Nokia’s parent company HMD releases three hot phones under $300

The company HMD (Human Mobile Devices) has been around for a while, but is mostly known as the parent company that produces Nokia phones. However, now HMD is launching its own branded phones at a more affordable price point, with a strong emphasis on quality devices and sustainability.

The Pulse range of HMD phones features three different devices for under $300 AUD RRP and sets the tone for what you can expect from HMD in the future. However, it’s worth noting that none of these devices include 5G connectivity.

Brenden Folitarik, GM for HMD Australia and Oceania, said that the focus for HMD in Australia will be a balance between great design, technology and value.

“We are here to deliver something new, exciting and different to Australian consumers and to the industry as a whole. Our inaugural Pulse range epitomises what HMD will stand for in the market, reinforcing that Australians no longer need to decide between design or value, features or fashion.” he said.

HMD Pulse Pro — features and specs

The most expensive of the three devices, the Pulse Pro packs in some pretty generous features for its $299 AUD RRP price point. One of its highlights is the quality camera setup, with a big 50-megapixel front-facing camera along with Selfie Gesture Navigation and Super Portrait mode, for great selfies. This is in conjunction with a big battery, modern design and easy DIY repairability.

• $299 AUD RRP
• Unisoc T606 processor
• 6.56-inch HD+ HID display
• Up to 90Hz refresh rate
• Double rear-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP depth)
• 50MP front-facing camera
• 5,000mAh battery with up to 20W fast charging
• 6GB RAM
• 128GB internal storage + up to 256GB expandable Micro SD storage
• IP52 water resistance
• Android 14, two OS upgrades
• Available in Glacier Green, Twilight Purple and Black Ocean colours

Related: Samsung’s new Galaxy A phones offer high-end features for cheap

HMD Pulse+ — features and specs

As the mid-price phone of the lineup, the Pulse+ offers a big battery, repairability and a 50-megapixel rear camera. The device touts specs designed for easy multitasking, all for a budget-friendly $259 AUD RRP price tag.

• $259 AUD RRP
• Unisoc T606 processor
• 6.56-inch HD+ HID display
• Up to 90Hz refresh rate
• 50MP dual rear camera with depth sensor
• 8MP front-facing camera
• 5,000mAh battery with up to 10W charging
• 4GB RAM
• 128GB internal storage + up to 256GB expandable Micro SD storage
• IP52 water resistance
• Android 14, two OS upgrades
• Available in Apricot Crush, Glacier Green and Midnight Blue colours

HMD Pulse — features and specs

The more basic of the lineup, the HMD Pulse strikes a balance between affordability and performance. It offers a big battery, NFC payment capability (a feature sometimes missing from cheaper phones) and repairability for a budget-friendly $229 AUD RRP.

• $229 AUD RRP
• Unisoc T606 processor
• 6.56-inch HD+ HID display
• Up to 90Hz refresh rate
• 13MP dual rear camera with AI HDR
• 8MP front-facing camera
• 5,000mAh battery with up to 10W charging
• 4GB RAM
• 64GB internal storage + up to 256GB expandable Micro SD storage
• IP52 water resistance
• Android 14, two OS upgrades
• Available in Meteor Black, Atmos Blue and Dreamy Pink colours

Where can I buy the HMD Pulse range?

All three of the HMD Pulse phones are now available in Australia. You can pick up the Pulse Pro and the Pulse from JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Big W and Officeworks, while the Pulse+ is available from JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks now and from Big W, Telstra and Vodafone at a later date.

SIM-only plans for the HMD Pulse range

If you’re looking to pick up your phone from a retailer, you’ll need to pair it with a SIM-only phone plan. You can compare a range of prepaid and postpaid plans and providers in the below tables, or use our free comparison tool.