HMD Skyline: Good Budget-Phone Option for Kenya
The HMD Skyline offers premium features without the highest flagship price, making it an interesting pick for budget-minded buyers in Kenya who still want top camera, display and repairability options.
Specifications
- Display: 6.55-inch P-OLED, 144Hz refresh rate, peak brightness ~1000 nits. (Digital Phones)
- Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) (Cellular Kenya)
- RAM / Storage: Options of 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage (also 8/128 GB in some offers) (Cellular Kenya)
- Rear Cameras: Triple array – 108 MP main with OIS, 50 MP telephoto (2× optical zoom), 13 MP ultrawide (Digital Phones)
- Front Camera: 50 MP (Cellular Kenya)
- Battery: 4,600 mAh user-replaceable battery, supports wired fast charging (~33W) and wireless charging (magnetic / Qi2) (Digital Phones)
- Build & Extras: Dual SIM, 5G support, WiFi 6E, NFC, side-fingerprint sensor; IP54 rating (dust & splash resistant) (Cellular Kenya)
Strengths
- Very good camera versatility: large 108 MP main, useful 50 MP telephoto and ultrawide; optical zoom helps in portraits or distant shots.
- Smooth premium display: the 144Hz P-OLED gives fluid motion and better visuals than usual LCDs in this price range.
- Repairability & user-replaceable battery: adds long-term value since you can replace parts (battery, screen) with less dependence on official service centres.
- 5G support and up-to-date chipset make it more future-proof in terms of connectivity and performance.
- Strong front camera: 50 MP selfie sensor is generous.
- Good warranty/service options in Kenya via retailers.
Weaknesses / Trade-offs
- IP54 only: not fully waterproof; only protects against light splashes and dust, not immersion.
- Charging speed is decent but not top-tier; slower than some rivals offering faster wired and wireless charging.
- Heavier and possibly more fragile build given glass back/front and repairable design (repair still requires care).
- Price is on the higher side for what some expect from the “budget” segment; cheaper phones may offer similar performance in some areas (e.g. battery capacity or basic 4-cam setups).
- Software update commitment seems modest: often 2 major Android updates and security updates (vs some premium brands offering more).
Price in Kenya & Where to Buy
- Digital Phones Kenya: KSh 27,000 for the 12 GB + 256 GB Skyline. (Digital Phones)
- Jumia Kenya: KSh 27,799 for same 12/256GB variant. (Jumia Kenya)
- Cellular Kenya: KSh 27,500 for 256GB model. (Cellular Kenya)
- Avechi Kenya: KSh 27,699 for 5G 12/256GB version. (Avechi Kenya)
- Shopit Kenya: KSh 28,200 for the 12/256GB version. (Shopit)
Conclusion
For Kenyans who want close to flagship-level cameras, a high quality display, 5G, and good repair options without spending ultra-premium sums, the HMD Skyline is a strong choice. If you value camera quality, display smoothness, and durability, its trade-offs (IP54, moderate charging speed, premium price relative to basic phones) may be worthwhile.
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