HMD Fusion: A Repairable Smartphone for Budget Seekers and Eco-Warriors
In a world dominated by disposable technology, the HMD Fusion stands out as a beacon for sustainability and practicality. With its user-repairable design, decent performance, and eco-conscious ethos, this smartphone is a great option for families, accident-prone users, budget-conscious buyers, and eco-warriors alike. While its display leaves something to be desired, the phone's repairability and customization options make it a compelling choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding repairability and customizability
- Stylish, industrial design
- Generally solid performance
Cons:
- Below-average display quality
- No wide-angle rear camera
Key Features of the HMD Fusion
Customizable Accessories
One of the standout features of the HMD Fusion is its metal contacts on the back, which allow for direct connections to various peripherals. Whether it’s a ring light case or a game controller, you can attach accessories without using the USB-C port. For DIY enthusiasts, the phone even encourages creating custom add-ons.
50MP Selfie Camera
With a 50MP front-facing camera, the HMD Fusion is perfect for selfies, video calls, and content creation. Paired with a 108MP rear sensor, it ensures users can capture high-quality images.
User Repairable
Thanks to a partnership with iFixit, the HMD Fusion allows you to replace its battery, screen, and USB port at home. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to avoid costly repairs or replacing their entire phone after an accident.
Design: Industrial and Purposeful
The HMD Fusion’s design reflects its repairability-first approach. Visible screws and a semi-exposed back showcase its modular nature. The recessed gold contacts on the back add functionality for add-ons, while the raised camera array gives it a modern look.
Despite its budget price, the phone feels premium with its 200-gram weight and sturdy build. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Display: A Weak Link
The 6.56-inch 720p IPS LCD panel is one of the HMD Fusion’s weaker points. While the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, the overall brightness and color vibrancy fall short compared to competitors like the Motorola Moto G35 5G.
For indoor use, the display is adequate, but outdoor visibility and viewing angles leave much to be desired. If a high-quality screen is a priority, you might want to consider alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy A35.
Camera: Mixed Results
The HMD Fusion features a 108MP main camera, a 50MP front-facing camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the main shooter performs admirably for everyday photos, the lack of an ultra-wide-angle lens is a noticeable omission.
The front-facing camera, however, is a standout feature. Whether you're into TikTok, video calls, or snapping selfies, the 50MP sensor delivers impressive results, especially when paired with accessories like the Flashy Outfit ring light case.
For those who prioritize photography, you might also consider the Google Pixel 7a for its superior camera capabilities.
Performance: Solid for Everyday Use
Powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor with 6GB of RAM, the HMD Fusion offers decent performance for its price. While it won’t handle heavy-duty tasks like high-end gaming or video editing, it’s more than capable for everyday activities like web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
For gamers, the Adreno 613 GPU ensures smooth gameplay on less demanding titles like Wild Rift and Dead Cells. However, more resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact may struggle.
Battery Life: Built to Last
The 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, even with moderate gaming and streaming. Light gaming drains about 4% in 30 minutes, while Netflix consumes about 10% per hour. With 33W fast charging, you can get a 59% charge in just 30 minutes.
Best of all, the battery is user-replaceable, ensuring the phone’s longevity. If you’re in the market for a fast charger, check out options like the Anker 33W Charger.
Software: Clean and Upgradable
Running on Android 14, the HMD Fusion offers a clean user interface with minimal bloatware. It’s also guaranteed to receive two major Android updates, ensuring you’ll stay up-to-date for the foreseeable future.
Who Should Buy the HMD Fusion?
Buy it if:
- You want a phone that’s easy to repair and built to last.
- You’re a casual user who values sustainability and practicality.
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly device with decent performance.
Skip it if:
- You need a high-quality display for media consumption.
- You rely heavily on ultra-wide-angle photography.
Final Thoughts
The HMD Fusion is a unique offering in today’s smartphone market. While it doesn’t compete with flagship devices in terms of display quality or performance, its focus on repairability and sustainability makes it an excellent choice for certain users. Whether you’re accident-prone, eco-conscious, or just looking for a budget-friendly device that can handle everyday tasks, the HMD Fusion is worth considering.
If you’re looking for alternatives, check out the Motorola Moto G55 for better display quality or the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G for an innovative reading experience.
FAQs
Does the HMD Fusion support wireless charging?
Not out of the box, but accessories can enable wireless charging via the rear pins.
Can the processor be upgraded?
No, the processor is not modular. However, key components like the battery and screen are user-replaceable.
The HMD Fusion is a step in the right direction for sustainable technology. By prioritizing repairability and offering decent performance, it’s a great option for those who value longevity over cutting-edge features.
