HMD Global, the Finnish company holding the Nokia brand license, has made a significant return to the Indian smartphone market with the launch of the HMD Crest and Crest Max. This marks a new chapter for the once-dominant Nokia brand in the country.
HMD Crest and Crest Max
After a hiatus, HMD is re-entering the Indian arena with a focus on affordability and innovation. The Crest series aims to capture the budget-conscious consumer while offering features that compete with established players.
Core Specifications and Design of HMD Crest and Crest Max
Both the HMD Crest and Crest Max boast impressive specifications for their price point. A standout feature is the large, vibrant 6.67-inch OLED display, offering rich colors and deep blacks. The phones are encased in a glass body and are IP52 rated for water resistance, adding a layer of durability.
Powering the devices is the capable Unisoc T760 chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks. The Crest comes with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the Crest Max offers a bump to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, catering to users with higher storage needs.
Camera Capabilities of HMD Crest and Crest Max
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the camera setup. The Crest features a 50MP main camera paired with a depth sensor. However, the real highlight is the 50MP selfie camera, which supports hands-free capture through various gestures. The Crest Max takes things a step further with a 64MP main camera, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor, offering greater versatility.
Battery Life and Charging
Both models house a substantial 5,000mAh battery, promising ample endurance for a full day of use. HMD claims the battery can withstand up to 800 charge cycles, ensuring longevity. Fast charging support of 33W is included, allowing for quick top-ups.
Software and Sustainability
The HMD Crest and Crest Max ship with Android 14 out of the box, providing a clean and up-to-date user experience. While the company has committed to two years of security patches, there’s no word on major OS updates yet.
A commendable aspect of these devices is HMD’s focus on repairability. The “Gen 1 repairability” initiative allows users to easily replace components like the screen, battery, charging port, and back panel at home, reducing electronic waste and extending the phone’s lifespan.
Also Read:HMD Hyper: Detailed Specs Emerge Ahead of Launch
Pricing and Availability
The HMD Crest is available at ₹14,500 (approximately $175), while the Crest Max comes in at ₹16,500 (approximately $195). However, Amazon India is offering launch discounts, bringing the prices down to ₹13,000 and ₹15,000, respectively.
With the HMD Crest series, HMD Global aims to reestablish its presence in India by offering competitive specifications, modern design, and a focus on user experience and sustainability. It will be good if these devices can capture the attention of Indian consumers and challenge the dominance of established players in the budget smartphone segment.
Source : HMD
