HMD Pulse Series: Comparing The Pulse, Pulse+, And Pulse Pro Smartphones

Body

The HMD Pulse kicks off the series with its vibrant offerings. Sporting dimensions of 163.2×75×8.5 mm and weighing 187 g, it's a sleek and lightweight companion available in Dreamy Pink and Meteor Black.

With dimensions and weight identical to its sibling, the Pulse+ retains the sleek form factor, available in Apricot Crush and Midnight Blue hues.

With dimensions slightly larger and weighing 196 g, the HMD Pulse Pro exudes a premium feel, available in Black Ocean, Glacier Green, and Twilight Purple variants.

Here are the relevant specs:

When it comes to the bodies of the HMD Pulse series, comfort and convenience are key considerations. With those dimensions, these phones strike a balance between screen real estate and ergonomics. The weight, ranging from 187 g to 196 g, contributes to a solid feel without being overly heavy.

For long sessions of use, whether it's browsing the web, gaming, or watching videos, the dimensions and weight of these phones should provide a comfortable grip. Their sleek designs ensure they fit nicely in the hand, reducing strain during extended usage. Additionally, their slim profiles make them easy to slip into a pocket or bag without adding unnecessary bulk.

As for the colors, HMD offers multiple distinct options, each hue exuding a sense of personality and style, catering to different tastes and preferences.

• Apricot Crush: Vibrant and lively, Apricot Crush suits individuals who exude warmth and positivity. It's perfect for those who like to stand out and make a statement with their choice of device.
• Black Ocean: Sleek and sophisticated, Black Ocean appeals to users with a penchant for timeless elegance. It's ideal for professionals and minimalists who prefer a classic aesthetic.
• Clacier Creen: Refreshing and modern, Glacier Green (stylized, Clacier Creen) is for nature lovers and trendsetters. Its cool tones evoke a sense of calmness and serenity, perfect for those who appreciate a touch of the outdoors.
• Dreamy Pink: Soft and romantic, Dreamy Pink is perfect for individuals who embrace their soft side. It's a charming choice for anyone who loves pastel hues and wants to add a hint of whimsy to one's tech accessories.
• Meteor Black: Bold and versatile, Meteor Black is a timeless choice for those who prefer understated elegance. It's suitable for anyone looking for a classic, no-nonsense color option that complements any style.
• Midnight Blue: Mysterious and refined, Midnight Blue is for individuals who appreciate depth and sophistication. It's an excellent choice for those who want a subtle pop of color without straying too far from tradition.
• Twilight Purple: Enchanting and whimsical, Twilight Purple is for dreamers and creatives. Its rich tones evoke a sense of magic and fantasy, making it the perfect choice for those who like to express their individuality through their tech accessories.

Ultimately, whether you opt for the vibrant Twilight Purple or the subdued Black Ocean, the colors of the HMD Pulse series complement the sleek designs of the devices and elevate their overall appeal, ensuring that you can flaunt your phone with pride wherever you go.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

The HMD Pulse series, with an IP52 dust and splash-resistant rating, is primed for everyday adventures, providing some degree of protection against environmental elements. Let's understand what each digit signifies and how it compares to higher-rated devices.

The "IP" in IP52 stands for "Ingress Protection", with the first digit representing protection against solids and the second digit indicating protection against liquids. In the case of the HMD Pulse series:

• The first digit "5" signifies protection against solids. Specifically, it means your HMD Pulse series phone is protected against dust ingress to a limited extent. While it may not be completely dustproof, it offers a level of protection against dust particles that could potentially harm the device's internal components.
• The second digit "2" denotes protection against liquids. This indicates that the HMD Pulse series phone is protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees from its normal position. While it may withstand light splashes and rain, it's not fully waterproof or submersible.

Compared to the phones flaunting higher ratings like IP68 (which offers complete dust protection and allows for continuous immersion in water), the IP52 rating of the HMD Pulse series phone provides more modest protection against environmental elements. To protect your device from environmental elements, you can take several precautions:

• Use a Protective Case: A durable and shock-absorbent protective case can provide an additional layer of protection against drops, impacts, and scratches. Look for cases specifically designed for the form factor of your HMD Pulse series phone to ensure a snug fit and access to ports and buttons.
• Apply a Screen Protector: A screen protector can help safeguard the display against scratches, smudges, and minor impacts. Choose a high-quality screen protector made from tempered glass or durable film for optimal protection.
• Avoid Exposure to Extreme Conditions: While your HMD Pulse series phone is designed to withstand everyday use, it's best to avoid exposing it to dusty environments and high humidity for extended periods. These conditions can potentially damage the device or affect its performance over time.

