to HMD, this phone packs a 5000mAh QuickFix replaceable battery with 20W fast charging, offering up to 59 hours on a single charge and lasting up to 800 complete charging cycles.
HMD Pulse+ and Pulse
- Similar Display and Processor: Both models share the same 6.65-inch HD+ 90Hz display with 600 nits of brightness and run on the Unisoc T606 processor.
- Storage Options: The Pulse+ offers 128GB of internal storage, while the Pulse comes with 64 GB. Both support storage expansion up to 256GB via microSD card and have 4GB of RAM (expandable with Virtual RAM options).
- Camera Differences: The Pulse+ features a 50MP main camera, while the Pulse has a 13MP main camera. Both have a 2MP depth sensor, LED flash, and an 8MP front-facing camera with skin tone optimization.
- Slower Charging: Unlike the Pulse Pro, these models use 10W charging for their 5000mAh QuickFix replaceable batteries.
Common Features Across All Pulse Models
- OZO Audio
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated with the power button
- Connectivity options: 4G, Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Bluetooth v5.0, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C (USB 2.0), and GPS/Galileo
- Android 14 with two years of OS upgrades and three years of quarterly security updates
- IP52 dust and water resistance
