The HMD Fusion is worth considering if you value a repairable phone or want its unusual snap-on Smart Outfits—and can confirm those parts and accessories are available where you live. Its 720p display, modest update commitment and inconsistent camera impressions make it a less compelling pick if screen quality, long-term software support or dependable photography come first.
What makes the HMD Fusion different?
The Fusion combines a conventional Android phone with a six-pin connector on its back. HMD’s optional Smart Outfits attach there to add functions or protection. Announced examples include a Gaming Outfit, a Flashy Outfit with a ring light, a wireless-charging outfit and a Rugged Outfit. The idea is distinctive, but its practical value depends on which outfits are sold separately or bundled in your market.
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HMD announced the phone on September 5, 2024, with launch prices of £199 and €249. Those are historical launch prices, not current offers. ( HMD’s launch announcement )
HMD Fusion specifications
| Specification | HMD’s international listing |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.56-inch, 720 × 1612 HD+, 90 Hz; listed peak brightness of 600 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 octa-core platform |
| Rear cameras | 108 MP main camera and 2 MP depth sensor |
| Front camera | 50 MP, fixed focus |
| Battery and charging | 5,000 mAh battery; 33 W charging support |
| Memory and storage | 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage; microSD support up to 1 TB |
| Software and updates | Android 14; two OS upgrades; three years of security updates—two years monthly, then one year quarterly |
| Box contents | Transparent Casual Outfit included; wall charger not included |
These are HMD’s published international specifications, not independent performance measurements. Regional configurations and bundles differ: for example, HMD India lists an 8 GB RAM / 256 GB storage version and describes different outfit availability. Check the exact regional model, included accessories and network bands before buying. HMD’s international specifications and India product page show why a single bundle description should not be assumed worldwide.
#1 Best Overall
- The following mobile network providers are confirmed to be compatible at this time: AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, Tracfone. Other carriers cannot be confirmed to be compatible. Please confirm compatibility with your carrier first.
- Add new functionalities with available outfits.
- 50 MP camera with Selfie Gestures and Selfie slo-mo.
- HMD Fusion is quite the looker, even in its standard, see-through outfit. It’s serving you an ultra-slim body and a raw, no-frills aesthetic. Elegant and industrial. So when you don’t need any extra functionalities, you can enjoy the au naturel look.
- Product does not include a wall charging adapter. A USB-C cable is included. Product should only be charged using the included USB-C cable and a charging adapter with a charging capacity of 5-33 Watts (Lower rated wattage will result in longer charge times).
What works well
Repairability is a practical advantage
HMD identifies the display, back cover, battery and charging port as repairable components through iFixit in select markets. It also publishes a battery-replacement guide. This is more useful than a repairable-design claim alone, but it only helps if compatible parts and a repair route are accessible to you. The guide documents a replacement procedure; it does not establish local parts stock or repair prices. HMD’s battery replacement guide
The modular idea has real potential
The connector gives the Fusion a clear identity and lets accessories serve specific needs, from added protection to a ring light or gaming controls. That flexibility is appealing if you will actually use a compatible outfit. It is less persuasive if you would buy the phone as a standard handset and never use the connector.
Rank #2
- 6.56 inches, IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 pixels
- 128GB Storage, 6GB RAM, microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
- Android 14, Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm), Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
- Rear: 108 MP, (wide), AF, 2 MP, (depth), Front: 50 MP
- Dual SIM (Nano SIM + ESIM)
Battery life and software receive some praise
Reviewers describe battery life as daylong or solid, and the India review notes a clean Android experience. These are reviewer impressions, not results from a controlled comparison against current rivals. Your runtime will depend on use, network conditions and settings. 91mobiles’ review and Pocket Tactics’ review
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The display is a notable compromise
The 90 Hz refresh rate can make supported motion look smoother, but it does not change the panel’s 720 × 1612 resolution. WIRED criticized the screen as insufficiently bright, while other review coverage also treats the display as a weak point. If you spend a lot of time reading small text, watching video or browsing outdoors, weigh that trade-off carefully. WIRED’s November 2024 review
Rank #3
- This device works with all GSM carriers including, but not limited to: AT&T, Boost, Cricket, H2O Wireless, Metro, Net10, Simple Mobile, T-Mobile, Tracfone. This product will not work with Verizon. Please confirm compatibility and network availability with your preferred carrier. 5G support not offered with all carriers.
