HMD Key Smartphone Launched Globally: Unisoc Processor, Android Go Edition, 4,000mAh Battery

The HMD Key smartphone has officially launched globally, an affordable essential smartphone with a starting price of GBP 59 or an estimated price of Php 4,299 in pesos. The phone is now available on the HMD website in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. However, its availability in other regions, especially in the Philippines, has not yet been announced.

HMD Key Smartphone Features

The phone sports a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with HD (576 x 1280) resolution, but only a 60Hz refresh rate and 460 nits peak brightness.

The design comes in a familiar design language with a square camera module and the HMD logo on the back panel and a teardrop camera on the front. It measures 166.4 mm x 76.9 mm x 8.95 mm, weighs 185.4 grams, and comes in Ice Blue and Midnight Black colorways.

Under the hood, the phone is powered by a 28nm 1.4GHz Unisoc 9832E quad-core CPU with a Mali 820 MP1 GPU. The memory configuration includes 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, while it supports up to 128GB via microSD card. The phone runs on Android 14 Go Edition with quarterly security updates for up to two years.

For cameras, the phone sports an 8MP autofocus main sensor with an LED flash, while the front features a 5MP selfie shooter. In addition, the camera features Portrait (bokeh), Night mode, Pro mode, Slow motion, QR code scanner, Time-lapse, and Panorama.

For the battery, it packs a 4,000mAh capacity with only 10W charging speed. The company claims that the battery can last up to 47 hours with moderate usage.

For connectivity, it supports a 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/AGPS/Galileo, WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n, dual SIM, USB Type-C, and FM radio.

Other features include an IP52 rating for water and splash resistance, and memory boost with virtual memory.

Conclusion

The HMD Key offers a compelling entry-level smartphone experience, balancing affordability with essential features. While its specifications may not match other entry level devices, its focus on long battery life and Android Go Edition makes it a practical choice for users prioritizing cost-effectiveness and ease of use. The global rollout is promising, though further details on regional availability are still awaited.

Pros and Cons of the HMD Key Smartphone

Pros:

• Affordable Price: The HMD Key boasts a very competitive price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
• Long Battery Life: The 4000mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient Android Go edition, promises impressive battery life, potentially lasting up to 47 hours on a single charge.
• Essential Features: It includes key features like a large display, dual SIM support, and various camera modes, catering to basic smartphone needs.
• Android Go Edition: Running on Android Go means a smoother, faster experience on lower-end hardware, optimizing performance and resource management.
• Expandable Storage: The microSD card support allows users to expand the internal storage, addressing potential storage limitations.
• Water Resistance: The IP52 rating offers basic protection against water splashes and dust.

Cons:

• Low-End Processor: The Unisoc 9832E processor is a budget-level chip, which might lead to performance limitations compared to other entry-level smartphones, especially for demanding tasks.
• Limited RAM: 2GB of RAM is relatively low by today’s standards and may result in occasional lag or multitasking issues.
• Slow Charging: The 10W charging speed is quite slow, requiring significantly longer charging times compared to faster-charging smartphones.
• Low-Resolution Display: The HD resolution, while adequate for basic use, might appear less sharp than higher-resolution displays found in more expensive phones.
• Limited Refresh Rate: The 60Hz refresh rate may result in a less smooth and responsive display compared to higher refresh rate screens.
• Regional Availability: The limited availability at launch might exclude many potential buyers in certain regions.

Source: HMD