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HMD Fusion: Comprehensive Review on Features, Performance, and Common Issues

HMD Fusion: Comprehensive Review on Features, Performance, and Common Issues

The HMD Fusion is a recent addition to the smartphone market, brought to us by HMD Global, known for their Nokia-branded phones. Targeted at users who want a solid balance of affordability and capability, the HMD Fusion focuses on a streamlined user experience with good battery life, a competent camera, and basic multitasking ability. This article explores the HMD Fusion’s main specifications, frequently reported issues, and how it compares to other devices in a similar range.

Overview of the HMD Fusion

The HMD Fusion is a mid-range smartphone with a focus on providing a balanced user experience without overwhelming users with excessive features. Its design prioritizes simplicity, durability, and practicality, making it suitable for everyday use, especially for users who prioritize functionality over frills. Released in 2024, the HMD Fusion is aimed at both budget-conscious and environmentally conscious consumers, following HMD Global’s focus on longevity and eco-friendly production.

Key Specifications of the HMD Fusion:

  • Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD display, 90Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
  • RAM: 4GB/6GB options
  • Storage: 64GB/128GB, expandable with microSD
  • Battery: 5000 mAh with 18W fast charging
  • Operating System: Android 13, with a focus on a near-stock Android experience
  • Camera: Dual rear camera with 48MP main sensor, 2MP depth sensor, and 8MP front camera
  • Additional Features: Fingerprint sensor, NFC support, 5G connectivity

1. Battery Performance and Charging Concerns

The HMD Fusion’s 5000 mAh battery is one of its standout features, providing a full day’s use with moderate activity. However, certain users have reported minor concerns about battery performance:

  • Inconsistent Battery Life: Some users report faster battery drain when the screen is set to 90Hz or when multiple apps are used concurrently.
  • Slow Charging Speeds: Despite 18W fast charging support, the charging speed can feel slow due to the larger battery size, taking over two hours to fully recharge.
  • Battery Degradation Over Time: After several months of use, a few users have noted that the battery doesn’t hold as much charge, a common issue in many smartphones.

Possible Solutions:

  • Switch to 60Hz When Not Needed: The 90Hz refresh rate consumes more battery, so using 60Hz for non-intensive tasks can improve longevity.
  • Use Battery Saver Mode: Activating the built-in battery saver mode, especially when the battery is below 20%, can extend usage time.
  • Avoid Charging Overnight: To maintain battery health, it’s best to unplug the device once it reaches full charge rather than leaving it connected for extended periods.

2. Display Quality and Touch Sensitivity Issues

The HMD Fusion features a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth scrolling experience and crisp visuals. However, a few display-related issues have been noted:

  • Lower Brightness Levels in Sunlight: Some users find the screen difficult to view in direct sunlight, even at maximum brightness.
  • Touch Sensitivity Variations: Occasionally, users report inconsistent touch responses, especially along the screen edges, which can affect typing and app navigation.
  • Ghost Touches: In rare cases, ghost touches (when the screen registers unintended touches) have been reported, particularly when the device is charging.

Possible Solutions:

  • Manually Adjust Brightness: Instead of relying on automatic brightness, adjusting it manually in different lighting conditions may improve visibility.
  • Calibrate Screen Sensitivity: In the settings, adjusting touch sensitivity can help alleviate issues around the edges.
  • Avoid Using While Charging: To prevent ghost touches, avoid using the device while it’s plugged in or ensure it’s on a stable surface.

3. Camera Quality and Focus Limitations

With a 48MP primary camera, the HMD Fusion aims to provide decent photo quality for everyday shots. Yet, users have observed certain limitations, particularly in low light and focusing:

  • Low-Light Performance: Although the camera performs well in daylight, it struggles with noise and lack of detail in low-light conditions, producing grainy photos.
  • Slow Autofocus: Users report that the autofocus can be slow or inconsistent, especially when switching between subjects at varying distances.
  • Limited Dynamic Range: The camera sometimes struggles to balance bright and dark areas in the same shot, resulting in overexposure or loss of detail.

