(Nokia) HMD Global (the maker of Nokia-branded phones) has shifted its strategy to a dual-brand approach. While they continue to release classic, nostalgic Nokia feature phones, their high-performance smartphones now often carry the HMD brand name.
Whether you are looking for a “digital detox” companion or a repairable everyday driver, here are the 5 best devices from the HMD/Nokia lineup for 2026.
1. Best Overall: HMD Skyline
3.6 out of 5 ratings
The HMD Skyline is a mid-range smartphone that blends nostalgic design elements—reminiscent of the classic Nokia Lumia “Fabula” aesthetic—with modern sustainability through high repairability and magnetic wireless charging.
Core Specifications
- Display: 6.55-inch pOLED, FHD+ (1080 x 2400) resolution, with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits peak brightness.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm chipset).
- Memory/Storage: Options of 8GB or 12GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB internal storage (expandable via microSD up to 512GB).
- Battery: 4600 mAh capacity, rated for up to 48 hours of life. It supports 33W wired charging, 15W magnetic wireless charging (Qi2 certified), and 5W reverse wireless charging.
2. Best for Customization: HMD Fusion
3.8 out of 5 ratings
The HMD Fusion, released in late 2024, is a mid-range smartphone that prioritizes a modular, “repair-it-yourself” philosophy. Its standout feature is the inclusion of Smart Outfits—swappable covers that add physical hardware capabilities to the device via a set of six pogo pins on the back.
- Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
- Storage: 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM / 128GB or 256GB storage (Expandable)
- Battery: 5000 mAh (User-replaceable)
3. Best mid-range smartphone: Nokia G60 5G | Android 14
3.8 out of 5 ratings
The Nokia G60 5G is a mid-range smartphone that focuses on sustainability and longevity. Released in late 2022, it is designed with a high percentage of recycled materials and carries a strong software support commitment.
Core Specifications
- Display: 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate and 400 nits of typical brightness. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) with an Adreno 619 GPU.
- Memory & Storage: Typically available in configurations of 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage (UFS 2.2). It supports expansion via a microSDXC hybrid slot.
- Battery: 4,500 mAh battery with 20W fast charging support (USB Power Delivery 3.0).
4. Gen 2 Repairability: HMD Vibe
4.6 out of 5 ratings
The HMD Vibe represents a significant shift for HMD Global as one of its first major releases under its own branding (moving away from the Nokia name). There are currently two primary versions: the original 4G model (released in mid-2024) and a more recent 5G variant (released in late 2025).
Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD, HD+ resolution (720 x 1480), 90Hz refresh rate.
Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset with 6GB RAM (often marketed with “RAM optimization” up to 12GB) and 128GB internal storage.
Cameras: 13MP main rear camera + 2MP depth sensor; 5MP front-facing camera.
Battery: 4,000mAh with 10W wired charging.
5. Best Feature Phone: HMD XR21 5G
4.0 out of 5 ratings
The HMD XR21 5G remains the gold standard for “dumbphones” in 2026. While it looks like the 1999 original, it has been updated with 4G VoLTE, Cloud Apps for basic weather and news, and a digital wallet for contactless payments.
- The “Detox” Factor: No social media, no doomscrolling—just calls, texts, and Snake.
- Battery Life: Standby time measured in weeks, not hours.
- Price: The most affordable way to stay reachable without the distractions of a glass slab.
Comparison at a Glance
| Model | Primary Strength | Best For |
| HMD Skyline | Repairability & Design | Everyday Power Users |
| HMD Fusion | Modular “Outfits” | Tech Enthusiasts & Creators |
| Nokia G60 5G | Camera & Aesthetics | Nostalgia Seekers |
| HMD Vibe | Durability | Construction & Outdoors |
| HMD XR21 5G | Simplicity | Digital Detox / Backup Phone |
