HMD, the company that owns the Nokia brand for smartphones, has been teasing its entry into the budget phone market with the Pulse series. Recently, leaks revealed details about the Pulse Pro, the higher-end model in the lineup. Let’s dive into what we know so far and see if this phone offers good value for money.
Display and Design
The HMD Pulse Pro boasts a large 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1480 pixels. While not the sharpest panel available, it offers a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience. Currently, there are no leaks regarding available color options, but the listing from Finnish retailer Gigantti only mentions black.
Performance and Storage
Under the hood, the Pulse Pro is powered by the Unisoc T606 SoC, a budget-oriented processor paired with 6GB of RAM. This combination might struggle with demanding games or multitasking, but it should be sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing the web, social media, and streaming videos. Storage starts at 128GB, which is decent for most users, and there’s a microSD card slot for further expansion if needed.
Cameras
The HMD Pulse Pro takes a surprising approach to cameras. It features a dual rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a secondary 2MP depth sensor. This setup prioritizes megapixel count over versatility. The front-facing camera also boasts a 50MP sensor, which could be a big selling point for selfie enthusiasts on a budget. However, it’s important to remember that megapixel count isn’t everything. Image quality will also depend on factors like sensor size, lens quality, and image processing software.
Battery Life and Other Features
The HMD Pulse Pro packs a massive 5000mAh battery, which is excellent news for users who prioritize long battery life. This should easily last a full day or even longer on a single charge, depending on usage patterns. Charging is handled via a USB-C port, but there’s no mention of fast charging capabilities.
The phone runs Android 14 out of the box, which is a plus considering some budget phones launch with outdated software. HMD promises two years of major Android updates and three years of security updates, which is decent for a budget device. Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Wi-Fi 5, and a headphone jack. The phone is also IP52 certified for dust and splash resistance.
Price and Availability
The HMD Pulse Pro is expected to launch on April 24th with a price tag of EUR 179 (around USD 190 or Rs. 15,890). This puts it firmly in the budget phone category.
Final Thoughts
The HMD Pulse Pro appears to be a solid option for budget-minded users who prioritize a large display, big battery, and high megapixel count cameras. However, the Unisoc T606 processor might not be ideal for heavy multitasking, and the lack of information about fast charging is a point to consider.
If you’re looking for a powerful phone for gaming or demanding applications, the Pulse Pro might not be the best choice. But for casual users who value battery life, a big screen, and decent cameras at an affordable price, the HMD Pulse Pro is definitely worth considering. Keep an eye out for official announcements and reviews before making a final decision.