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TECH FEATURE

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HMD Pulse Models There are two models in the range: the HMD Pulse and the HMD Pulse Pro. While the phones share similar foundations and features, the Pro supports faster charging and features better cameras. Check out the comparison specs below.

HMD Pulse Pro

HMD Pulse

HMD Pulse

HMD Pulse Pro

OS: Android 14 Memory: 4GB/64GB

OS: Android 14 Memory:

4GB /128GB 6GB/128GB 8GB/256GB +4-8GB of VRAM (TBC) MicroSD support Display: 6.56” HD+ Display 90Hz Cameras: 50MP Selfies 50MP+depth Rear

4GB/128GB 6GB/128GB + 4-6GB of VRAM

MicroSD support Display: 6.56” HD+ Display 90Hz Cameras: 13MP Dual Camera 8MP Selfies Battery: 5,000mAh – 10W charging >80% after 800 cycles

We’re rarely given an insight into the creation of a new smartphone coming to market.The experience behind the design concept and subsequent production can often make for an interesting story. With the HMD Pulse smartphones landing on Australian shores, we cornered HMD CMO Lars Silberbaur and fired some questions at him. Words Paul Jones THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Camera Battery:

5,000mAh – 20W

fast charging

>80% after 800

cycles

What’s the deal with the selfie-gesture feature? This is a cool one! You don't need to press the volume button or tap the screen to take selfies. Just show a peace sign, thumbs up, or finger heart gesture to start a three-second countdown. You can focus on your pose and let the phone do the rest. Can you talk about the other key features? Beyond repairability and imaging, we focused on the device's appeal. Customers have praised the Pulse family for its premium feel and bold colours. The phones offer solid performance for everyday use and come in various configurations to fit different budgets. The Pulse phones also feature our Balance Interface, which aims to create a more human user experience with calming colours and soundscapes. Who do you think this phone will most appeal to? Who is the customer? The Pulse family appeals to a bold and aspirational audience. They want great-looking devices that meet their content creation needs without breaking the bank. The repairability aspect especially resonates with Gen Z. If you had to describe the Pulse in one sentence, what would it be? With sleek lines, modern design, a touch of elegance, and fix-it-yourself superpowers, HMD Pulse gives off major celebrity vibes without the celebrity price tag.

You worked at LEGO.What did you take away from your time there? I learned that to innovate and push a traditional company like LEGO forward, you sometimes must step on a few toes to really drive business transformation. It’s very easy for many to become complacent when things are going well. Pulse is about three things: 1. Affordability, 2. Repairability, and 3. Great design. Recent research shows that many, especially among the younger generations, are worried about tech waste, their limited budget, and design trends. So, with this product range, we’re offering a great choice of phone for this audience. We're ramping up efforts to ensure that three out of every four devices we sell in Europe by 2024 will be repairable, a big jump from one in three last year. Can you tell us the blueprint when you set out to design the HMD Pulse?

HMD CMO Lars Silberbaur

The self-repair functionality sounds interesting. Can you tell us more about it? With just a head screwdriver and a guitar pick, you can replace a cracked screen, bent charging port, or dead battery at home. No need for a trip to the service shop or the hassle of restoring your phone. Parts, tools, and step-by-step guides are available through the HMD Repair Hub at ifixit.com, and your warranty stays intact!

50 JUNE 2024

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