HMD Arc Review

The HMD Arc wants to establish a name for itself in the low-cost smartphone market by providing a respectable balance of features and specifications. Even though its features aren’t as good as those of high-end smartphones, they are designed to make daily chores dependable and useful. To find out if it fulfills the users’ needs, let’s examine its features and functionality.

With measurements of 166.4 x 76.9 x 9 mm and a weight of 185.4 grams, the HMD Arc has a useful design. While not everyone would like the slightly thick design, it gives the device a more substantial feel. But it is basic, the Black color option has a classic appeal.

Its IP54 dust and splash protection which is exclusive to Europe, is one noteworthy attribute. This gives the HMD Arc a degree of durability that is unusual for low-cost smartphones, making it appropriate for consumers who require a phone that can resist exposure to light and weather.

A 6.52-inch IPS LCD with a maximum brightness of 460 nits is a feature of the HMD Arc. The brightness is sufficient for indoor use, however, it is insufficient for outdoor use in direct sunshine.

The 20:9 aspect ratio and 576 x 1280 pixels resolution provide a simple viewing experience that is suitable for streaming or light surfing. Sharpness isn’t its strongest point, though, with a density of about 215 PPI and you might notice pixelation when playing high-quality movies or doing jobs that require a lot of text.

For light to moderate tasks, the HMD Arc’s Unisoc SC9863A processor and Android 14 (Go Edition) provide seamless performance. The IMG8322 GPU and the octa-core CPU (4×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) make it appropriate for light gaming, social media, and simple multitasking.

However, obvious slowdowns may result from demanding programs and graphics-intensive games. There is sufficient space for necessary apps, media files, and documents due to the 64GB internal storage and 4GB RAM.

Furthermore, additional storage is possible with the microSDXC card (shared with the SIM slot) which is a useful feature for customers who require more storage.

The HMD Arc’s camera technology is simple but effective. In well-lit settings, the 13MP autofocus main camera takes respectable pictures but in low light the quality drastically declines.

Its versatility is increased by features including a panorama mode and an LED flash. Although video recording is possible, there are no sophisticated stabilization or resolution settings.

While it lacks clarity and sharpness, the 5MP front camera is enough for informal selfies and video chats. For consumers who don’t prioritize photography, both cameras are better suited to their fundamental requirements.

The HMD Arc’s 5000mAh battery is one of its best qualities. With moderate use, the phone can last up to two days because of its high capacity that ensures exceptional lifespan.

For customers who like overnight charging, the charging pace is modest yet doable when paired with a 10W cable charger. In this price range, wireless charging and reverse charging features aren’t expected.

Essential connectivity features covered by the HMD Arc include GPS, GALILEO, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and an FM radio. With faster data transfer and more convenient charging, USB Type-C is a major improvement over earlier micro-USB connectors.

Other sensors such as the proximity and accelerometer improve basic operation and the fingerprint sensor on the side is effective for speedy unlocking. However, consumers seeking remote control or contactless payment alternatives might be disappointed by the absence of NFC and an infrared connector.

The gadget facilitates customers who like wired audio solutions by including a 3.5mm headphone jack. The speaker performs mediocrely with volume and clarity suitable for phone conversations and light media viewing. Although its bass and depth would be lacking for audiophiles, it is appropriate for everyday use.

The HMD Arc ensures reliable connectivity for the majority of regions by supporting 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. Reliable internet access is provided via its HSPA and LTE speeds for online gaming, streaming, and browsing. However, the shared slot for microSDXC would cause annoyance to those who require both dual-SIM capability and extended storage, the Nano-SIM slot supports a contemporary standard.

For this low-cost gadget, the Android 14 (Go Edition) operating system is a suitable decision. Because of its lower-end hardware optimization, it runs smoothly even with constrained resources.

For users who choose convenience over extensive customization, it provides a lightweight and intuitive experience even though it misses some of the more sophisticated capabilities of the full Android version.

Pros

• For the Europe region, the IP54 dust and splash resistance improves durability.
• Awesome battery lifespan is provided by the 5000mAh capacity.
• Users with greater storage requirements can benefit from microSDXC capability.

Cons

• No wireless charging or NFC capabilities.

A dependable and useful low-cost smartphone, the HMD Arc fulfills its promise of basic functionality. It is ideal for those looking for a robust gadget with cutting-edge connection, long battery life, and effective software.

However, power users and those anticipating high-end features find it less tempting due to its limits in terms of display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.

All things considered, if one is conscious of its limits, the HMD Arc is a good option for individuals who are new to smartphones or are on a limited budget. This smartphone is something to think about if durability and price are more important to you.

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