HMD has announced the debut of its first smartphone, the HMD Arrow, in India, through a post on the Rajasthan Royals IPL team’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This announcement follows a recent partnership between HMD and the IPL team.
The device is said to offer a fresh design, upgraded specifications, a different processor, 5G support, and improved camera features, as reported by The Mobile Indian.
Contrary to expectations of it being a rebranded HMD Pulse (also known as HMD Vibe in the U.S.), which launched globally, the Arrow promises to be a distinct offering tailored for the Indian market.
Unlike the HMD Pulse series, which primarily offers 4G-enabled devices with a Unisoc T606 Chipset, the Arrow targets the emerging 5G market in India. While 4G smartphones still dominate markets like Europe and the U.S., India is witnessing a rapid adoption of 5G technology.
The report highlights that the decreasing prices of 5G smartphones in India, with some costing below Rs. 10,000, have made it challenging for brands with 4G offerings to attract consumers.
Given this trend, HMD aims to capture the lower end of the price spectrum in India with its Arrow smartphone, targeting users who prioritize 5G connectivity.
However, details about the pricing segment of the Arrow remain undisclosed. Based on Nokia’s past pricing strategies in India and HMD’s global market trends, it’s speculated that the Arrow could fall into the mid-budget 5G handset category, likely priced below Rs. 20,000.
Launch date?
Regarding the launch date, the post hints at the imminent arrival of the Arrow, suggesting a launch later this month or in the first week of June. More information is expected to surface as the launch date approaches.