Quick Summary
HMD appears to be preparing to launch a new mid-range handset that's going to bring back Lumia design.
The HMD Skyline is tipped to have retro Nokia vibes and is expected to launch in July.
The collapse of Windows Phone saw Nokia as a major casualty. Microsoft had taken over the Nokia phone business and was using it to produce Lumia devices, until it all came to an end in 2016. Now, the company that rescued the brand looks to be bringing back a piece of Lumia too.
One of the distinctive things about Lumia devices was the design. It was called Fabula and was characterised by rounded sides and square ends, the display set in a polycarbonate body. It was used on many devices and it might be about to make a return, in the form of a much-rumoured HMD Skyline.
The phone that typified Fabula design was the Nokia Lumia 920 and at launch, we praised the unibody design, but weren’t so taken with bulk of the device. Of course, it only had a 4.5-inch display, but weighed as much as a modern smartphone. Newly leaked images – thanks to 91mobiles – reveals that the HMD Skyline looks very much like Lumia design.
But this phone isn’t carrying Nokia branding, being an HMD device instead. Through 2024, HMD has been releasing its own phones as it transitions away from the Nokia name. That’s seen the launch of the HMD Pulse devices earlier in the year and the Skyline appears to be next.
What do we know about the HMD Skyline?
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the HMD Skyline as it was previously teased along with the potential specs. It looks like this will be a mid-range handset, powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (the same hardware in the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion), with 8GB RAM.
The phone is said to have a 4900mAh battery with 33W charging and run Android 14 out of the box.
The camera module on the back could have a 108-megapixel main camera, supported by a 32-megapixel front camera, although it’s not currently clear what the secondary cameras on the back will offer.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Whoever said the sky is the limit?Coming soon. 👀👉🔜 pic.twitter.com/T9htiwDfmeJuly 15, 2024
The display is thought to be 6.67-inches, with a 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution. It’s said to be an AMOLED display and offer a 120Hz refresh rate.
Nokia’s Lumia devices were known for the bright colours that were available – especially yellow and reds – but it looks like the phone will focus on pink based on leaks so far. There has been no official word on the launch date, but HMD has just teased the launch on X / Twitter, suggesting it could be happening really soon.
Chris has been writing about consumer tech for over 15 years. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Pocket-lint, he's covered just about every product launched, witnessed the birth of Android, the evolution of 5G, and the drive towards electric cars. You name it and Chris has written about it, driven it or reviewed it. Now working as a freelance technology expert, Chris' experience sees him covering all aspects of smartphones, smart homes and anything else connected. Chris has been published in titles as diverse as Computer Active and Autocar, and regularly appears on BBC News, BBC Radio, Sky, Monocle and Times Radio. He was once even on The Apprentice... but we don't talk about that.
-
One running shoe brand seems to dominate all running distances on Strava – can you guess which?
Nike dominates the Strava leaderboard, but it's not just about shoes – the 2024 Year in Sport Trend Report reveals how athletes train, race, and socialise today
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Energy expert reveals ideal temperature for your thermostat this winter
Were you aware of this?
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
HMD Skyline review: repairability and retro looks
With throwback looks, HMD's mid-range phone has plenty of appeal – but plenty to consider, too
By Chris Hall Published
-
This could be the Nokia flagship phone we've been waiting for – there's just one thing missing
Nokia under HMD's guidance didn't dally in flagship phones, but this could change things
By Chris Hall Published
-
HMD's Barbie flip phone looks exactly as you'd expect – Nokia fans will be pleased
And there are some specification details too
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
HMD reveals Barbie flip phone release date – could be a rebadged Nokia
But which Nokia is it?
By Rik Henderson Published
-
HMD Skyline brings back that Nokia Lumia cool – just not the name
HMD's new mid-range phone harks back to iconic Nokia phone design
By Rik Henderson Published
-
HMD Pulse Pro appears online in renders, specs, the lot
As leaks go, it's a big one
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
HMD and Heineken combine for a flip phone that's boring on purpose
Produced in collaboration with Bodega, The Boring Phone is for those looking for a digital detox
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Vodafone and Nokia make huge breakthrough in quest for zero latency broadband
Online test results in just 1.05ms of latency
By Rik Henderson Published