HMD Global, the manufacturer behind Nokia smartphones for several years, announced a significant rebranding earlier this year.
As part of this rebranding, the company revealed it would no longer use the Nokia brand name for its future phone releases. Instead, HMD Global committed to creating devices that are “affordable, beautiful, desirable, and repairable.”
Today, HMD Global has demonstrated its commitment to this promise by unveiling the HMD Skyline, its first repairable mid-range smartphone.
The HMD Skyline features a design reminiscent of the Nokia N9 from 2011 and introduces a unique feature: the ability to replace a cracked screen or a failing battery in under 10 minutes, a capability the company refers to as Gen 2 repairability.
Display and Performance
The HMD Skyline boasts a 6.5-inch OLED screen with Full HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. The front camera is a 50 MP sensor with autofocus, housed within a punch hole.
Powering the device is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, paired with either 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage. There is also a slot for a micro SD card, allowing for an additional 512 GB of storage.
Also Read: Oppo and Ericsson sign global 5G patent cross-licensing agreement
Cameras
On the back, the Skyline features a triple camera setup, including a 108 MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 13 MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 50 MP 2x telephoto camera capable of up to 4x zoom. HMD has integrated AI technology with its AI Capture Fusion, which enhances the detail in photos taken with the device.
Repairability
One of the standout features of the Skyline is its easy repairability. The back cover can be opened by unscrewing a single screw, enabling quick fixes for cracked screens, bent charging ports, or depleted batteries using standard iFixit kits. iFixit will also supply the spare parts.
The battery is a 4,600 mAh cell that supports 33W wired and 15W magnetic Qi2 wireless charging. Additionally, the device includes a customizable button on the side for quick access to apps and features.
Software and Updates
Running on Android 14, the HMD Skyline will receive two OS updates and three years of security patches. It also includes a Detox Mode, allowing users to limit notifications and access to social networks if they become overwhelming.
Pricing and Availability
The HMD Skyline is priced at $499, or approximately KES 65,000. However, it is important to note that the device does not come with an adapter in the box. HMD offers a 33W wall charger for £30 (approximately KES 5,000) or a 30W dual-port adapter for £20 (approximately KES 3,000) on its website.
Due to its easy repairability, users can purchase parts directly from the manufacturer. The display is priced at $95 (approximately KES 12,000), the battery cover at $30 (approximately KES 4,000), the battery itself at $25 (approximately KES 3,300), and the charging port at $20 (approximately KES 2,700).
The initial purchase should include a fix kit, available from iFixit for an additional $5. HMD Kenya has not yet announced whether the Skyline will be available in the Kenyan market, so we will have to wait for further updates.
Nonetheless, the HMD Skyline offers compelling selling points, especially in an era where mobile repairability is becoming increasingly difficult with each new phone launch.
HMD Skyline Specifications
