HMD Pulse Pro Review

The HMD Pulse Pro is a budget-friendly smartphone with a focus on repairability, designed for users who prioritize sustainability. However, despite some attractive features like its repairable design and affordability, the phone struggles in key areas like performance, display quality, and camera functionality. Here’s our detailed breakdown.

Design & Build Quality

The Pulse Pro’s design is sleek but basic, featuring a glossy plastic back that attracts fingerprints easily. While its build is lightweight and slim, it lacks premium features such as a protective case in the box. One of the biggest advantages of the Pulse Pro is its easy repairability. HMD has partnered with iFixit to provide users with tools and guides to replace parts like the battery, screen, and charging port. However, the overall feel of the phone is somewhat cheap, especially compared to competitors in the same price range.

Display Quality

The 6.56-inch 720p IPS LCD display is one of the weaker aspects of the Pulse Pro. Its low resolution is noticeable, especially when compared to similar budget phones offering Full HD displays. While the 90Hz refresh rate makes for smoother scrolling, the colors are a bit muted, and outdoor visibility remains a challenge, despite its 600-nit peak brightness. Competitors like the Moto G84 and Samsung Galaxy A15 offer sharper, more vibrant displays at similar price points.

Performance & Software

Powered by the Unisoc T606 processor with 6GB of RAM, the Pulse Pro struggles to handle more demanding tasks. Apps can be slow to load, and multitasking often results in noticeable lag. The built-in virtual RAM boost helps smooth some performance issues, but overall, it falls short, especially for gaming or heavier app use. The lack of 5G connectivity is also a downside, with only older Wi-Fi 802.11 AC and Bluetooth 5.0 supported. On a positive note, it runs near-stock Android 14, which is clean but lacks the performance punch needed for smoother navigation.

Camera Performance

The Pulse Pro’s 50MP main camera and 2MP depth sensor offer disappointing results. Photos lack contrast and sharpness, often appearing flat and washed out. The phone also struggles in low-light conditions, and night mode barely makes a difference in enhancing image quality. Selfies are acceptable but not impressive, and the camera is slow to focus, making it difficult to capture quick shots. Competitors like the Redmi Note 13 and Galaxy A15 deliver better camera performance for the same price.

Battery Life & Repairability

With a 5,000mAh battery, the Pulse Pro provides decent battery life, lasting a full day of light to moderate use. However, charging is slow despite support for 20W fast charging. Another key highlight is its repairability—parts are easily replaceable, making it a sustainable option for those who prefer to keep their devices longer. This is a big win for eco-conscious users but doesn’t entirely make up for the phone's other shortcomings.

Who It’s For

• Eco-Conscious Users: Those looking for a phone they can repair themselves and avoid electronic waste.
• Light Users: Suitable for people who need a basic smartphone for calls, social media, and light browsing.
• Budget-Conscious Shoppers: For users looking for the most affordable smartphone with Android 14 and repairability features.

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

While the HMD Pulse Pro has a few commendable features like repairability and a decent battery life, it falls short in performance, camera quality, and display resolution. It’s a good choice for eco-conscious users or those who just need a basic smartphone, but there are better alternatives in the budget market for anyone looking for higher specs and better user experience.