- Taking “life-proof” to the next level with a 100% recycled aluminum chassis and tested to MIL-STD-810H and IP69K standards to be dust-proof, waterproof and drop-proof up to 1.8 meters thanks to its robust Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen and camera lens.
- 2-day battery, 33W Quick Charge 3 and 60% more charges over its lifetime than its predecessor.
- Made and tested in Europe, HMD XR21 passes strict software and malware checks before it reaches you. And with the storage and processing of customer data collected from our global phone and tablet device variants being centralized on a Google Cloud Platform based in Finland, complying with the GDPR requirements, your information stays safe and secure.
- Featuring a 6.49” screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate coupled with OZO Playback to provide an excellent on-the-go entertainment experience.
Camera specifications do not guarantee consistent photos
The 108 MP and 50 MP figures describe sensor resolution, not the quality of every photo. Reviewers report results that depend on lighting or fall short of expectations. The available reviews do not establish a controlled, directly comparable camera test against current alternatives, so treat those observations as impressions rather than a universal ranking.
Software support is limited for long ownership
HMD’s international page lists two OS upgrades and three years of security updates, with the final year delivered quarterly. That is a defined commitment, but it may not suit buyers who expect a longer period of frequent security patches. Check the policy and current status for the exact regional model before purchase.
Rank #4
- AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, and Tracfone are compatible. Other carriers cannot be confirmed to be compatible. Carrier network coverage is dependent upon the carrier's service area. Please confirm compatibility with your carrier first.
- Speedy repairs. Easily replace a cracked screen and other parts at home with iFixit tools and guides – all without voiding your warranty.
- Snap 50 MP selfies with autofocus and record in sharp 4K. Elevate your shots with the 108 MP triple camera on the back.
- Up to 48 hours per charge. Charge wirelessly with any magnetized Qi2 charger, or 33W fast-charging compatible with USB Type-C cable. 5W reverse wireless charging.
- Make custom shortcuts with The Custom Button. Access your favorite game, navigate home, ask your AI tool of choice weird questions, and more. You’re the boss.
Accessories and value vary by market
Outfit availability, what comes in the box, and the cost of building out the modular setup can differ by country and seller. HMD says the international package includes a transparent Casual Outfit and no wall charger; that should not be applied to every regional package. Compare the total price for the phone, any outfit you want, a charger if needed, and possible repair parts—not just the handset price.
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- Consider it if repairability is a priority, a local repair route and compatible parts are available, or you have a specific use for a Smart Outfit.
- Compare other phones first if you prioritize a sharper or brighter display, longer software support, or consistently strong camera results.
- Check before ordering if bundle contents, memory configuration, network-band compatibility, warranty or accessory stock could affect your decision.
There is no established matched test here that proves the Fusion outperforms current alternatives on camera or battery life. Current local prices and competing models also change, so a dated launch price or review comparison is not enough to establish today’s value.
Best Value
- AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, and Tracfone are compatible. Other carriers cannot be confirmed to be compatible. Carrier network coverage is dependent upon the carrier's service area. Please confirm compatibility with your carrier first.
- Speedy repairs. Easily replace a cracked screen and other parts at home with iFixit tools and guides – all without voiding your warranty.
- Snap 50 MP selfies with autofocus and record in sharp 4K. Elevate your shots with the 108 MP triple camera on the back.
- Up to 48 hours per charge. Charge wirelessly with any magnetized Qi2 charger, or 33W fast-charging compatible with USB Type-C cable. 5W reverse wireless charging.
- Make custom shortcuts with The Custom Button. Access your favorite game, navigate home, ask your AI tool of choice weird questions, and more. You’re the boss.
Verdict
The HMD Fusion is a distinctive budget Android phone with repairability and modular accessories that give it a reason to exist beyond its specifications. Those strengths are conditional: they matter most when local repair support is real and the outfits you want are actually available. For buyers who do not need those features, the HD+ display, limited update period and mixed camera impressions make it sensible to compare ordinary budget phones before choosing.
For context, WIRED rated the Fusion 5/10 in November 2024, while Pocket Tactics rated it 7/10 in a review updated November 29, 2024. Those scores use different outlets’ scales and methods, so they should not be averaged or treated as a current market verdict. WIRED · Pocket Tactics
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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