HMD launched the HMD 105 and HMD 110 feature phones in India in June. Why? Brands like HMD, Lava, Itel, and Jio are still trying to capitalize on the large feature phone market in India. According to a CMR India survey report, the overall feature phone market saw a 9% year-on-year growth in shipments in Q2 2023. While 2G feature phone shipments remained steady, the market for 4G feature phones experienced significant growth, with a 108% year-on-year increase. The major attraction of the HMD 105 and 110, which are 2G feature phones, is their support for UPI payment. Here’s the HMD 105 for review to know what’s in store for its buyers.
1. Design and Display
The first thing you notice about the HMD 105 is its sturdy build. The polycarbonate back with a nano texture gives the phone a comfortable grip while ensuring durability. The rigid inner frame adds to its toughness, making it resistant to everyday wear and tear. The phone is available in three colors—Black, Purple, and Blue—each of which complements its stylish design. It has a thickness of 11.5mm and weighs 77.5 grams.
The HMD 105 comes with a 2.0-inch QQVGA display, which is a noticeable improvement over the smaller screens of previous models. The large, tactile keypad is a pleasure to use, making typing and navigating the phone’s menu effortless. This phone excels in its design for simplicity.
2. Performance and Features
The HMD 105, despite being a feature phone, packs a wealth of important features. It has a 1,000 mAh removable battery that provides up to 8 days of standby time. For charging, it features a microUSB port. It comes with support for Indian languages. The Phone Talker (only available in English), a text-to-speech accessibility function, helps users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
The phone also includes a dual LED flashlight, an FM radio, and an MP3 player, adding a bit of entertainment to its list of functionalities. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the classic Snake game.
The HMD 105 supports a standard SIM card and a mini SIM card, which operate on GSM networks (900/1800 MHz). Readers should note that Jio SIM will not work on this phone. It also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it simple to listen to music or the radio. The phone offers 4 MB of internal storage and 4 MB of RAM, with support for microSD cards up to 32 GB, providing ample space for contacts and media.
3. UPI Payments Integration
One of the HMD 105’s standout features is its support for UPI payments via the dedicated Gupshup Pay (GS Pay) button. This makes it a convenient option for those who prefer using a basic device but still want the capability to make digital payments securely and quickly. The integration adds a layer of modern functionality to this classic phone. However, you cannot scan a QR code as the device lacks a camera.
To use GS Pay, you need to ensure that your phone number is linked to your bank account. Secondly, the SMS service should be active on your number because the app will send a confirmation SMS to verify your phone number.
To set up UPI payments using the Gupshup Pay app, first, register your SIM and link your bank account by entering the IFSC code and debit card details. Then, set up your UPI PIN using the last six digits of your debit card and expiry date. For payments, enter the recipient’s mobile number, amount, and UPI PIN, or pay directly from your contacts list.
4. Who should buy it?
The HMD 105 is a reliable choice for those who need a basic, stable phone with a few extra features. It’s perfect for users who prioritize battery life, durability, and simplicity over the complex functionalities of modern smartphones. Additionally, the HMD 105 supports UPI payments, making it convenient for users to perform digital transactions on the go, even with a feature phone. Whether you’re looking for a backup device, something that helps you disconnect, or a phone that enables easy payments, the HMD 105 is a solid piece of certainty you can carry in your pocket.
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