HMD Fusion

Design

The HMD Fusion embraces a bold, industrial design, prioritizing repairability and customization. Visible screws and modular ‘Outfits’ introduce a hands-on approach for aspiring tinkerers. Its robust structure and stainless steel-reinforced plastic casing make it feel solid, although weighing 202.5g isn’t the lightest option for prolonged use. An included clear ‘Casual Outfit’ case hints at its modular dependency.

Some reviewers express mixed feelings about the design. As noted by multiple experts, this ‘incomplete’ look challenges conventional aesthetics, giving users a chance to engage with its bones. When you hold this phone, the matte texture offers a reassuring grip, and the non-slip back ensures comfort.

While it stands apart from cookie-cutter designs, its weight and exposed internals might not suit everyone’s taste. This phone invites you to discover the ease of at-home repairs while making a statement with its distinctive appearance.”

Display(s)

The phone features a 6.56-inch screen with HD+ resolution, which lacks the sharpness seen in many competitors. This impacts the clarity of text and images, especially in bright outdoor settings.

While it supports a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, one reviewer mentions, “The display is the most disappointing aspect” due to its low brightness and muted colors, affecting multimedia enjoyment.

When using the phone outdoors, you’ll likely find it challenging to view the screen because of reflection and lack of brightness.

Performance

The HMD Fusion performs well for everyday activities like browsing and social media, thanks to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. You’ll enjoy decent multitasking with 8GB of RAM, but graphics-intensive apps may test its limits.

Gaming at higher settings proves difficult due to the weak GPU, with reviewers noting “the device is capable of gaming and performs better than its peers in demanding titles like COD: Mobile.”

For average users, this phone provides smooth operation for casual games and light multitasking. Still, it might leave power users wanting more when it comes to intensive applications.

Software & Storage

The HMD Fusion provides a mostly pleasant software journey with its clean Android 14 implementation. It’s devoid of heavy apps that often slow a phone down, which means it runs smoothly most of the time.

Yet, experts noticed occasional software bugs, including random restarts, impacting an otherwise seamless interface. The Fusion lacks longevity with just two future Android updates, which reviewers from Trusted Reviews find disappointing compared to competitors offering longer support.

Despite these hiccups, the accessible design invites eco-conscious users interested in sustainability, offering the potential for software customization.

Cameras

The primary 108MP camera on the HMD Fusion impresses in daylight conditions with sharp, vibrant photos, though it struggles with low-light and lacks an ultrawide lens. As noted by experts, “the Fusion’s 108MP primary camera performs admirably in well-lit conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant shots with natural colors.”

The 50MP selfie camera delivers clarity for social media-ready shots, especially when paired with the ‘Flashy Outfit’ ring light, enhancing low-light selfies. Reviewers also highlighted the slow response of the shutter button, which can hinder capturing fast-moving subjects.

While versatile for its portrait capabilities, the camera range lacks features like optical image stabilization and a telephoto lens, reducing shooting options for enthusiasts seeking creative freedom. Still, for regular use, it provides satisfactory quality at this price point.

Battery

The phone excites with a 5000mAh battery that reviewers like Tech Advisor find “really hard to drain,” promising dependability for extended use. You can engage in video streaming, web browsing, or photography, and still count on the battery to last all day and beyond for light users.

While charging tops out at 33W and can feel slow, reaching 50% in 41 minutes as experts note, it’s manageable with some planning. The absence of built-in wireless charging addresses itself with a future modular option, showcasing how the phone’s adaptability could grow over time.

Audio

The built-in speakers fall short, particularly during entertainment, where sound quality does not match other budget devices. You’ll find the audio lacks warmth and bass, impacting movie and music enjoyment.

“Audio is barely passable,” reviewers noted, stressing headphone use for a better experience, especially during calls or media playback.

While the single speaker can reach loud volumes, the sound may feel “muddy,” according to experts, highlighting the benefit of using quality headphones for clearer sound.

The Bottom Line

This device stands out for its modular design and repairability, appealing to those who value sustainability. It includes smart attachments like a game controller and selfie light, enhancing its versatility.

The display’s low brightness and resolution may limit multimedia enjoyment, which could be a key concern if vibrant visuals are important to you.

“Though its screen is far from great, being able to replace it (or a busted battery) makes the HMD Fusion an easy recommendation for families, accident-prone people, budget seekers and eco-warriors alike,” mentions WIRED.