The HMD Skyline has attracted plenty of consideration. What’s it – is it nostalgia for the Nokia N9? Or is it the repairability angle that pulls folks in? The cellphone is now available in some international locations (on pre-order in others), so we have now to ask – will you purchase one?
The design feels fairly contemporary – we’ve seen all of the rounded rectangles that we are able to deal with – and the comparability with the N9 is a constructive one, for many who bear in mind the MeeGo cellphone. Nonetheless, as an alternative of polycarbonate, this one makes use of a contemporary metal-and-glass building.
The cellphone is designed to be simply repaired at house by non-pros. You simply want a software set from iFixit (or simply use your individual Torx screwdrivers) and it is best to have the ability to exchange a cracked display screen in simply 10 minutes. That is superior, however we want HMD took software program help as severely because it did repairability – 2 OS updates and three years of safety patches is simply too quick.
HMD Skyline
That apart, the Skyline presents a surprisingly succesful {hardware} combo. From the 6.55” FHD+ 144Hz OLED show, to the 4,600mAh battery with each wired (33W) and wi-fi charging (15W). The wi-fi choice is Qi2, which has magnets much like the Apple MagSafe system. Is that this the primary Android with Qi2? It could be, we are able to’t consider every other.
The 108MP primary digicam (with OIS) can report 4K video at 30fps and is joined by a 50MP 2x telephoto module (with 4x zoom) and a 13MP extremely huge. The 50MP selfie digicam appears spectacular too – we’re working on a full review, so count on detailed exams. Anyway, the microSD slot and headphone jack are a welcome sight. There are just a few negatives to say. The repairability has restricted the IP score to IP54, however the previous Gorilla Glass 3 is tougher to elucidate.
The HMD Skyline is at present £400 within the UK for the 8/128GB mannequin and £500 for the 8/256GB one. In Germany, the cellphone exhibits as “coming quickly” with a launch set for August 9 and a price ticket of €550 for the 8/256GB unit.
If you need throwback design, the OnePlus Nord 4 has an aluminum unibody. And it options the extra highly effective SD 7+ Gen 3 chipset, however there’s no telephoto module right here. Additionally, the aluminum again means no wi-fi charging, however you’re nonetheless left with a 5,500mAh battery and 100W wired-only charging.
The Realme GT 6 is a contemporary design and flaunts a 6.78” LTPO show and a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. The 50MP primary digicam and 50MP 2x tele lens will make for an fascinating comparability with the HMD. This one additionally has a 5,500mAh battery with 120W wired-only charging this time.
Be aware that the Nord stands out with a promise of 4 OS updates and 6 years of safety patches. The Realme is just getting 3 OS updates and 4 years of patches, however that’s nonetheless higher than the HMD.
OnePlus Nord 4 • Realme GT 6 • Sony Xperia 10 VI
What a couple of Sony Xperia 10 VI? That’s an old-school design too. And we’ll allow you to in on a little bit secret – the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 contained in the Xperia is similar {hardware} 7s Gen 2, although at decrease clock speeds. This cellphone has a 50MP primary digicam, 8MP extremely huge and no tele. The 8MP selfie digicam is tucked into the highest bezel quite than being on the display screen. The 5,000mAh battery presents lengthy battery life, however solely sluggish wired charging.
So, what do you concentrate on the HMD Skyline?
