HMD Global, the company behind Nokia phones and its own HMD lineup, is pushing forward with several interesting projects. Recent insider info has helped clear up what’s real and what’s just rumor, especially around the Fusion 2 modular phone and the XR22, while shooting down some fake design concepts.

According to reliable X tipster @smashx_60 (citing insiders), the Fusion 2 is still actively in development. There had been speculation that the modular project might get canceled due to high costs and profitability worries, but the source claims it’s still alive. It’s expected to have a completely different design and approach compared to the first model. This could mean smarter modularity or changes aimed at making it more practical and affordable.

For those who missed it, the original HMD Fusion launched in 2024 with an affordable modular system using interchangeable “Smart Outfits” for things like extra protection or gaming grips. It had a 6.56-inch 90Hz HD+ LCD, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, 108MP main camera, and strong repairability features. The Fusion 2 is rumored to step things up with a larger 6.58-inch Full HD+ 120Hz OLED display, a faster Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 processor, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and better IP65 dust/water resistance. There’s also talk of new Gen 2 outfits and continued support for 3D-printed accessories.

On top of that, the XR22 is confirmed to be in the works as the successor to the tough HMD XR21. The XR21 earned praise for its extreme durability (IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H), solid performance, and reliable camera. The XR22 is expected to carry on that rugged spirit with upgrades in performance and cameras.

On the flip side, rumors about a Skyline 2 GT variant and a Skyline 2 with a funky circular camera module have been called fake by the same source. The regular Skyline 2, however, is still moving ahead with upgrades like a brighter 144Hz OLED screen, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, better cameras (possibly dual 50MP sensors alongside a 108MP main), and Qi2 wireless charging.

Overall, these updates show HMD trying to strike a good balance between fresh ideas and real-world practicality in the budget and mid-range market. The modular Fusion concept is especially interesting: it brings back memories of projects like Google’s Ara or Moto Mods, but with a bigger focus on affordability and easy repairs.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

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