HMD Global, the company that obtained the rights to use the Nokia brand for its phones, has quietly launched a new device. Named the HMD Arc, it aims to be both affordable and reliable.

It will appeal to those who cannot justify spending a premium on a flagship phone and prefer simplicity and dependability. Currently, details regarding pricing and availability are still undisclosed, but its specifications indicate that it is a straightforward device intended for everyday use.

The HMD Arc features a basic 6.52-inch HD+ LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 20:9 aspect ratio. While these specifications may not be particularly impressive, I believe the six-and-a-half-inch display strikes a perfect balance between smaller and larger phones. The screen has an attractive design, with a teardrop notch for the front-facing camera, focusing on practicality rather than flashy features.

Internally, the phone is equipped with a Unisoc 9863A chipset, accompanied by 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card. That sounds fantastic, in my opinion.

This hardware is ideal for casual activities such as browsing, using social media, and engaging in light gaming, but don’t expect it to perform like a high-end device. Operating on Android 14 (Go edition), the device is designed to deliver a smooth and efficient experience, particularly for first-time smartphone users or those upgrading from older models.

A major selling point of the HMD Arc is its impressive 5,000mAh battery, which provides peace of mind for users who are frequently on the move and may not have easy access to a charger.

However, with only 10W charging support, recharging the battery may feel slow compared to the faster charging options available on the market.

That’s definitely a downside. The rear of the phone features a dual-camera system that includes a 13MP primary sensor, along with a secondary lens whose specifications are not specified. A 5MP front camera offers basic capabilities for selfies and casual video calls. Despite its budget-friendly price, the HMD Arc comes with features that enhance its durability and security.

It includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for easy unlocking and has an IP52/IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. Furthermore, HMD Global has pledged to provide two years of security updates, which is a notable commitment in the entry-level market.