HMD has introduced its latest budget-friendly smartphone, the HMD Vibe 5G, alongside two new feature phones aimed at the ultra-affordable segment. 
The launch reflects HMD’s strategy of balancing modern 5G-ready devices with nostalgic, reliable feature phones that still hold a strong market presence in regions where affordability and durability are key.
The HMD Vibe 5G sports a 6.67-inch LCD display with a 720×1604 resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Powering the device is the Unisoc T760 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which should be enough for light gaming, streaming, and everyday multitasking. For photography, the phone carries a 50 MP primary rear camera alongside a 2 MP depth sensor, while selfies are handled by an 8 MP front shooter. A massive 5,000 mAh battery with 18W wired charging ensures all-day usage, though it falls short of the faster charging speeds many competitors now offer. The phone runs Android 15, but HMD only promises two years of quarterly security updates – a detail that has already raised eyebrows among more cautious buyers.
Extra touches like a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and dual-SIM support keep the device practical. HMD even includes a charger in the box, which is increasingly rare in the market. Available in black and purple, the Vibe 5G retails on HMD’s official website at INR 8,999, discounted from the original INR 11,999.
Alongside the smartphone, HMD revealed the HMD 101 and HMD 102 feature phones. Both models share a 2-inch display, Unisoc 8910 FF-S chip, expandable 16MB storage, FM radio, MP3 player, USB-C charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and IP52 splash resistance. The only difference: the 102 includes a basic QVGA camera with flash. These models are powered by removable 1,000 mAh batteries, a rarity in today’s sealed-battery market, making them appealing for those who value replaceability. Pricing is equally aggressive – INR 1,899 for the 101 and INR 2,199 for the 102 – with colors ranging from dark blue and red to purple.
While the specs fit their budget categories, online discussions reveal some skepticism. Many users are concerned that a two-year update cycle feels outdated when competitors are extending support for up to five years. Others noted spotting the device in stores before its official announcement, while some criticized HMD for not launching the Vibe 5G on wider platforms like Amazon. As we edge closer to 2026, these choices highlight HMD’s delicate balancing act between affordability and long-term trust.