In the fast-paced world of smartphones, HMD Global is back with a brand new device, the HMD Fusion. The smartphone market is more competitive than ever, and HMD is aiming to carve its niche with innovative features, solid build quality, and an affordable price tag. In this hands-on review, we’ll cover every aspect of the HMD Fusion and offer detailed impressions to help you decide whether this new contender is worth your investment.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to HMD Fusion 2024
- Design and Build Quality
- Display: A Visual Treat?
- Performance: Power and Speed
- Camera Capabilities: Can It Compete?
- Battery Life and Charging
- Software Experience
- Connectivity and Extras
- Price and Availability
- HMD Fusion vs Competitors
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs About HMD Fusion
1. Introduction to HMD Fusion 2024
The HMD Fusion is the latest smartphone from HMD Global, the company responsible for resurrecting the Nokia brand. The Fusion aims to blend high-end features with affordability, catering to budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on performance. With the smartphone industry rapidly evolving in 2024, HMD has attempted to deliver a handset that offers value, performance, and style. Our detailed impressions will uncover whether the HMD Fusion lives up to its promises.
2. Design and Build Quality
The HMD Fusion impresses right out of the box with its sleek and minimalist design. The device features a robust aluminium frame, giving it a premium feel despite its budget price. The back is crafted from durable polycarbonate, which is both lightweight and resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
The phone fits comfortably in hand with a weight of around 185 grams, striking a good balance between sturdiness and portability. HMD has also made the Fusion water and dust resistant (IP52), ensuring that it can withstand splashes and light rain. In terms of design, the HMD Fusion seems ready to compete with much pricier smartphones on the market.
Key Design Highlights:
- Aluminium frame with a polycarbonate back
- IP52 rating for water and dust resistance
- Sleek, minimalist aesthetics
3. Display: A Visual Treat?
The HMD Fusion boasts a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and vibrant colours. While it isn’t an OLED panel, the IPS LCD provides decent contrast and brightness levels, making it ideal for daily tasks like browsing, watching videos, and casual gaming.
The slightly curved 2.5D glass on the front enhances the viewing experience, while the display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Although it doesn’t offer the deep blacks of an AMOLED screen, the HMD Fusion’s display is impressive for its price range, making it a strong contender for budget shoppers who value screen quality.
Display Specifications:
- 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD
- 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
- Gorilla Glass 3 protection
4. Performance: Power and Speed
Under the hood, the HMD Fusion is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset, an octa-core processor designed for mid-range smartphones. Paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the device handles multitasking, media consumption, and moderate gaming with ease. The addition of 5G support ensures that the HMD Fusion is future-proof, allowing users to take advantage of faster mobile networks when available.
In day-to-day use, the HMD Fusion feels snappy and responsive. Apps open quickly, and transitions between tasks are smooth. It may not match the raw power of flagship devices, but for the average user, the performance is more than adequate.
Performance Benchmarks:
- MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor
- 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
5. Camera Capabilities: Can It Compete?
The HMD Fusion features a versatile triple camera setup on the back, led by a 64MP primary sensor. This is complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera performs well in well-lit conditions, producing sharp and vibrant images. The ultra-wide lens is a welcome addition for landscape shots, and the depth sensor ensures decent bokeh effects in portrait shots.
In low light, however, the HMD Fusion’s camera struggles a bit, with images appearing noisier and less detailed. There is a dedicated Night Mode, but it doesn’t quite match the capabilities of higher-end smartphones. The front-facing 16MP camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, delivering clear images in good lighting.
Camera Features:
- 64MP main sensor
- 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens
- 2MP depth sensor
Camera Features (Continued):
- 16MP front camera
- 4K video recording capability (rear)
- Dedicated Night Mode for improved low-light photography
In terms of video, the HMD Fusion supports up to 4K recording at 30fps. The footage is stable, thanks to electronic image stabilisation (EIS), though it may not be as smooth as optical image stabilisation (OIS) found in premium smartphones. Overall, for its price, the HMD Fusion’s camera system is capable and versatile, though it may struggle in challenging lighting conditions.
6. Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the HMD Fusion is its 5,000mAh battery, which provides exceptional longevity. On a full charge, the phone easily lasts an entire day with moderate to heavy use, including web browsing, video streaming, and gaming. In our hands-on tests, the HMD Fusion regularly hit 8-9 hours of screen-on time.
