Long in the shadow of Nokia, Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has found its identity. The European manufacturer has been playing the card of repairable and affordable smartphones for several months. It offers us a new demonstration when it presents the Skyline, a smartphone “at the service of humanity”.
Like a Lumia air
Even though HMD is now launching devices under its own brand, the Finnish company is not done with Nokia. Its HMD Skyline is very reminiscent of the Nokia Lumia with an angular and rectangular design. From a technical point of view, this smartphone has a 6.55-inch pOLED display in Full HD+ with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. This panel is HDR10 compatible and stereo speakers are present, enough to make the Skyline suitable for entertainment.
It’s powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip, which positions it as a mid-range smartphone. The manufacturer adds a 4,600mAh battery that promises up to 48 hours of battery life on a single charge. The Skyline is limited to 33W wired “fast” charging and 15W wireless charging. According to HMD, it has been tested to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 800 full cycles.
The good news is that the device is focused on repairability. It will be possible to replace the battery thanks to “easy access” if necessary.
The photo part is obviously essential and HMD offers a triple photo sensor on the back. It is based around a main module (wide-angle) of 108 Mpx with optical stabilization. It accompanies an ultra wide-angle of 13 Mpx and a telephoto lens of 50 Mpx with x2 optical zoom. A rather versatile configuration on paper, especially with the front camera of 50 Mpx. With this high definition, the Skyline targets generation Z who are particularly fond of selfies.
A repairable smartphone that aims to limit social media addiction
In order to stand out in a market where there are always many contenders, HMD is betting on repairability and the fight against overconnection. The first is a recurring theme for this European manufacturer that is trying to make its smartphones more easily repairable. An approach that aims to increase the lifespan of smartphones. The HMD Skyline inaugurates what the brand calls “Gen2 Repairability” which promises simple repairs at home. “You just have to turn a screw to open the back cover using a screwdriver and a pick,” explains the manufacturer. It can also count on the support of iFixit which assures, via its CEO Kyle Wiens, that “Humans Mobile Devices has set the bar very high in terms of repairability”. The Skyline is even given a score of 9/10 for repairability.
In fact, the number of steps required to repair the HMD Skyline’s screen is reduced by 65% compared to HMD’s first repairable smartphone. The device still has an IP54 certification, which it does not lose even if disassembled. Indeed, it notably uses a foam gasket around the perimeter of the screen to maintain its certification, even if the screen is replaced. On the battery side, a plastic lining allows it to be easily separated from the chassis. It is also possible to repair bent charging ports and scratched rear covers.
Finally, the HMD Skyline is banking on a Detox Mode that allows you to block applications and contacts in a personalized way. The manufacturer mentions in particular the possibility of taking a break by deactivating social networks, known for their toxicity. HMD is also relaunching the subject of digital well-being, put forward by Google and Apple a few years ago. After the integration of tools to control its use, the subject is less addressed by the two giants.
Software monitoring that leaves something to be desired
However, there is one shadow that tarnishes the picture painted by HMD: software support. While the manufacturer promises spare parts for 7 years, its smartphone will only receive two years of Android updates and three years of security patches. This is a far cry from the 6 or 7 years offered by OnePlus, Google or Samsung.
Price and availability
The HMD Skyline is launching in two colours (neon pink and twisted black). It is available now, starting at €499. Just under €500, it will have to face competition from the Samsung Galaxy A55 Google Pixel 7/Pixel 8a.
Note that HMD also informs us of the detailed costs of parts for the Skyline:
- Screen: 94.95 euros (each) / 99.95 euros (Kit)
- Case (black, pink, blue, etc.): 29.95 euros (each) / 34.95 euros (kit)
- Loading port: 19.95 euros (piece) / 24.95 euros (kit)
- Battery (4,600 mAh): 24.95 euros (each) / 29.95 euros (kit)
Source: www.journaldugeek.com
