HMD Fusion Review: Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Key Features

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When I first laid my hands on the HMD Fusion, I was intrigued by the concept of a modular smartphone designed for customization and sustainability. With an affordable price tag of €250, it’s being marketed as a modular smartphone that allows users to swap out parts and accessories, offering a high degree of flexibility. In this review, I’ll dive into all aspects of the device — from its design and camera to performance, pros, and cons. After spending a fair amount of time with it, I’ll give you a detailed breakdown of whether the HMD Fusion is worth your attention.

First Impressions: Hands-On with HMD Fusion

My initial impression of the HMD Fusion was that it felt well-built, even though it’s designed to be modular. The modular platform allows me to attach various accessories, such as the Game Controller or the Ring Light for selfies, which is pretty exciting. The modular smartphone concept isn’t new, but the HMD Fusion has certainly perfected the art of making it accessible without sacrificing functionality.

At MWC 2024 and IFA 2024, the buzz around this device was palpable. I got a chance to try out the accessories firsthand, and I must say, the experience was surprisingly smooth. Luke Staunton’s coverage at MWC only added to the excitement around it, highlighting how versatile the device is.

But let’s talk about real-world use.

Design and Build: Not Perfect, But Decent

The design of the HMD Fusion is one of its biggest selling points. I’m a fan of the modular design that lets me swap out parts as needed. It feels solid in hand, and the IP54 rating means it’s resistant to dust and light splashes. But while the build quality is good, it’s not flawless.

For instance, the Six-Pin Attachment system, which connects accessories, can feel a little cumbersome at times. It’s not as seamless as I would like, and some accessories don’t feel as integrated as they should be. It’s a small issue, but it can affect the overall user experience.

Specs Breakdown: Solid for the Price, But Limited

Display: The 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display offers a decent experience, but at 720 x 1612 pixels, it’s not the sharpest. If you’re accustomed to a 1080p screen, you might be disappointed by the pixel density. The 90 Hz refresh rate does help make the interface feel smoother, but the resolution definitely holds it back.
Camera: The 108 MP primary camera (Samsung ISOCELL HM6) sounds fantastic on paper, but in practice, it has its limitations. I expected great low-light performance, but it doesn’t quite deliver in darker environments. The 50 MP selfie camera is solid for casual photos but doesn’t blow me away. The video quality is decent, maxing out at 1080p. It’s not a professional-grade camera, but it’s serviceable for most users.
Processor & Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset and Adreno 613 GPU, the HMD Fusion performs well for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, it’s not going to handle demanding apps or high-end games smoothly. I found it struggles a bit with multitasking or using resource-heavy apps. For its price, though, it’s understandable.
Battery: The 5000mAh battery is one of the standout features of the HMD Fusion. It lasts me a full day with moderate usage, and with 33W wired charging, I can juice it up fairly quickly. The fast charging is a real bonus here, but again, don’t expect the battery to last long with heavy gaming or intensive use.

Key Pros of HMD Fusion

Pros

Modular Design: The Six-Pin Attachment and modular system allow for easy customization. Whether it’s the Ring Light for selfies or a Game Controller for gaming, you can tailor the phone to your needs.
Affordability: At €250, the HMD Fusion offers great value considering the features it packs in. The price point is competitive for a 5G-enabled device with a decent camera and solid performance.
Sustainability: I love that the phone is designed to be repairable. If a part breaks, you can replace it instead of throwing the whole phone away. This is a step forward for sustainable tech.
Battery and Charging: The 5000mAh battery combined with 33W fast charging ensures that I’m not running to the charger every few hours.

Cons

Limited Display Resolution: The HD+ LCD display just doesn’t cut it if you’re used to a sharper, more vibrant screen. It’s a letdown for media consumption or gaming, and I found myself wishing for more pixels.
Performance Lags with Heavy Use: While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 does a fine job for casual tasks, I noticed lag when juggling multiple apps or running intensive software. The Adreno 613 GPU handles light gaming well, but anything more demanding leaves the device struggling.
Camera in Low-Light: Despite the high-resolution 108 MP sensor, the HMD Fusion’s camera doesn’t perform well in low-light conditions. I found that images became grainy and lacked detail compared to other phones in the same price range.
Mono Speaker: The mono speaker feels like an oversight in 2024. It lacks depth and clarity, especially when watching videos or playing games. A stereo setup would have greatly improved the multimedia experience.

Is HMD Fusion Worth It? My Final Verdict

After spending significant time with the HMD Fusion, I can confidently say that it offers a lot for its price, but there are caveats. The modular design is fantastic, and I love the sustainability factor with repairable parts. The camera and battery are solid for everyday use, and the 33W fast charging is definitely a perk.

However, the HD+ display and the performance limitations are significant drawbacks. If you’re someone who demands a high-quality screen and smooth performance for gaming or multitasking, the HMD Fusion might leave you wanting more.

Ultimately, if you’re after a modular smartphone with basic features, a customizable design, and sustainable elements, this phone is a great option. But if you need a device that can handle more demanding tasks, you might want to explore other options.

FAQs

What is the battery life like on the HMD Fusion?

The 5000mAh battery lasts a full day with moderate use. However, heavy gaming or intensive tasks may drain it faster.

Can I upgrade the storage on the HMD Fusion?

Yes, the HMD Fusion offers expandable storage, so you can increase storage space using a microSD card.

How good is the camera on the HMD Fusion?

The 108 MP primary camera is decent in well-lit conditions, but it struggles in low light. The 50 MP selfie camera performs well for casual shots.

Is the HMD Fusion good for gaming?

The Adreno 613 GPU handles light gaming well, but it can struggle with more demanding titles. The Game Controller accessory can enhance the experience, but it’s not a high-end gaming phone.

How does the HMD Fusion compare to other smartphones in the same price range?

At €250, the HMD Fusion offers excellent modularity and sustainability. However, it falls short in display quality and performance when compared to some budget competitors.