The HMD Fusion catches the eye with its retro-inspired design, repair-friendly build, and ‘Smart Outfits.’ However, it falls short in key areas. While the display is vibrant indoors, it struggles with outdoor brightness. Performance is adequate for casual use but falls short of competitors in the similar price range. The camera offers decent results in good lighting but suffers from inconsistent color reproduction and slow shutter response. Overall, the HMD Fusion is a stylish device with clever add-ons but lacks the substance to compete effectively in its segment.
The HMD Fusion aims to make a splash in the smartphone market with a blend of features and affordability. Priced at Rs 17,999, this smartphone sports a unique design and is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. However, after using it for about two weeks, I can say that this phone falls short of expectations in several key areas.
This review will delve deeper into the HMD Fusion phone’s strengths and weaknesses, examining its performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value proposition. Keep reading to know if you should buy this phone.
HMD Fusion: Build & Design
The HMD Fusion phone boasts a sleek, retro-inspired aesthetic that stands out in the crowded budget smartphone market. While the back construction feels plasticky, the overall design is visually appealing, and the rear panel sets it apart from other smartphones in its price range.
One notable aspect of the HMD Fusion is its focus on repairability. The phone is designed with a modular approach, making it easier to replace components like the battery or display. This design choice aligns with the growing trend of sustainable electronics. Users who prefer to avoid costly repairs will appreciate this thoughtful addition.
The HMD Fusion also attempts to stand out with its “Smart Outfits,” a unique selling point of the brand. These interchangeable covers not only change the phone’s appearance but also add functionality.
Among the available Smart Outfits, the Flashy Outfit includes a built-in light that enhances photography. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who frequently capture photos in low-light conditions. However, while the concept is innovative, the actual performance of the ring light cannot meet professional photography standards.
The Gaming Outfit aims to enhance the mobile gaming experience by adding physical buttons and ergonomic grips. This accessory is designed to provide tactile feedback and improved control during gameplay. However, the implementation may not fully satisfy dedicated gamers, as the responsiveness and comfort of the buttons could be improved.
HMD Fusion: Display
The HMD Fusion comes with a 6.56-inch HD+ display that aims to strike a balance between size and clarity. The screen offers decent colour reproduction, with vibrant hues and sharp text that make it suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming videos. However, the refresh rate is capped at 90Hz, which feels underwhelming compared to the higher refresh rates now common in this price range.
One major drawback of the display is its brightness, especially outdoors. Under direct sunlight, the screen struggles to remain legible, even at maximum brightness levels. In my testing using a Lux Meter, the display showcased a peak brightness of just 403 nits. This can be frustrating for users who frequently use their phones on the go.
While the display performs adequately indoors, the lack of sufficient brightness outdoors is a noticeable limitation that detracts from the overall user experience.
HMD Fusion: Performance
The HMD Fusion is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, which is sufficient for handling day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light multitasking. Paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, the phone provides enough headroom for casual users. However, when compared to competitors in the same price range, the HMD Fusion falls short in terms of raw performance.
In my testing, the HMD Fusion scored 4,40,793 points on AnTuTu, alongside 921 points in the Geekbench single-core test and 2,229 points in the multi-core test. While these numbers are respectable, they fall short of the benchmark scores achieved by similarly priced devices
Overall, the HMD Fusion’s performance is adequate for casual users but might not satisfy those looking for a powerhouse device in this segment. It handles basic operations with ease but struggles to keep up with the competition.
HMD Fusion: Camera
The HMD Fusion is equipped with a 108-megapixel rear camera accompanied by a 2-megapixel depth sensor, aiming to deliver high-resolution photography in a budget-friendly package. In well-lit conditions, the camera produces passable photos suitable for casual use. However, colors can appear inconsistent, sometimes looking washed out.
Interestingly, I was surprised by the portraits I captured at night. With proper lighting focused on the subject, the camera delivered good-enough portrait shots even in low-light scenarios. However, it did smooth out the subject. But I must say that I am not impressed by night street shots.
That said, one major drawback is the camera’s shutter response. After clicking a picture, you must wait a few seconds before moving the phone, as any immediate movement can result in a blurred image. This can be frustrating for users who need faster, more reliable camera systems.
On the front, there is a 50-megapixel selfie shooter that captures decent details in good lighting.
In summary, while the HMD Fusion’s camera setup offers a range of features on paper, its real-world performance is average. The inconsistent color reproduction, low-light limitations, and slow shutter response make it less appealing for users seeking a dependable photography experience.
HMD Fusion: Battery and Charging
The HMD Fusion is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which provides enough capacity to last through a full day of moderate use. This battery is supported by 33W fast charging. In my testing, the phone took approximately 111 minutes to charge from 0% to 100%, which is slightly slower than the average for modern smartphones in this segment.
In terms of battery performance, the HMD Fusion holds up well under various usage scenarios. During a 15-minute session of Call of Duty: Mobile, the battery dropped by 5%. GPS navigation for an hour consumed 5% of the battery, showcasing decent efficiency for a typically demanding task. Streaming YouTube videos for an hour resulted in a 3% drop, highlighting its ability to handle media consumption efficiently.
While the slower charging speed might be a letdown for users who prioritise quick top-ups, the overall battery endurance is reliable.
HMD Fusion: Verdict
The HMD Fusion brings an intriguing mix of features to the table, aiming to carve a niche in the budget-smartphone segment. Its retro-inspired design and swappable outfits are standout elements, making it appealing to those who value aesthetics and customisation. However, beneath the stylish exterior, the phone struggles to deliver a truly competitive experience in several key areas.
The display is vibrant indoors but falters under bright sunlight, and the performance is decent for everyday tasks but lags behind similarly priced competitors during demanding activities. The battery life is reliable, though the slow charging speed could be a drawback for users who need quick top-ups. Also, the camera’s inconsistent color reproduction and poor low-light performance limit its appeal to photography enthusiasts.
Overall, the HMD Fusion is a phone that prioritises style over substance. It might appeal to casual users who value design and basic functionality, but those seeking a well-rounded device with strong performance and camera capabilities can find better options in the same price range.
HMD Fusion Key Specs, Price and Launch Date
| Release Date: | |
| Market Status: | Launched |
Key Specifications
Storage
256
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Battery capacity (mAh)
5000
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Rear Camera Megapixel
108 + 2
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Screen size (in inches)
6.56
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
