Introduction
Hello tech enthusiasts! Welcome back to another in-depth review where we dive into the latest gadgets hitting the market. Today, we're diving into a blast from the past with a modern twist. HMD Global has revived the nostalgic essence of the Lumia series with their new Skyline phone. This device is a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern technology, catering to both the Lumia loyalists and new users looking for a stylish mid-range mobile. Let's unbox this stylish mid-range mobile and explore all it has to offer.
Unboxing Experience
The unboxing experience is often the first impression of a device, and HMD Global has done a commendable job here. The Skyline arrives in a sleek, minimalistic box that hints at its premium feel. As we open the box, the first thing that catches the eye is the vibrant neon pink color of the HMD Skyline. This color choice is bold and certainly stands out from the usual monochrome options available in the market.
Inside the box, you'll find the essentials: the phone itself, a USB-C cable, a SIM ejector pin, and some basic product and safety information. However, it's worth noting that there are no included accessories like a charger adapter or earphones, which means you'll need to have these on hand or purchase them separately. This minimalist approach to packaging aligns with modern trends but might be a slight inconvenience for some users.
Design and Build
The design of the HMD Skyline is where the nostalgia truly kicks in. It pays homage to the classic Lumia phones with its flat top and bottom edges, a distinctive design choice that allows the phone to stand upright on its own. This feature might seem trivial, but it adds a unique character to the phone.
The Skyline is available in two striking colors: Twisted Black and Neon Pink. The back of the phone is made from tempered glass with a matte finish, which not only looks sleek but also feels premium in the hand. However, this finish makes it prone to smudges and fingerprints, so you might find yourself wiping it down frequently.
The frame is crafted from 100% recycled aluminum, a nod to HMD's commitment to sustainability. This material choice ensures the phone is both lightweight and durable, providing a sturdy yet comfortable grip. The front of the phone is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, offering decent resistance against scratches and minor drops. Additionally, the phone is IP54 rated for splash and dust resistance, providing peace of mind for everyday use.
Display and Audio
The HMD Skyline features a 6.55-inch Full HD+ display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. This display offers a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid visuals whether you're scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing games. The colors are vibrant, and the brightness levels are sufficient for outdoor use, although it might struggle slightly under direct sunlight.
For audio, the Skyline is equipped with stereo speakers that deliver clear sound with decent volume levels. While they might not rival high-end flagships in terms of bass and depth, they are more than adequate for casual media consumption and hands-free calls. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a pleasant surprise in an era where many manufacturers are phasing it out.
Performance
Under the hood, the HMD Skyline is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor. This mid-range chipset is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, depending on the variant you choose. This combination ensures that the phone handles everyday tasks with ease, from browsing the web and social media to multitasking between apps.
Gaming performance is decent on lower settings, with popular titles like PUBG and Call of Duty running smoothly without significant frame drops. However, for more graphics-intensive games, you might need to dial down the settings for a smoother experience. The phone manages heat well, thanks to its efficient thermal management system, ensuring it doesn't get uncomfortably hot during extended gaming sessions.
Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, with the added flexibility of expanding it via a microSD card. This is a welcome feature for users who need extra space for their photos, videos, and apps.
Camera
The camera setup on the HMD Skyline is versatile and caters to a variety of shooting scenarios. The triple camera array on the back includes a 108MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens. This combination allows you to capture detailed and vibrant photos in well-lit conditions.
The camera app is user-friendly and offers various shooting modes such as portrait, night, and pro mode. In good lighting, the main sensor produces sharp images with accurate colors. The ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing landscapes and group photos, while the telephoto lens allows for decent zoom capabilities without significant loss in quality.
However, the camera does struggle in low light conditions, with noticeable noise and reduced detail. The night mode helps to some extent, but it's not as effective as some of the high-end flagships. The 50MP front-facing camera performs adequately for selfies and video calls, with good detail and natural skin tones.
Battery
One of the critical aspects of any smartphone is its battery life, and the HMD Skyline does not disappoint. The phone is equipped with a substantial 5,000mAh battery, ensuring it can easily last through a full day of heavy usage. Whether you're streaming videos, playing games, or navigating through your daily tasks, the Skyline has the stamina to keep up.
In real-world usage, you can expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time, depending on your activities. The power-efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, combined with the optimization of the near-stock Android experience, contributes significantly to this impressive battery performance.
When it comes to charging, the Skyline supports 33W fast charging. This means you can go from 0 to 50% in just about 30 minutes, which is incredibly convenient for quick top-ups throughout the day. However, it's worth noting that the fast charger is not included in the box, so you'll need to purchase it separately if you want to take full advantage of this feature.
Additionally, the Skyline includes support for wireless charging, which is a nice touch for a mid-range device. This allows for convenient charging without the need to plug in cables, adding an extra layer of flexibility to your charging options.
Software and Features
The HMD Skyline runs on a near-stock version of Android, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. This ensures a bloatware-free experience, with only essential apps pre-installed. The phone also includes customizable buttons, allowing you to set up shortcuts for your most-used functions.
One of the unique features of the Skyline is its new mindfulness-focused detox mode. This mode encourages users to take breaks from their screens, promoting a healthier balance between digital and real-life activities. It's a thoughtful addition that aligns with the growing awareness of digital wellbeing.
However, it's important to note that the Skyline will only receive two major OS updates and three years of security updates. While this is standard for mid-range devices, it might be a drawback for users looking for long-term software support.
Repairability
One of the standout features of the Skyline is its repairability. In partnership with iFixit, HMD Global ensures that users can easily replace parts like the battery and screen at home. This DIY-friendly approach is a significant advantage for those who prefer maintaining their devices themselves, potentially extending the phone's lifespan and reducing e-waste.
iFixit provides comprehensive repair guides and sells genuine replacement parts, making the process straightforward even for those with minimal technical skills. This focus on repairability sets the Skyline apart from many other phones in its category and is a commendable step towards sustainability.
The HMD Skyline is a compelling mid-range phone that successfully blends nostalgic design elements with modern technology. Its vibrant display, solid performance, and user-friendly repair options make it a unique and practical choice for both Lumia fans and new users.
While it has some limitations in software support and low-light photography, the Skyline stands out as a distinctive option in the crowded mid-range market. Its sustainable design and repairability are particularly appealing for environmentally-conscious consumers.
Whether you're drawn to its retro design or looking for a reliable and stylish phone with a touch of nostalgia, the HMD Skyline is worth considering. Stay tuned for more in-depth reviews and tech insights, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with the Skyline in the comments below!