After much speculation, the HMD Skyline smartphone has officially hit Kenyan stores, making a splash in the mid-range segment. Drawing design cues from the now-defunct Nokia Lumia series, the Skyline easily stands out with its sharp rectangle edges.
But let me not mislead you; this device features the latest technology with exclusive user experience. From “Gen 2 repairability” to high refresh rate OLED and powerful camera shooting, Skyline can already win the hearts of Kenyan consumers.
A Nostalgic Design with Gen 2 Repairability
But first, the design is reminiscent of many memories from the Nokia Lumia series. Sharp rectangle edges bring out that sleek and modern feel, but to this, HMD places its spin with what they call “Gen 2 repairability.” This is one such innovation that lets users open up the phone with ease to replace parts, which includes the screen and battery-a feature the smartphone market of today is seriously lacking in.
Gen 2 Repairability: Unlike many of today’s tightly sealed smartphones, the Skyline embraces user-accessibility. This is particularly appealing to consumers who prioritize device longevity and want the freedom to repair their own devices.
Display and Performance: A Fluid Experience
The HMD Skyline comes with a 6.5-inch OLED display that supports a smooth refresh rate of 144Hz, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and daily use.
Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, the phone provides seamless performance, whether you’re multitasking or playing graphic-intensive games.
- Display: 6.5-inch OLED, 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
- RAM & Storage: Available in 8GB and 12GB RAM variants, with 128GB and 256GB storage options.
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Camera Setup: AI-Powered Photography
For the photography enthusiast, the HMD Skyline boasts some sort of impressive triple-camera setup: a rear camera with a 108MP main camera featuring OIS, optical image stabilization; a 13MP ultra-wide camera; and a 50MP telephoto lens.
The truly outstanding thing that gives it an extra edge is the introduction of AI Capture Fashion for maximum detail and clarity in your photos, making every shot look professional.
- Main Camera: 108MP with OIS
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 13MP
- Telephoto Lens: 50MP
- AI Capture Fashion: Designed to enhance photo details
Battery Life and Charging: Efficient and Convenient
The HMD Skyline is equipped with a 4,600mAh battery, supporting 33W wired charging and 15W Qi2 wireless charging. Whether you’re on the go or at home, the phone’s charging options ensure you stay powered up throughout the day.
Software and Detox Mode: A Balanced User Experience
It runs Android 14 out of the box, with two years of OS updates and three years of security patches, keeping your device updated with features and the latest security protocols.
Interestingly enough, Skyline also features something called Detox Mode, which allows users to temporarily restrict notifications and access to social media to bring a little more balance into their digital lives.
From the Lumia-inspired design to modern Gen 2 repairability, a high-refresh-rate OLED display, and an AI-enhanced camera setup, HMD Skyline perfectly balances nostalgia and innovation. Currently, it is retailing at KES 60,000 at select stores across Kenya. Color options include Blue Topaz, Neon Pink, and Twisted Black.
The upcoming HMD Skyline will no doubt be worth considering in the midrange class of smartphones, standing out on both design and functionality.