For charging, the phone supports 33W fast charging, which allows you to top up the battery to 50% in just about 30 minutes. However, the phone does not come with wireless charging, a feature that remains rare at this price point.
Battery Highlights:
- 5,000mAh battery capacity
- 33W fast charging support
- No wireless charging
7. Software Experience
The HMD Fusion runs on Android 13, with a clean, near-stock experience, free from bloatware and unnecessary customisations. This ensures smooth performance and timely security updates, which is one of the selling points of HMD’s approach to software. The company has also promised at least two major Android updates, meaning the device will receive Android 14 and 15.
The user interface is simple and intuitive, making the HMD Fusion easy to navigate even for less tech-savvy users. There are a few useful features like Digital Wellbeing and Focus Mode, which help you manage your screen time.
Software Features:
- Android 13 out-of-the-box
- Guaranteed updates to Android 14 and 15
- Near-stock Android experience
8. Connectivity and Extras
The HMD Fusion supports 5G, which is becoming increasingly important as 5G networks roll out worldwide. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6, and NFC for contactless payments. There’s a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – a feature many users still appreciate.
The fingerprint sensor is side-mounted and is fast and reliable. The device also offers face unlock, although it’s not as secure as the fingerprint scanner.
Connectivity and Extras:
- 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
- NFC for contactless payments
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- 3.5mm headphone jack
9. Price and Availability
At launch, the HMD Fusion is priced competitively, sitting in the mid-range segment of the market. It is available in multiple regions, including Europe and Asia, with a price tag of around £299 (or equivalent). Considering its combination of 5G, a decent display, and solid performance, the HMD Fusion offers good value for money.
You can purchase the device online through HMD’s official website, as well as through major retailers. Availability in physical stores may vary depending on your location.
Pricing Details:
- UK price: Approx. £299
- Available in Europe, Asia, and selected other markets
10. HMD Fusion vs Competitors
The HMD Fusion faces stiff competition from other mid-range devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, Samsung Galaxy A34, and Realme 10 Pro. While each of these phones has its strengths, the HMD Fusion stands out with its clean software experience, solid battery life, and 5G support.
However, in terms of camera performance and display quality, some competitors may offer more, especially models with OLED displays and better low-light camera capabilities. Ultimately, your choice may depend on your priorities: whether you value software simplicity, battery life, or camera performance more.
Key Competitors:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Samsung Galaxy A34
- Realme 10 Pro
11. Final Thoughts
The HMD Fusion is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that strikes a fine balance between performance, design, and value. It excels in offering a clean Android experience, solid battery life, and future-proofing with 5G support. While it may not outperform flagship devices in areas like camera performance or display quality, it provides a competitive option for budget-conscious users who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Clean, stock Android experience
- Long battery life
- 5G support
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Camera struggles in low light
- No OLED display
- Lack of wireless charging
12. FAQs About HMD Fusion
1. What is the price of the HMD Fusion?
The HMD Fusion is priced at approximately £299 in the UK, with similar pricing in other regions depending on local taxes and import duties.
2. Does the HMD Fusion support 5G?
Yes, the HMD Fusion comes with full 5G support, making it a future-proof choice for users in regions where 5G networks are available or will be soon.
3. How is the battery life of the HMD Fusion?
The HMD Fusion features a 5,000mAh battery that offers excellent battery life, often lasting more than a day with typical usage. It supports 33W fast charging for quick top-ups.
4. What kind of display does the HMD Fusion have?
The HMD Fusion is equipped with a 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. While it is not an OLED, the display offers smooth visuals and decent brightness levels.
5. Is the HMD Fusion good for gaming?
With the MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor and 6GB of RAM, the HMD Fusion can handle casual and mid-range gaming. High-end gaming may see some limitations in graphics settings and frame rates.
6. Does the HMD Fusion have wireless charging?
No, the HMD Fusion does not support wireless charging. However, it does offer fast wired charging at 33W.
7. What Android version does the HMD Fusion run?
The HMD Fusion ships with Android 13 out of the box and is guaranteed to receive updates to Android 14 and Android 15 in the future.
8. Is the HMD Fusion waterproof?
The HMD Fusion has an IP52 rating, which means it is resistant to dust and light splashes of water. However, it is not fully waterproof, so it’s best to avoid submerging it in water.
In conclusion, the HMD Fusion offers a great package for those looking for a mid-range smartphone in 2024. With reliable performance, a clean software experience, and future-proof features like 5G, it’s an attractive option for budget-conscious users looking for a capable daily driver.