The budget smartphone market in India is highly competitive, with devices packed with top-notch specs aggressively priced to appeal to value-conscious buyers. Amidst this crowded landscape, HMD Fusion has emerged as a unique contender, bringing a fresh modular twist to the market. Priced at ₹17,999, this device not only redefines adaptability in design but also focuses on user-centric features such as self-repairability and accessory-driven functionality.
This review dives into the key features of the HMD Fusion, its standout modular accessories, performance, and whether it thrives as a budget phone worth your attention.
Modular Design That Stands Out
At first glance, the HMD Fusion appears modest, with an all-black finish that might seem understated in comparison to some of its competitors’ flashy aesthetics. What sets it apart is its modular design, offering users the ability to customize and enhance its functionality through unique “Outfits.”
Meet the Modular “Outfits”
HMD Fusion introduces snap-on cases branded as “Outfits,” which bring versatility to its design and usability. There are two main categories of these accessories—Casual and Smart Outfits.
- Casual Outfit: Included in the box, this soft TPU case enhances the phone’s durability against drops, but it does add some bulk. It serves as the default protective layer while maintaining a basic, stripped-down aesthetic.
- Smart Outfits: These take the modular experience to the next level. Currently, HMD has launched two Smart Outfits in India—the Flashy Outfit and the Gaming Outfit, each priced at ₹2,999.
The Flashy Outfit
This blue-colored snap-on case doubles as a unique ring light for content creators. Its silver ring around the camera module is designed to pop out, transforming into an adjustable LED light for photography and vlogging. Need a hands-free setup? The ring can also act as a kickstand for watching videos.
The Gaming Outfit
Designed for the avid gamer, this accessory provides physical controls via buttons, reducing reliance on touchscreen input. Unlike Bluetooth controllers, this snap-on directly connects to the phone through six contact pins, eliminating latency issues and enhancing the gaming experience.
Both Smart Outfits not only add functionality but also bring additional protection to the chassis. Impressively, HMD also supports personalization by allowing users to design custom outfits using a proprietary toolkit for 3D printing.
Build Quality and Repairability
One of the Fusion’s highlights is its commitment to sustainability and user convenience. The phone features HMD’s “Gen 2 repairability,” enabling users to access the internal components, such as screws and the battery, without needing special tools. This design philosophy not only makes repairs accessible but encourages longevity in a market often criticized for generating e-waste.
The phone’s translucent rear panel gives it a minimalist industrial vibe. Despite its slim profile, it boasts an IP54 rating, sufficient for basic dust and water resistance—commendable for a device in this price range.
Specifications and Performance
While the modular design steals the show, the HMD Fusion’s internal specifications ensure it competes in the budget smartphone segment effectively.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm)
- RAM & Storage: 8GB + 256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 5G bands, USB Type-C (2.0)
The 6.5-inch HD+ IPS display supports a 90Hz refresh rate. While adequate for everyday usage, the screen falls short in sharpness and outdoor visibility, particularly under direct sunlight. The colors and overall brightness levels may not keep up with some rivals at this price point, but the hardware performs steadily for the basics.
Gaming and Multitasking
Casual mobile gaming works well on this device, especially with the Gaming Outfit. However, users should stick to low-to-medium settings to avoid noticeable stuttering. Multitasking is acceptable for light users but can occasionally slow down under heavier loads.
Camera System
The HMD Fusion features a dual-camera setup with a primary 108-megapixel camera and a 2-megapixel secondary sensor.
- Primary Camera: It shoots oversharpened 12-megapixel binned images in daylight. While color reproduction is decent, the phone struggles to produce finer details. Low-light performance is satisfactory with the Night Mode, although it cannot match more advanced imaging systems available in similar price brackets.
- Selfie Camera: Using the Flashy Outfit’s ring light can help improve selfies, but detail levels remain average.
For users focused on basic photography and casual social media uploads, these cameras are sufficient. However, serious photography enthusiasts may find the results underwhelming.
Battery Life
The 5000mAh battery, paired with the Snapdragon chipset, offers decent energy efficiency. However, it lasted only 16 hours and 13 minutes in a video loop test—falling short of expectations for a device in this class. On the bright side, the bundled 33W charger efficiently recharges the battery in under two hours.
Conclusion
The HMD Fusion strikes a delicate balance between functionality and innovation. Its modular approach and self-repairability are commendable, bringing an exciting twist to the budget smartphone market. While it may not excel in raw performance or display quality, the customizable Smart Outfits make it a standout option for creative-minded users and enthusiasts who value hands-on features.
That said, if you prioritize performance, display sharpness, or long-lasting battery life, options like the Moto G85 5G or Realme 13+ 5G provide better value within the same budget. However, for users intrigued by HMD’s vision of modularity and repair-focused design, the Fusion is worth exploring.