Tech News

HMD Key Launched at £59 With 6.52-inch Display and 2 Years of Updates

Highlights

HMD Global has launched the budget-friendly HMD Key smartphone for £59.
Specifications – 6.52-inch HD display, Unisoc 9832E chipset, 2GB RAM + 32GB storage, 8MP rear camera, 4,000mAh battery and Android 14 (Go Edition) with 2 years of updates.
The phone will be available in Icy Blue and Midnight Black colours.
It’s currently on sale in the UK, New Zealand and Australia via the HMD website.
More regional availability is yet to be announced.

HMD Key was recently launched in select global markets. (Image credit – HMD)

HMD Global has introduced its latest budget-friendly smartphone HMD Key aimed at global markets. Following the launch of the HMD Arc and the Blue Topaz edition of the HMD Skyline, the HMD Key brings a familiar design with practical features.

Here’s everything you need to know about this affordable device.

“Smartphones don’t have to be expensive to be smart and the HMD Key makes sure users get what they expect from their smartphone whilst catering to those on a budget. It’s got all the essential photography modes plus performance-boosting virtual memory, and the smooth Android experience,” said Lars Silberbauer, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Human Mobile Devices (HMD).

How HMD Key Is Different From Predecessors?

HMD Key features an 8MP lens on the back. (Image credit – HMD)

The HMD Key announcement comes after the brand unveiled another budget offering named HMD Arc. However, the latter is not really an upgrade when it comes to specs. Here’s a quick comparison –

The Arc features a Unisoc 9863A chipset and a 4GB + 64GB memory configuration offering better performance than the Key’s Unisoc 9832E and 2GB + 32GB setup.
The Arc packs a 13MP rear camera compared to the Key’s 8MP lens.
The Arc comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery, while the Key houses a 4,000mAh unit.
While the HMD Arc’s price hasn’t been disclosed, it’s expected to be slightly higher than the HMD Key’s £59.

HMD Key – Price and Availability

HMD Key colour variants include Icy Blue and Midnight Black. (Image credit – HMD)

Price – £59 (approximately ₹6,300) for the single 2GB + 32GB model.
Colours – Available in Icy Blue and Midnight Black.
Availability – Currently on sale via the HMD website in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. There’s no word on its availability in other regions yet.

HMD Key – Specifications

Display –52-inch HD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. 20:9 aspect ratio, 1280 x 576 pixels resolution, and 460 nits peak brightness.
Processor – Powered by the Unisoc 9832E chipset.
Memory – 2GB RAM + 32GB internal storage, expandable up to 128GB via microSD, 2GB virtual RAM support.
Operating System – Android 14 (Go Edition) with quarterly security updates for 2 years.

Cameras –

Rear – 8MP primary camera with LED flash. Modes include portrait, night, pro, slow motion, time-lapse, and panorama.
Front – 5MP selfie camera.
Battery – 4,000mAh battery with 10W charging.
Connectivity – 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/AGPS/Galileo, USB Type-C and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Durability – IP52 rating for splash resistance.

FAQs

Q1. How much does the HMD Key cost and what are its color options?

Answer. The HMD Key is priced at £59 (approximately ₹6,300) and is available in Icy Blue and Midnight Black.

Q2. What display features does the HMD Key offer?

Answer. The HMD Key features a 6.52-inch HD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, a 20:9 aspect ratio, 1280 x 576 pixels resolution and 460 nits peak brightness.

Q3. What are the key specifications of the HMD Key?

Answer. The HMD Key includes a Unisoc 9832E chipset, 2GB RAM + 32GB internal storage (expandable up to 128GB via microSD), an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie camera and a 4,000mAh battery with 10W charging.