- Long-lasting 1000 mAh battery for extended use.
- Dual-SIM functionality for managing two phone numbers.
- Built-in UPI app for convenient mobile payments.
- Affordable price of Rs 1,299 for budget-conscious users.
As the world goes on being ruled by cutting-edge smartphones, the HMD 105 represents an influential appeal to simplicity.
This compact and basic feature phone caters to the niche market segment that values simplicity regarding communication and does without frills.
Here is our short review of this compact offering.
HMD 105 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Long battery life | Limited storage |
| Dual-SIM support | No camera |
| UPI payment feature | No modern connectivity |
HMD 105 A Simple Unboxing Experience
Unboxing the HMD 105 is a nostalgic experience for those who remember the early days of mobile phones.
The package contains the essentials: the phone itself, a removable 1000 mAh Li-ion battery, a simple charger, and a user manual.
This minimalstic approach to packaging mirrors the phone’s overall philosophy of providing just what’s necessary.
HMD 105 Unboxing Video
HMD 105 Key Specs
- 1.8″ color LCD screen
- 120 x 160 pixels resolution
- Dual-SIM functionality
- 1000 mAh removable Li-ion battery
- IP52 dust and water splash resistance
- 4MB RAM and 4MB storage
- Built-in UPI app for mobile payments
- FM radio with recording capability
HMD 105: Design and Features
The device is plainly utilitarian in design, with a 1.8″ color LCD screen and a resolution of 120 x 160 pixels.
Though not very sharp or vivid, this display gets the real estate to read texts and flip through its simple menu.
Its body, being well-made plastic, comes in black, purple, and blue colors.
This means an IP52 rating against dust and water splash resistance, which hints at ruggedness in its otherwise bare-bones look.
Perhaps one of the most striking features of the HMD 105 is that it has dual-SIM functionality, which gives users the ability to support two phone numbers from one device.
This may come in very handy, especially for people who want to differentiate personal calls from professional ones or travelers switching frequently from a local to an international SIM card.
The interface of the phone is refreshingly simple and allures one of those good old days where getting through a mobile device did not require any sort of learning curve.
The numeric keypad is responsive and well-spaced, hence texting and dialing were easy on even large fingers. The menu system is also very user-friendly, with options like the phonebook, messages, and settings quite easily available.
HMD 105 UPI on a Feature Phone? You Bet
Though basic in nature, the HMD 105 doesn’t completely turn its back on modern conveniences, either.
Thus, surprisingly and most welcome among these was the mention of a built-in UPI app for mobile payments, which brings an element of modernity into this otherwise rather traditional device.
This alone significantly makes the phone useable for users in regions where mobile payments are becoming increasingly common.
The entertainment options on the HMD 105 are limited but at least exist. The FM radio with recording will let you get some music and news, particularly when internet access may not be forthcoming.
The 3.5mm headphone jack allows for private listening, though the phone’s speaker is sufficiently loud for casual use.
Not Your Everyday Companion: Plausible Limitations
The simplicity of the HMD 105 is also its limitation.
With 4MB RAM and 4MB of storage space, you’re hardly doing anything but deleting messages regularly to make way for more.
It doesn’t sport a rear or even a front-facing camera, so it is purely an offering for calls and texts.
There is no mention of any 3G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth on this device, which nails the point across that this is simply a phone for calling.
HMD 105 Battery Champion
The battery life will become a strong point for HMD 105.
Although the removable 1000 mAh battery is small by today’s smartphone standards, it could last days on a single charge, given the very minimal power requirements of the phone.
This longevity, along with the fact that the battery can be swapped out easily, makes it an excellent choice for people who want reliability above feature sets.
HMD 105 So Should You Get One
In conclusion, the HMD 105 is a phone that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to be anything else.
It is priced at Rs 999 and it’s a device for users who find smartphones overwhelming, those who need a reliable backup phone, or individuals looking to disconnect from the constant connectivity of modern life.
HMD has offered dual SIM functionality, long battery life, and a surprisingly modern UPI payment feature making it a practical choice for some specific use cases.
However, its limited storage, lack of camera, and absence of modern connectivity options mean it’s not for everyone.
The HMD 105 is a reminder that in the fast-paced world of mobile technology, there’s still room for devices that prioritize simplicity and reliability over cutting-edge features.
HMD 105 5 Reasons to Buy
- Long-lasting battery life
- Dual-SIM support for multiple numbers
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Built-in UPI app for payments
- Affordable price of Rs 999
HMD 105 3 Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited storage space
- No camera (rear or front)
- Lack of 3G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity
Top 5 Alternatives to HMD 105
Reliance Jio Bharat K1 Karbonn
- Price: Rs 990
- Display: 1.77″ TFT, 128 x 160 pixels
- Camera: 0.3 MP Rear
- Battery: 1000 mAh
- Features: Dual-SIM
Gfive A2
- Price: Rs 699
- Display: 3.5″ LCD, 480 x 320 pixels
- Camera: 2 MP Rear, 1.3 MP Front
- Battery: 1500 mAh
- Features: Single Core Processor, Android v4.1
Snexian Rock R9
- Price: Rs 849
- Display: 1.8″ TFT, 320 x 420 pixels
- Camera: 0.3 MP Rear
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Features: 32 MB RAM
VOX Mobile V18
- Price: Rs 649
- Display: 1.8″ TFT, 180 x 240 pixels
- Camera: 0.3 MP Rear with LED Flash
- Battery: 1000 mAh
- Features: 32 MB RAM
InFocus Hero 1
- Price: Rs 749
- Display: 1.77″ TFT, 128 x 160 pixels
- Battery: 800 mAh
- Features: Dual-SIM, Basic Phone
| Feature | Specification |
| Price | Rs 999 |
| Display | 1.8″ color LCD, 120 x 160 pixels |
| Battery | 1000 mAh removable Li-ion |
| Dual-SIM | Yes |
| RAM/Storage | 4MB RAM, 4MB storage |
| IP Rating | IP52 dust and water splash resistance |
| UPI Support | Built-in UPI app for mobile payments |
| Additional Features | FM radio with recording capability |
FAQs
Q1: What are the main features of the HMD 105?
The HMD 105 includes a 1.8″ color LCD screen, dual-SIM functionality, a 1000 mAh removable battery, and a built-in UPI app for mobile payments.
Q2: How does the HMD 105 handle battery life?
With a 1000 mAh battery, the HMD 105 can last for several days on a single charge, making it ideal for users who prioritize long battery life.
Q3: Does the HMD 105 have internet connectivity?
No, the HMD 105 lacks modern connectivity options such as 3G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, focusing solely on basic communication features.
Q4: Is the HMD 105 suitable for taking photos?
The HMD 105 does not come with a camera, making it unsuitable for photography. It is designed for basic calling and texting functions.
Q5: Can I use the HMD 105 for mobile payments?
Yes, the HMD 105 includes a built-in UPI app, allowing users to make mobile payments despite its basic nature.
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