HMD Fusion Review: Smartphones have become synonymous with design uniformity. From affordable to high-end devices, the bar-shaped smartphone has dominated the market — until now. Enter the HMD Fusion, a budget-friendly smartphone that dares to innovate. At ₹17,999, this modular smartphone breaks the mold by combining self-repairability with customizable modular accessories.
But does all this make it a game-changer in the budget segment? Let’s break it down.
A Design That Stands Out
The HMD Fusion is, at its core, a bold design statement. Unlike most budget devices, it pairs function with flair thanks to its built-in modular capabilities.
Unfortunately, the phone is sold in just one color — black. However, HMD introduces a solution in the form of Outfits, snap-on cases that add new layers of personalization and functionality.
Modular Accessories
- Casual Outfit (Included): This soft TPU case provides enhanced durability against drops but adds noticeable thickness to the device. Minimalists might find it uninspiring, as it sticks with a simple black design.
- Smart Outfits (₹2,999 each):
- Flashy Outfit – Designed for vloggers, this module doubles as a ring light or flash. It enhances low-light selfies and videos with adjustable brightness and customizable tones. Bonus? It serves as a stand for hands-free video watching.
- Gaming Outfit – Designed for mobile gamers, this controller accessory introduces physical buttons to your gameplay while minimizing lag via direct contact points.
Both Smart Outfits connect seamlessly via 6 contact pins at the base of the phone, integrating their functionalities directly with the device. Users can create custom cases for the Fusion using HMD’s paid Development Toolkit and a 3D printer—a unique touch for tech enthusiasts.
Apart from its modular appeal, the HMD Fusion scores points for its translucent back panel and industrial-style screws, lending it a rugged yet modern aesthetic. It also holds an IP54 rating for basic dust and water resistance.
What’s Inside?
Powering the HMD Fusion is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2—a 4nm chipset engineered for efficiency rather than horsepower. Paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, the phone handles basic tasks well.
Display
At 6.5 inches, the HMD Fusion’s HD+ IPS LCD panel is just adequate. Its 90Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling, but on-screen elements like text and images may appear soft compared to Full HD options. While acceptable for most conditions, the display struggles under harsh sunlight, complicating tasks like using the camera outdoors.
Battery
The 5,000mAh battery might sound solid on paper, but its results are a mixed bag. While it can last through a moderate workday, it falls short of its peers in enduring intensive tasks. Our testing showed 16 hours and 13 minutes of video playback — below expectations for its class. However, the bundled 33W fast charger helps top up the battery fully in a reasonable 1 hour and 44 minutes.
Cameras
The HMD Fusion sports a 108MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The main shooter delivers passable results under ideal lighting, with oversharpened 12MP binned photos being the standard. Low-light performance is adequate when using Night Mode, but details lack clarity.
While the 50MP front camera promises high-quality selfies, the results trend towards being “just fine.” The Flashy Outfit, while a fun addition, doesn’t dramatically improve image sharpness.
Software Experience
The HMD Fusion runs on Android 14, significantly undermined by bloatware. Pre-installed apps—including games, VPNs, and third-party utilities—clutter the user experience. On the bright side, all unwanted apps can be uninstalled, returning the interface to a near-stock look.
Still, even with bloatware removed, software responsiveness leaves much to be desired, especially during multitasking.
Performance
While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers enough power for everyday tasks, it can’t quite compete with similarly priced competitors. Benchmark scores place the Fusion firmly behind budget players like the Realme 13+ or the iQoo Z9. Gaming isn’t its strong suit either—smooth gameplay is only achievable at low-to-medium settings.
| Benchmark | HMD Fusion | Moto G85 5G | iQoo Z9 5G | Realme 13+ 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu v10 | 4,48,378 | 4,50,865 | 6,87,545 | 6,85,134 |
| Geekbench 6 (Multi) | 2,245 | 2,102 | 2,669 | 2,945 |
For multitaskers or gamers, other budget options may offer better bang for your buck.
Self-Repair Wins
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the HMD Fusion is its repairable design. The Casual Outfit case can be peeled off to provide access to screws and the battery—no specialized tools required. This makes replacing components incredibly simple and is a refreshing step towards device longevity.
Conclusion
The HMD Fusion stands out for its bold modular design and emphasis on repairability, creating a unique niche in the budget smartphone market. While it doesn’t deliver standout performance or a stellar display, it’s an undeniably fun choice for tech enthusiasts who value design experimentation and self-repair capabilities.
That being said, if raw power, premium displays, or extended battery life top your priority list, alternatives such as the Realme 13+ or the Moto G85 might better suit your needs.
For those craving something different, though, the HMD Fusion injects a much-needed element of playfulness and versatility into the budget smartphone scene.