HMD Skyline in for review

The HMD Skyline stands out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market with its focus on repairability, a bold design, and a promising camera system. Let’s take a closer look at what reviewers are saying:

Standing Out from the Crowd

• Eye-catching Design:The Skyline comes in two colors: Neon Pink and Twisted Black. Reviewers adore the vibrant Neon Pink, noting it’s even more stunning in person than pictures can capture. However, some find the included purple USB cable an odd aesthetic choice.
• Built to Last and Designed to be Fixed:Unlike most modern smartphones, the Skyline prioritizes repairability. The back panel can be easily removed with a standard Torx screwdriver, allowing users to replace the battery, screen, or USB-C port themselves using parts and tutorials from HMD’s partner, iFixit. This is a major selling point for users who want to extend the life of their phone and avoid expensive repairs.

Display and User Interface

• A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist:The design evokes nostalgia with its rounded corners reminiscent of the classic Nokia N9, but keeps a modern edge with its squared-off body.
• Smooth Scrolling and Vivid Colors:The 6.55-inch pOLED display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate for silky smooth scrolling and a Full HD+ resolution for crisp visuals. Reviewers haven’t reported any major issues with the display, but in-depth testing for brightness and color accuracy is still ongoing.
• Detox Mode: A Gimmick or a Game Changer?:A dedicated button on the left side has reviewers intrigued. Currently, it launches the flashlight, but HMD promises a future software update that will unlock “Detox Mode,” designed to silence notifications and turn the phone into a basic device for digital detox sessions. Reviewers are eager to see how well this feature works in practice.

Camera Capabilities

• A Strong showing on Paper:The triple-camera system boasts a powerful 108MP main sensor with OIS (optical image stabilization) for sharper low-light photos, a 13MP ultrawide lens for capturing expansive scenes, and a 50MP telephoto lens with HMD’s Capture Fusion technology for detailed zoomed-in shots.
• Early Impressions are Positive:While in-depth camera reviews are still emerging, initial impressions suggest the Skyline takes good quality photos and videos. However, reviewers recommend waiting for more detailed comparisons with competitors like the iPhone 15 before making a final judgement.

Performance and Battery Life

• Mid-Range Powerhouse:The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor should handle most everyday tasks and games without breaking a sweat. However, power users who consistently run demanding applications might find it lacking compared to high-end flagships.
• Long-lasting Battery:The 4,600 mAh battery is impressive for a mid-range phone, and reviewers report it can easily last a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. The phone also supports 33W wired charging and 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging for quick top-ups.

Points to Consider Before Buying

• No Charger in the Box:Unlike many phones, the Skyline does not come with a charger. You’ll need to supply your own to take advantage of the fast-charging capabilities.
• Software Support a Question Mark:HMD hasn’t revealed how long they’ll support the Skyline with software updates. This could be a concern for users who want to keep their phone up-to-date with the latest security patches and features.

Overall Impression

The HMD Skyline is a refreshing take on the mid-range smartphone. Its focus on repairability and user empowerment, coupled with a powerful camera system and long-lasting battery, makes it a compelling option for users who value repairability and want a phone that can keep up with their daily needs. However, the lack of a charger and the uncertainty surrounding software updates are considerations to keep in mind before purchasing.