The HMD Fusion is a mid-range smartphone that combines modern design with basic features aimed at offering a smooth experience for users who need reliable performance without breaking the bank. However, as with many budget and mid-tier devices, the Fusion has several reported issues that can impact usability. In this article, we’ll break down the most common issues users encounter, explore possible causes, and suggest solutions. By the end, we’ll also assess whether the HMD Fusion is worth the investment.
Frequent Software Issues
Random Freezing and App Crashes
One of the most frequent complaints about the HMD Fusion is that it freezes randomly or crashes during app usage. This can be frustrating for users who rely on the phone for multitasking or for using more demanding apps like social media, navigation, or video streaming.
Common Causes:
- Limited RAM: The HMD Fusion comes with a limited amount of RAM, which can restrict its ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously.
- Software Bugs: Certain versions of the operating system or specific app updates may not be optimized for the Fusion’s hardware, resulting in stability issues.
User Feedback:
"Whenever I open multiple apps, the phone becomes unresponsive, and sometimes apps even close on their own. I’ve had to restart the device several times a day."
Potential Solutions:
- Clear App Cache: Going into Settings > Storage > Cached Data and clearing the cache can reduce system slowdowns caused by accumulated temporary files.
- Disable or Uninstall Unnecessary Apps: Removing non-essential apps or disabling those that run in the background can free up memory.
- Restart Regularly: Power cycling the device daily can help clear memory and avoid random freezing.
System Updates and Compatibility Issues
Although HMD offers software updates for its devices, some users report that the Fusion lacks prompt updates, leading to compatibility issues with newer apps or causing instability after updates are applied.
Common Problems:
- Lagging Performance After Updates: Some users experience slower performance or bugs after updating the device.
- Incompatibility with Newer Apps: Users report that certain popular apps may not function correctly on the Fusion after software updates.
Suggested Fixes:
- Check for Pending Updates: Occasionally, HMD will release patches to fix compatibility issues. Regularly checking for updates can ensure your device has the latest software.
- Factory Reset Post-Update: For significant issues after an update, a factory reset may stabilize the device. However, this will erase all data, so backing up is essential.
Hardware-Related Issues
Battery Drain and Charging Difficulties
Despite a decently-sized battery, some Fusion users report battery life issues, noticing rapid depletion even with light use. Additionally, charging problems, such as slow charging times or issues with connecting to the charging port, are common complaints.
Possible Causes:
- Background Processes: Excessive background activity can quickly drain the battery.
- Faulty Charging Port: The charging port on the Fusion may loosen over time, causing unreliable charging connections.
Tips for Improvement:
- Optimize Battery Settings: Activating Battery Saver mode in Settings and reducing screen brightness can help prolong battery life.
- Limit Background Apps: Disabling unnecessary background apps can help reduce battery drain.
- Use High-Quality Charging Cables: Using an official or high-quality third-party charging cable may improve charging performance.
- Inspect and Clean the Charging Port: Using a small brush or compressed air to clear dust from the charging port can help ensure a stable connection.
Screen Sensitivity and Display Issues
The HMD Fusion has a standard display that offers reasonable clarity for its price point. However, some users report issues such as unresponsive touch, screen flickering, or visible lines on the display.
Common Complaints:
- Unresponsive Touch: Some users find that the screen fails to register touch input accurately, particularly along the edges.
- Flickering or Screen Lines: Display flickering or faint lines appearing across the screen have been reported after a few months of use.
Suggested Solutions:
- Recalibrate Touchscreen: Many devices allow for touchscreen recalibration through Settings, which may help improve touch responsiveness.
- Adjust Display Brightness: Keeping the brightness at moderate levels may reduce flickering, as extreme brightness can put more strain on the display.
- Screen Replacement: If issues persist and affect usability, the screen may require repair or replacement under warranty.
Connectivity Problems: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Network Signal Issues
Connectivity is an essential aspect of any smartphone, and the Fusion is no exception. Users report issues with connecting to Wi-Fi networks, dropped Bluetooth connections, and inconsistent network signal strength, particularly in areas with weaker coverage.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues
The Fusion occasionally struggles with maintaining stable Wi-Fi connections, particularly on crowded networks or when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Common Fixes:
- Restart Router and Phone: Restarting both the router and the device can often resolve minor connectivity issues.
- Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Forgetting the network and reconnecting with the correct password can reset the connection, improving stability.
- Disable Power-Saving Mode: Occasionally, battery-saving features may interfere with connectivity, so turning this mode off may stabilize the Wi-Fi connection.
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
Some users experience issues with pairing Bluetooth devices, especially with wireless headphones and car audio systems. The device may fail to connect or experience frequent disconnections.
Suggested Fixes:
- Re-pair Devices: Unpair the device from Bluetooth settings and re-pair to refresh the connection.
- Turn Off Other Connections: If the device is trying to connect to multiple Bluetooth devices, it may help to disable other connections temporarily to focus on a single connection.
Inconsistent Network Signal
Network signal issues can result in dropped calls and slow data speeds. The Fusion’s signal strength tends to be less reliable in rural or low-signal areas, leading to frequent disruptions.
Tips to Improve Signal:
- Toggle Airplane Mode: Enabling and disabling Airplane mode can reset the network connection, which may help restore signal.
- Switch Networks: If the Fusion is unlocked, switching to a network with better coverage in your area may be worth considering.
Camera Quality Issues
The HMD Fusion offers a basic camera setup, but users have reported subpar performance in both daylight and low-light conditions. Common issues include poor focus, grainy images, and slow shutter speeds, which can make it difficult to capture clear photos.
Common Complaints:
- Blurry Images: Even in well-lit environments, images may appear slightly out of focus.
- Poor Low-Light Performance: The camera struggles significantly in low-light scenarios, with grainy, unclear photos being a frequent outcome.
Workarounds:
- Use Third-Party Camera Apps: Sometimes, third-party apps provide better control over focus and exposure, helping to improve image quality.
- Avoid Low-Light Photography: When possible, avoid taking photos in low light, as this is where the Fusion’s camera tends to struggle the most.
Overheating Issues
Some Fusion users have reported overheating, particularly during heavy use such as gaming or extended streaming sessions. Overheating can cause discomfort, impact battery health, and even slow down the device as it throttles performance to reduce heat.
Common Causes:
- Resource-Intensive Apps: Running multiple or high-demand apps simultaneously can heat up the device quickly.
- Extended GPS or Streaming: Long periods of GPS use or streaming content can lead to significant heating.
Preventative Measures:
- Take Breaks During Heavy Usage: Avoid continuous usage of resource-heavy apps for long periods.
- Limit Brightness and Background Activity: Lower screen brightness and reduce background activity to prevent the device from overheating.
Other Reported Problems
Audio Issues: Low Volume and Distorted Sound
While not as widely reported, some users mention issues with the Fusion’s audio output. Common complaints include low call volume, distorted sound from the speaker, or difficulties hearing clearly through headphones.
Suggested Fixes:
- Clear Speaker and Headphone Jack: Dust and debris can block the speaker or headphone jack, so clearing these areas may improve sound quality.
- Use High-Quality Earphones: Low-quality earphones can lead to poor sound, so upgrading to a better pair might help.
Storage Limitations
The Fusion comes with a limited internal storage capacity, and while it supports expandable storage, users may find the internal storage fills up quickly, leading to performance slowdowns.
Possible Solutions:
- Utilize Cloud Storage: Offloading photos, videos, and other large files to cloud storage can help free up space.
- Regularly Clear Unused Apps: Deleting apps and clearing cache can help maintain free space and keep the device running smoothly.
Conclusion: Is the HMD Fusion Worth Buying?
The HMD Fusion presents an appealing option for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable, no-frills smartphone. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Affordable Pricing: The Fusion is budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Basic Durability: Though not rugged, the device offers adequate build quality for everyday use.
- Expandable Storage: MicroSD support allows users to add more storage, which is helpful given its limited internal memory.
Cons:
- Performance Limitations: The device suffers from lag, app crashes, and occasional freezes, which can detract from the user experience.
- Mediocre Camera: Camera performance is below average, particularly in low light.
- Connectivity and Audio Issues: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio quality issues can be frustrating for frequent users.
If you prioritize affordability and only need a basic smartphone for light tasks, the HMD Fusion may be a reasonable choice. However, if you’re looking for smoother performance, a better camera, and reliable connectivity, alternatives such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 or the Samsung Galaxy A12 offer superior functionality in a similar price range.