HMD’s Skyline with a unique approach to connectivity and reparability

• Featuring Gen2’s design, the smartphone boasts replaceable components—including a battery that can be swapped out without professional assistance.

HMD Global, renowned for its revival of iconic Nokia dumbphones, has recently announced the launch of its mid-range smartphone, the Skyline.

The innovative device not only embodies the company’s commitment to simplicity but also emphasizes user well-being through its unique features, such as a “detox mode” designed to limit distractions from social media and mobile applications.

The Skyline’s Detox mode stands out in a crowded market by enabling users to customise their experience.

Unlike many competitors who merely silence notifications, HMD’s bespoke app allows for targeted contact blocking, thereby giving individuals the ability to create a digital environment more conducive to real-life interactions and focused engagement.

Minimising distractions

The focus on minimising distractions aligns with HMD’s previous initiatives, including the release of a “Boring phone” in collaboration with Heineken, aimed at promoting meaningful social connections among younger users.

In addition to prioritising user experience, the Skyline introduces a notable advancement in repairability. Featuring Gen2’s design, the smartphone boasts replaceable components—including a battery that can be swapped out without professional assistance.

The progressive approach is supported by partnerships with iFixt, offering tools and guides to facilitate repairs.

HMD’s ongoing commitment to making repairable devices, as evidenced by previous launches like the HMD Pulse, positions the Skyline as a sustainable choice in an era of increasingly disposable technology.

On the hardware front, the Skyline is equipped with an impressive camera system.

Photography aficionados

The front-facing 50MP camera includes autofocus and eye-tracking capabilities, catering to the growing demand for high-quality selfies.

Meanwhile, the rear camera features a robust triple-lens setup, headlined by a 108MP main sensor, ensuring that photography aficionados have the tools they need to capture stunning images.

Complementing its camera capabilities, the smartphone runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 chip, with a 6.55-inch pOLED FHD+ display boasting a 144Hz refresh rate, further enhancing the user experience.

The Skyline offers several configurations, starting with an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage option at a price point of $499, with an upgraded 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model priced at $600.

Running on Android 14 with minimal modifications from HMD, it keeps pace with industry standards while delivering essential features that resonate with today’s tech-savvy consumers, available in August.