HMD Skyline: Stylish and Sustainable, But Short-Lived

HMD Global, known for revitalizing the Nokia brand, has ventured into new territory with its latest release, the HMD Skyline. This mid-range smartphone is designed to be both stylish and repairable, allowing users to fix their devices at home. While the Skyline makes strides in sustainability, a significant issue undermines its appeal.

The Skyline’s standout feature is its user-repairability. HMD has partnered with iFixit to provide parts, and the review unit even includes a complete set of screwdrivers and bits for disassembly. This approach allows users to replace damaged components, such as the USB port, screen, or battery, without needing to purchase a new phone. The concept is commendable, as it aligns with the growing demand for sustainable devices. However, the execution is not without its challenges.

Repairing the Skyline requires patience and precision. The device’s construction still relies heavily on glue, making it difficult to open. Additionally, the repair process is not forgiving of mistakes. Users need the right tools and a steady hand to complete repairs successfully. Despite these hurdles, the ability to repair the device at home is a significant step forward in the industry.

However, the Skyline’s appeal is marred by its limited software support. HMD promises only two major Android updates, starting with Android 14, which is expected to be replaced by Android 15 soon. This means the Skyline will receive its final Android update by November 2025, offering just three years of security updates. In comparison, similarly priced smartphones provide at least five years of software support, with Google’s Pixel 8a extending to seven years. This limited support raises concerns about the long-term security and usability of the device.

For many potential buyers, the short software lifespan is a dealbreaker. The Skyline’s repairability is a significant advantage, but it is rendered less meaningful if the device cannot keep up with software advancements and security needs. This disconnect between hardware and software is particularly disappointing because the Skyline has the potential to be a standout product.

The Skyline’s design is a nod to Nokia’s heritage, featuring a subtle sloping edge and a square, forward-facing display profile reminiscent of the Nokia Fabula design language seen in Windows Phone devices. The phone feels comfortable in hand, although its off-center camera can cause it to wobble when placed on a flat surface. The design is distinctive, standing out in a crowded market, particularly in the eye-catching Neon Pink model.

Priced at $500, the Skyline sits at the upper end of the mid-range market, and its specifications reflect this positioning. While it doesn’t feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 chipset is more than capable of handling everyday tasks. The phone is not designed for high-end gaming or intensive apps, but it delivers a smooth experience for web browsing, photo processing, and using key apps.

The camera system is another highlight of the Skyline. The main camera boasts a 108-megapixel lens, complemented by a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera. The camera setup offers natural color reproduction, particularly in well-lit conditions, although the telephoto camera produces slightly more vibrant colors. The optical zoom is limited to 2x, with digital zoom options available up to 4x, though the quality diminishes beyond 2x.

The selfie camera, at 50 megapixels, performs well in good lighting but can lose definition in darker conditions. Overall, the camera performance is impressive for a mid-range device, providing users with quality photos that are typical of Nokia’s legacy.

However, the Skyline’s battery life and charging capabilities leave much to be desired. With a 4,600 mAh battery, it is smaller than many competitors in its price range, and charging is slow, maxing out at 33W with no charger included in the box. A full charge takes over an hour, even at maximum wattage. While the device does support wireless charging, it is limited to 15W, which is slower than many other devices.

On the software front, HMD’s Android implementation is clean, free of excessive bloatware, and similar to Google’s Pixel series. The Skyline features a custom button that can be programmed for various functions, though the interface for setting this up is unintuitive. Additionally, HMD plans to introduce a Detox mode in a future update to limit social media notifications, catering to users seeking a more mindful approach to smartphone use.

In the end, the HMD Skyline is a smartphone with clear strengths and weaknesses. Its repairability and distinctive design set it apart, but its limited software support and underwhelming battery life may be dealbreakers for some. The Skyline is a bold attempt by HMD to carve out a niche in the competitive smartphone market, but its Achilles’ heel lies in the imbalance between its promising hardware and its short-lived software support. For those who prioritize repairability and sustainability, the Skyline offers a unique proposition, but for others, the trade-offs may be too significant to ignore.