By taking these precautions and investing in protective accessories such as a case and screen protector, you can help prolong the life of your HMD Pulse series phone and reduce the likelihood of damage from environmental elements.

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

HMD Pulse+. Image credit: HMD

Featuring a 6.65-inch IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, the HMD Pulse series delivers smooth visuals. Here are the relevant specs:

The IPS LCD displays featured on the HMD Pulse series are notable for their vibrant visuals and smooth performance. IPS LCD technology ensures vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, making the displays suitable for multimedia consumption, gaming, and everyday tasks.

The inclusion of a 90 Hz refresh rate enhances the user experience by providing smoother animations and transitions. This feature is particularly beneficial for gaming enthusiasts and those who value fluid navigation.

The 720×1612 pixel resolution offers crisp detail, making text and images appear sharp and clear. This 720p resolution is suitable for most types of content, including web browsing, social media, and streaming video content. However, demanding tasks such as professional photo or video editing might benefit from a higher resolution display to ensure precise detail and accuracy.

While the displays boast a typical brightness of 480 nits and a High Brightness Mode (HBM) of 600 nits, it's worth noting that these levels might fall slightly below the industry standard for flagship devices. While the brightness is adequate for indoor use and most outdoor conditions, direct sunlight may pose visibility challenges, especially at the lower end of the brightness spectrum.

Overall, while the IPS LCD displays on the HMD Pulse series offer commendable visual quality and smooth performance, you should consider your usage habits and environment when evaluating their suitability. While they excel in most scenarios, users who frequently find themselves in bright outdoor settings may prefer devices with higher brightness levels for optimal visibility.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Navigating through the tech landscape, the HMD Pulse series supports the GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The HMD Pulse series supports a single Nano-SIM.

Chipset

Under the hood of the HMD Pulse series, the Unisoc T606 chipset and octa-core CPU ensure reliable performance. Here are the relevant specs:

The HMD Pulse series is powered by the same chipset, CPU, and GPU configuration, providing a consistent performance across all models. This smartphone trio utilizes the Unisoc T606 chipset, which integrates various components to ensure smooth operation and efficient power management. While not as widely known as some other chipsets, the Unisoc T606 offers a balance of performance and affordability, making it suitable for entry-level devices like the Pulse series.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) comprises two types of cores: Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55. These cores serve different purposes to optimize performance and power efficiency.

• Cortex-A75: These high-performance cores are designed to handle demanding tasks that require significant computational power. They excel at tasks such as gaming, multitasking, and running intensive applications. With a clock speed of 1.6 GHz, they ensure snappy performance and responsiveness.
• Cortex-A55: In contrast, the Cortex-A55 cores are power-efficient cores optimized for light tasks and background processes. They consume less power and are used during periods of low activity to conserve battery life. Despite having the same clock speed as the Cortex-A75 cores, they prioritize efficiency over raw performance.

The Mali-G57 MP1 GPU handles graphics processing tasks, ensuring smooth visuals and seamless gameplay. While not the most powerful GPU on the market, it's capable of handling casual gaming, multimedia playback, and everyday tasks with ease.

With these components at the helm, the processing power of the Pulse series is adequate for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, email, and light gaming. You can expect smooth performance when navigating through the interface, multitasking between apps, and streaming content.

However, while the Pulse series offers respectable performance for its price range, it may struggle with more demanding tasks such as high-end gaming, intensive video editing, and running resource-heavy applications. Users who prioritize these activities may find a more powerful configuration better suited to their needs.

Overall, the Unisoc T606 chipset, coupled with its octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, provides a balanced combination of performance and efficiency for the targeted audience of the HMD Pulse series. While it may not rival flagship devices in raw power, it offers a reliable user experience for everyday usage scenarios.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

In terms of memory and storage, the HMD Pulse series offers 4 GB to 8GB of RAM paired with 64 GB or 128 GB of internal storage. While this configuration may seem modest compared to higher-end devices, it should suffice for the target audience of these entry-level smartphones. Additionally, you have the flexibility to expand storage further by up to 256 GB via the microSD card slot, providing room for additional apps, media, and files.

