The HMD Skyline has attracted numerous consideration. What’s it – is it nostalgia for the Nokia N9? Or is it the repairability angle that pulls folks in? The telephone is now obtainable in some international locations (on pre-order in others), so we now have to ask – will you purchase one?
The design feels fairly recent – we’ve seen all of the rounded rectangles that we will deal with – and the comparability with the N9 is a optimistic one, for individuals who keep in mind the MeeGo telephone. Nevertheless, as a substitute of polycarbonate, this one makes use of a contemporary metal-and-glass development.
The telephone is designed to be simply repaired at residence by non-pros. You simply want a software set from iFixit (or simply use your individual Torx screwdrivers) and it’s best to be capable of change a cracked display in simply 10 minutes. That is superior, however we want HMD took software program assist 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 gives 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 possibility is Qi2, which has magnets just like the Apple MagSafe system. Is that this the primary Android with Qi2? It is perhaps, we will’t consider another.
The 108MP most important digicam (with OIS) can document 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 engaged on a full assessment, so anticipate detailed assessments. 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 The repairability has restricted the IP score to IP54, however the outdated Gorilla Glass 3 is more durable to clarify.
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 telephone reveals as “coming soon” with a launch set for August 9 and a price ticket of €550 for the 8/256GB unit.
If you’d like 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 most important digicam and 50MP 2x tele lens will make for an attention-grabbing comparability with the HMD. This one additionally has a 5,500mAh battery with 120W wired-only charging this time.
Observe 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 slightly secret – the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 contained in the Xperia is similar {hardware} 7s Gen 2, although at decrease clock speeds. This telephone has a 50MP most important digicam, 8MP extremely huge and no tele. The 8MP selfie digicam is tucked into the highest bezel somewhat than being on the display. The 5,000mAh battery gives lengthy battery life, however solely sluggish wired charging.
So, what do you consider the HMD Skyline?