Possible Solutions:

  • Use Night Mode Sparingly: The night mode helps enhance low-light images, but for best results, keep the phone steady and try to avoid moving subjects.
  • Tap-to-Focus for Better Results: Manually tapping on the subject can improve focus accuracy, especially for close-up shots.
  • Avoid Zooming In: Digital zoom can reduce photo quality, so getting closer to the subject without zooming can yield better clarity.

4. Software Bugs and Performance Issues

The HMD Fusion runs on Android 13 with a near-stock experience, aiming for a smooth, bloatware-free system. However, certain software bugs and performance complaints have been reported:

  • Occasional Freezing During Multitasking: Users have experienced lag or stuttering when using multiple apps or playing high-performance games, likely due to the device’s mid-range processor.
  • Delayed Notifications: Aggressive battery management may delay notifications for messaging apps or social media, which some users find inconvenient.
  • Limited Customization: While the near-stock Android experience is generally positive, users who prefer a high degree of customization may find it lacking compared to other Android skins.

Possible Solutions:

  • Disable Battery Optimization for Key Apps: In settings, disable battery optimization for important apps to ensure timely notifications.
  • Clear Cache Regularly: Clearing cache files for frequently used apps can improve responsiveness and reduce lag.
  • Restart Periodically: Restarting the phone every few days can help resolve minor performance hiccups and ensure a smoother experience.

5. Connectivity Issues: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G

With 5G capabilities, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, the HMD Fusion offers all essential connectivity options. Nevertheless, some users report connectivity challenges:

  • Inconsistent Wi-Fi Connection: Certain users report the phone occasionally disconnects from Wi-Fi, particularly on the 5GHz band.
  • Bluetooth Pairing Delays: Some users experience slow pairing with Bluetooth devices, especially when connecting to multiple accessories.
  • 5G Coverage Limitations: Users have noted that 5G signals may be inconsistent, particularly in areas where network coverage is weak.

Possible Solutions:

  • Reset Network Settings: To address Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues, resetting network settings can often resolve connectivity problems.
  • Use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for Stability: If 5GHz bands are unreliable, switching to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi can improve connection stability.
  • Download Offline Maps for GPS: For those relying on navigation, downloading maps for offline use can prevent issues in areas with weak signal strength.

6. Audio Quality and Speaker Performance

The HMD Fusion features a single bottom-firing speaker that provides decent audio quality for calls and casual media use. However, users have observed certain audio limitations:

  • Distortion at High Volumes: The speaker may produce distorted sound when the volume is set to maximum, especially during media playback.
  • Inconsistent Volume During Calls: Some users experience fluctuating volume levels during calls, which can impact call quality.
  • Limited Bass in Audio Playback: The audio output lacks depth and bass, making it less suitable for music enthusiasts.

Possible Solutions:

  • Lower Volume Slightly: Keeping the volume below maximum can help avoid distortion and improve sound clarity.
  • Use Earphones for Better Quality: For a better listening experience, using wired or wireless earphones can provide improved audio quality.
  • Check Audio Settings: Adjusting sound settings, including any built-in audio enhancement options, may help with sound quality issues.

Additional Minor Issues and User Feedback

  1. Fingerprint Sensor Inaccuracy: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be unreliable at times, especially if the sensor or finger is slightly damp.
  2. Slow Screen Orientation: Some users report a delay in screen rotation, which can be inconvenient for certain tasks.
  3. Occasional System Restarts: While rare, a few users have mentioned that the device may restart unexpectedly, likely due to minor software glitches.

User Reviews and Feedback

The HMD Fusion generally receives positive feedback for its affordable pricing, solid build, and decent performance for the price point. Here are a few highlights from user reviews that reflect both the strengths and drawbacks:

  • “It’s a good budget phone with a decent display and camera, though it struggles in low light.”
  • “Battery life is excellent, but the charging speed could be faster considering the large battery.”
  • “The software is clean, but I wish there were more customization options.”
  • “It’s a solid phone for everyday use, but the speaker quality could be better.”
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