Cameras

The HMD Pulse features a dual-camera setup, led by a 13 MP primary lens for crisp captures. While it may not match higher-end models, its performance is commendable for the price range.

The Pulse+'s main attraction lies in the camera department, featuring a 50 MP primary lens for detailed shots, elevating your photography experience. Like in the Pulse, its 8 MP front camera handles selfies with finesse, perfect for social media enthusiasts.

The Pulse Pro stands out with its dual-camera setup featuring a 50 MP primary lens and a 2 MP depth sensor, ensuring stunning depth-of-field effects and detailed shots. On the front, a 50 MP selfie camera captures every detail, catering to selfie enthusiasts.

Rear Camera

HMD Pulse Pro main camera setup. Image credit: HMD

The main camera setups of the HMD Pulse series consist of multiple lenses, each serving a specific purpose to enhance the photography experience. Let's break down the roles of these lenses and explore the features of the cameras. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	HMD Pulse	HMD Pulse+	HMD Pulse Pro
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)	2 (Dual)	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	13 MP (wide), N/A (auxiliary lens)	50 MP (wide), N/A (auxiliary lens)	50 MP (wide), 2 MP (depth)
Autofocus	AF, N/A	AF, N/A	AF, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps	1080p at 30 fps	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash, HDR	LED flash, HDR	LED flash, HDR

The 13 MP or 50 MP wide lens, featured on all models, is the primary lens used for capturing most photos and videos. It offers a standard field of view, suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from landscapes to group shots.

The Pulse and the Pulse+ feature an auxiliary lens, which typically serves as a secondary lens for capturing additional detail or providing specialized functionality. While the specific purpose of this lens may vary, it often complements the wide lens by offering enhanced capabilities such as macro photography or depth sensing.

The Pulse Pro includes a 2 MP depth sensor, dedicated to capturing depth information and enabling features such as portrait mode and bokeh effects. This lens helps create a sense of depth in photos by accurately detecting the distance between subjects and background elements.

Among the camera features, AF (Autofocus) ensures that images remain sharp and in focus, even when subjects are in motion or at varying distances. It's a fundamental feature for capturing clear and detailed photos and videos.

The LED flash provides additional illumination in low-light environments, allowing you to capture well-exposed images without relying solely on ambient light. It's useful for evening or indoor photography where natural light may be limited.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology enhances image quality by capturing a wider range of exposure levels, from bright highlights to dark shadows. It helps preserve details in both bright and dark areas of a scene, resulting in more balanced and lifelike photos.

With these lenses and features working in tandem, the main camera setups of the Pulse series are suitable for a variety of photography and videography needs, including:

• Everyday Photography: Capturing family moments, social gatherings, and scenic landscapes.
• Casual Videography: Recording vlogs, video calls, and short clips for social media.
• Portrait Photography: Creating professional-looking portraits with artfully blurred backgrounds and enhanced subject isolation.
• Low-light Photography: Capturing clear and well-exposed photos in dimly lit environments using the LED flash.

However, while the main camera setups of the Pulse series offer solid performance for most users, more demanding photography and videography needs may require a more powerful configuration. These may include:

• Professional Photography: High-resolution images, advanced manual controls, and specialized lenses for specific genres such as wildlife and sports photography.
• 4K Video Recording: Higher resolution and frame rates for capturing detailed and cinematic-quality videos.
• Low-light Photography: Enhanced low-light performance, larger sensor size, and OIS (optical image stabilization) for better results in challenging lighting conditions.

Overall, the main camera setups of the HMD Pulse series strike a balance between versatility and performance, catering to the diverse photography needs of users while offering a compelling value proposition.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Equipped with a sizable 5000 mAh battery, the Pulse series ensures extended usage without frequent recharges. Recognizing the importance of faster charging, the Pulse Pro offers 20 W wired charging, minimizing downtime and keeping you connected throughout the day.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Connectivity

The HMD Pulse series doesn't skimp on essential connectivity options. With support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The HMD Pulse series boasts Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The HMD Pulse series features GPS and GALILEO positioning systems for accurate navigation and location services.

The HMD Pulse series features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The HMD Pulse series comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the HMD Pulse series.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is HMD Pulse, Pulse+, and Pulse Pro release date?

  The HMD Pulse series has been announced on the 24th April, 2024. The vanilla Pulse has been released the same day, and the Pulse+ and The Pulse Pro are expected to release later in the same month.