The HMD Fusion is a revolutionary modular smartphone that offers a unique approach to customization and sustainability through its innovative “Outfits.” With a rugged industrial design and solid performance for its price, the Fusion aims to cater to users who value longevity and flexibility in their devices. However, it does have some downsides that may deter mainstream consumers.
Design & Build:
The HMD Fusion stands out with its bold industrial design, featuring exposed screws and modular Outfits for customization. The phone feels durable and repairable, though it is on the heavier side. The ergonomic design and non-slip back plate make it comfortable to hold.
The stainless steel-reinforced plastic casing ensures durability, but the IP54 rating only offers splash resistance. The phone’s aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, but it caters to users who prioritize functionality over visual flair. The inclusion of a “Casual Outfit” case in the box highlights the phone’s modular dependency.
Screen & Speakers:
The display is one area where the HMD Fusion falls short. With a 720×1612 resolution and 269 PPI density, the screen lags behind competitors in brightness and vibrancy. The large bezels and low resolution affect multimedia enjoyment, making the phone feel dated compared to sleeker devices.
While the adaptive 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling, the screen’s low brightness struggles in outdoor use. The IPS LCD panel offers decent viewing angles but lacks the vibrancy seen in higher-resolution displays. Overall, the display may not impress users who prioritize visual quality.
Specs & Performance:
Powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, the Fusion delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. With 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, the phone handles multitasking and light gaming well. However, the Adreno 613 GPU struggles with graphically intensive games, limiting content to lower settings.
The Fusion is suitable for light users but may not meet the needs of gamers or users seeking stronger graphics performance. While the phone performs well for basic tasks, it may struggle with more demanding applications. Alternatives with more capable GPUs may be better suited for those seeking enhanced performance.
Cameras:
The Fusion’s 108Mp main camera captures sharp images in well-lit conditions, with vibrant colours and detailed shots. The gyro-EIS stabilizes videos, but the absence of OIS limits video quality. The front-facing 50Mp camera excels in bright conditions, producing clear selfies.
In low-light settings, both cameras suffer from noise and loss of detail, which is expected at this price point. The Night Mode attempts to capture more detail but often falls short. Despite some limitations, the cameras perform admirably for everyday photography.
Battery Life & Charging:
The Fusion boasts impressive battery life thanks to its 5000mAh cell and power-efficient chipset. During testing, the phone lasted nearly two days of moderate use, making it ideal for long trips. Charging is capped at 33W, offering decent speeds but lacking wireless charging capability.
While the phone lacks native wireless charging, the upcoming Wireless Charging Outfit may address this limitation. The modular nature of the phone enables creative power-sharing options, enhancing the overall user experience.
Software & Features:
The Fusion runs near-stock Android 14 with minimal bloatware, providing a clean and user-friendly experience. Customization options allow users to configure features and toggle refresh rates easily. However, occasional software bugs and limited OS upgrades may hinder the overall user experience.
The software experience is mostly positive, with intuitive customization options and minimal bloatware. However, the limited OS upgrades and occasional software bugs may deter some users. The open-source platform encourages innovative third-party Outfit designs, hinting at future possibilities for customization.
Price & Availability:
The HMD Fusion is priced at £229.99/$299.99 and is available in one colour: Noir (Black). The phone can be purchased directly from HMD UK or US, as well as third-party retailers. Modular Outfits are sold separately, allowing users to customize their device further.
The Fusion competes with budget handsets like the CMF Phone 1, Galaxy A16 5G, and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G. While the phone offers a unique modular experience, its price point may make it less appealing to mainstream users. Enthusiasts and developers may find the Fusion to be a compelling option for experimentation and customization.
In conclusion, the HMD Fusion presents a bold concept in modular smartphones, offering sustainability and customization options for eco-conscious users. While it excels in certain areas like battery life and repairability, it falls short in display quality and performance. For mainstream users, there may be better options available, but for enthusiasts and developers, the Fusion provides a unique canvas for creativity and innovation.
