HMD Skyline is easy to repair

Today, HMD Global, known for producing Nokia-branded smartphones, announced the launch of its newest own-brand smartphone, the Skyline.

The device arrives as the “new Nokia Lumia”, as it has a design that is very reminiscent of the first smartphones in this series. In addition, it still promises to win over consumers with an attractive balance of performance, features and ease of repair.

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Skyline is a mid-range smartphone

The Skyline is powered by a mid-range Snapdragon 7s Gen2 processor, offering up to 256GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM. This ensures smooth performance for most everyday tasks. The 4600mAh battery with 15W Qi2 wireless charging promises a battery life of up to 48 hours, which should please users who need a device with long battery life.

The Skyline’s display features a 6.55-inch Full HD+ pOLED panel, 144Hz refresh rate and brightness of up to 1,000 nits, providing a vibrant and fluid visual experience. Protection is provided by Gorilla Glass 3.

In terms of camera, the smartphone offers a 50-megapixel front camera, which comes equipped with autofocus and eye tracking, as well as a “selfie gesture” feature that lets you take photos with four different hand gestures.

The rear camera is made up of a 108-megapixel sensor with OIS, a 13 MP ultrawide lens and a 50 MP telephoto lens, and offers portrait and night modes, ensuring high-quality photos in different lighting conditions.

The Skyline also has IP54 certification, ensuring resistance against dust and water since one of its focuses is to have high durability. It already comes with Android 14 out of the box and a guarantee of 2 years of operating system updates and 3 years of security updates.

Ease of repair and detox mode

One of the most innovative features of the Skyline is its repairability. HMD has been focusing on making its devices easier to repair, a move that’s been on the rise lately.

This way, the Skyline’s back cover can be removed, allowing users or third-party repair shops to replace components such as the screen, battery and charging port more easily and simply.

HMD revealed that the Skyline requires 65% fewer steps to replace a screen compared to the company’s first easy-to-repair smartphone, the Nokia G22. Battery replacements, for example, can take just 10 minutes thanks to this ease of repair.

Replacement parts will be available both on the company’s website and in select markets through iFixit, which said the Skyline has comparable repairability levels to the Fairphone, which is known for its ease of repair.

Another highlight of the “new Nokia Lumia” is that it comes with detox mode, mainly aimed at the growing need to disconnect from the digital world in some situations or even for mental health reasons.

The feature allows users to block specific apps and contacts during scheduled breaks, helping to establish healthy boundaries between their personal and professional lives. This feature could be particularly useful for those looking to reduce the amount of time spent on social media or gaming.

Price and availability

The new HMD Skyline is now on sale in the United States for a price starting at US$499, which in direct conversion is around R$2,700. The color options are two, being Neon Pink (pink), and Twisted Black (black).

Regarding the parts that can be replaced, the prices vary depending on the type. The screen costs US$ 95 (approximately R$ 520), while the back costs US$ 30 (approximately R$ 160). The battery is sold for US$ 25 (approximately R$ 135) and the USB-C port for US$ 20 (approximately R$ 110). The repair kit costs US$ 5 (approximately R$ 27).

HMD Skyline Technical Specifications

• Screen: 6.55-inch pOLED with 144Hz and Full HD resolution
• Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
• RAM: 8 GB or 12 GB
• Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB
• Front camera: 50 MP with autofocus
• Rear camera: 108 MP (main, OIS) + 13 MP (ultrawide) + 50 MP (telephoto)
• Battery: 4,600 mAh with 33W wired and 15W wireless charging
• Operating system: Android 14 with up to 3 years of updates
• Extras: IP54, side biometrics, repairable design, Detox Mode, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6e and NFC

Fonte: HMD