Why the HMD Skyline Is Underrated But Offers Great Value
Design & Build Quality That Stand Out
The HMD Skyline blends style and substance in a way few mid-range phones do. It revives Nokia’s Lumia design legacy with flat edges, striking color options (Neon Pink, Twisted Black, Blue Topaz), and a matte finish that feels premium without being flashy. The device is also user-repairable: back cover, battery, and display parts are all replaceable, supported by iFixit-style guides and available spare parts. That makes it more sustainable over time. (HMD – Human Mobile Devices)
Impressive Hardware Specs for the Price
Under the hood, the Skyline packs solid internals: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip, paired with 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage in the full variant. The display is a 6.55-inch P-OLED panel with 144 Hz refresh rate and good brightness (1000 nits peak), which makes scrolling smooth and media viewing sharper than many rivals. (GSMArena)
Camera is another plus: rear triple setup with a 108 MP main sensor with OIS, a 50 MP telephoto, and 13 MP ultrawide; selfies are handled by a 50 MP front camera. Also, it includes a user-replaceable 4600 mAh battery, 5G connectivity, and upgradeable software (Android 14 with promised upgrades). (HMD – Human Mobile Devices)
Real-World Value Where It Counts
- Repairability saves money long term. Parts are easier to get and many repairs don’t require specialized factories.
- Good camera + display combo means it’s more than just a work-horse; it can handle social media content, low-light photos, etc., competitively.
- Large storage + generous RAM mean you won’t be constantly clearing space.
Trade-Offs to Keep in Mind
- Charging speed is moderate: roughly 33W wired, plus 15W wireless, which isn’t the fastest, so full charge takes time. (HMD – Human Mobile Devices)
- Build is premium, but IP rating is IP54, which stands up to splashes, not full water immersion. (GSMArena)
- Some users note that brightness at times may lag flagship display alternatives under very bright sunlight. (WIRED)
Current Price in Kenya & Where to Buy
- Phonetronics Kenya lists the 12 GB + 256 GB variant at KES 27,500. (Phonetronics Kenya)
- On Jumia Kenya, prices are around KES 27,799 to KES 28,699 depending on model and seller. (Jumia Kenya)
- Digital Phones Kenya has it priced at KES 27,000 for the same specs. (Digital Phones)
- Avechi Kenya also lists the 5G 12/256 variant at about KES 27,699. (Avechi Kenya)
- Kilimall has a slightly higher listing: KES 29,600 for local dispatch. (Kilimall)
Why It’s Underrated Compared to Competitors
- It doesn’t always get as much hype as phones from larger brands, so people overlook it when looking for “the newest features.”
- Many buyers focus on ultra-fast charging or ultra high refresh rates, but Skyline’s balance of repairs, camera performance, display quality, and sustainability is more practical for everyday users.
- Its repairable design, useable camera setup, and solid display specs give more long-term value than many phones in its price range that skimp on these details.
Final Verdict
If you can get the HMD Skyline in Kenya around KES 27,000-29,000 as it currently sells, you’re getting an excellent deal. For those who care about style, repairability, camera performance, and a good display without overpaying for luxury noise, the Skyline hits a sweet spot. It may not be perfect, but for what it offers and at this price, it’s underrated and definitely worth considering.
NOMA NTV WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2025 FULL EPISODE