HMD Global has unveiled its latest innovation, the HMD Fusion, a modular smartphone that brings back the customizable and repairable design concepts. Announced at IFA 2024, the HMD Fusion aims to attract users looking for a versatile, feature-rich device that offers flexibility, sustainability, and an engaging experience through modular design. Here’s everything you need to know about the HMD Fusion, including its price, specifications, features, and availability.
Key Highlights of HMD Fusion
- Modular Design with Smart Outfits
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Processor
- 6.56-inch HD+ Display with 90Hz Refresh Rate
- 108MP Dual Rear Cameras and 50MP Selfie Camera
- 5,000 mAh Battery with 33W Fast Charging
- Easy Repairability with iFixit Kit
Modular Design: Customization Like Never Before
The standout feature of the HMD Fusion is its modular design. Unlike typical smartphones, the Fusion comes with interchangeable covers, known as “Fusion Outfits” or “Smart Outfits,” which enhance the phone’s capabilities by adding hardware and software features. These accessories connect via a six-pin Smart Pin connector on the back of the device.
Types of Smart Outfits
- Flashy Outfit: Comes with a built-in ring light for both front and rear cameras. It provides customizable lighting options for selfies and live streaming, offering users full control over mood lighting and camera effects through the camera app.
- Rugged Outfit: Adds a layer of protection with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. It also supports wireless charging with built-in magnets and features an “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) button for added safety.
- Casual Outfits: Available in various colors, these provide minimal protection while maintaining the sleek look of the phone. They focus on design aesthetics rather than added functionality.
- Gaming Outfit: Features integrated gaming controllers to enhance the gaming experience, providing tactile controls for mobile gamers.
Open-Source Development
HMD is fostering a community-driven approach by allowing users to 3D print their own designs via the open-source HMD Fusion Development Toolkit. This flexibility encourages innovation and personalization, making the HMD Fusion a versatile choice for tech enthusiasts.
Specifications of HMD Fusion
The HMD Fusion is not just about its modular capabilities; it is also a solid mid-range smartphone with reliable specifications that ensure a smooth user experience.
- Display: 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD with 1612 x 720 pixels resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits peak brightness.
- Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which features an Octa-Core CPU with Adreno 613 GPU, ensuring efficient performance.
- Memory and Storage: Available in 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB configurations, with support for expandable storage up to 1TB via microSD.
- Operating System: Runs on Android 14 with a promise of two years of OS upgrades and three years of security updates.
- Camera:
- Rear: Dual camera setup with a 108MP main camera (Electronic Image Stabilization, night mode, RAW image processing) and a 2MP depth sensor.
- Front: 50MP selfie camera with fixed focus, optimized for high-resolution selfies and video calls.
- Battery: 5,000 mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging. The battery life is estimated to last up to 65 hours on a single charge.
- Dimensions and Weight: Measures 164.15 x 75.5 x 8.32 mm and weighs 202.5 grams.
- Other Features: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock feature, and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio for enhanced sound quality.
Connectivity and Sensors
The HMD Fusion is well-equipped with modern connectivity options:
- 5G and Dual 4G VoLTE support for high-speed internet.
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GPS/AGPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo.
- USB Type-C port and 3.5 mm audio jack.
- Sensors include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, e-compass, gyroscope, and proximity sensor.
Easy Repairability and Sustainability
In line with its commitment to sustainability, HMD has incorporated Gen 2 repairability features in the Fusion, similar to its predecessor, the HMD Skyline. The phone allows easy replacement of key components such as the battery, screen, and rear panel using the iFixit kit, ensuring the device’s longevity. HMD promises to offer spare parts for the next seven years, promoting a more sustainable approach to smartphone use.
Pricing and Availability
The HMD Fusion is competitively priced at €249 (approximately Rs 23,400) for the base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. The higher variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage is also available. The device will debut in Europe in Q4 2024, followed by a release in the United States at a starting price of $299.
Additional Costs for Smart Outfits
The modular “Smart Outfits” will be sold separately and are expected to be available later this year. Prices for these accessories range between €39 and €99, depending on the features and functionality they provide.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Smartphones
The HMD Fusion represents a bold step toward reimagining the future of smartphones. With its modular design, repairability, and customizable options, it caters to users who seek more from their mobile devices. While it may not have the full-fledged modular capabilities once envisioned by projects like Google’s Project Ara, it strikes a balance by offering practical and meaningful enhancements without overcomplicating the user experience.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, the HMD Fusion’s approach to modularity and sustainability could set a new trend, providing users with more choices and control over their devices. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or someone who loves customizing their gadgets, the HMD Fusion offers something unique and exciting.
