HMD Global has quietly launched the HMD Arc - a smartphone aimed at users who need an affordable product with essential features.
While pricing and release information for the HMD Arc have yet to be announced, the specs suggest it will be a simple and unpretentious option, which should make it relatively affordable for everyone.
HMD Arc runs Android 14 operating system.
The HMD Arc features a 6.52-inch HD+ LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display has a waterdrop notch design to house the front camera. The product is equipped with a Unisoc 9863A chip, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory that can be expanded via a microSD card slot. This helps the device handle basic tasks such as web browsing, using social networks and playing light games well.
The HMD Arc runs on Android 14 (Go Edition) which ensures smooth performance for low-end hardware, especially suitable for first-time users or those moving from older devices.
One of the highlights of the HMD Arc is its 5,000mAh battery, which promises all-day battery life for the average user. However, the 10W charging speed may be a turn-off for those accustomed to fast charging technology.
The product promises to have an attractive price for everyone.
As for the camera, the HMD Arc features a dual-camera setup on the back with a 13MP primary sensor and an unspecified secondary sensor. The 5MP front camera takes care of basic selfies and video calling needs, which emphasizes the practicality of the product rather than advanced photography capabilities.
Despite its affordable price, the HMD Arc has focused on security with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and an IP52/IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. HMD Global is also promising two years of security updates - a rarity in the budget smartphone segment .
