HMD Asha: A Back-to-Basics Android Phone with a Removable Battery
HMD is reaching into its Nokia heritage to bring back a familiar name for budget-conscious consumers: Asha. The newly revived sub-brand is making its debut as a stripped-down, entry-level smartphone built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), targeting users who want essential connectivity without the overwhelming features—or the steep price tag—of modern Android devices.
Hardware: Nostalgic Simplicity
The new HMD Asha embraces a compact, straightforward design. Measuring 10.2mm thick and weighing a featherlight 145 grams, it is available in two colorways: black and lime green.
The front of the device features a modest 5-inch LCD display with an 854×480 resolution, paired with a basic 2MP selfie camera. The rear houses a matching 2MP primary camera equipped with an LED flash.
Under the hood, the Asha is powered by a Unisoc T137 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage (expandable up to 128GB via microSD). In a major nod to the mobile phones of the past—and a feature heavily requested by sustainability advocates—the device includes a removable 2,500mAh battery. Charging caps out at 5W, but HMD claims the phone can last up to 32 hours on a single charge.
Software: Pulse OS and a Google-Free Experience
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of the new Asha is its software. It runs on Pulse OS, a customized, lightweight operating system based on Android.
Crucially, the device does not come with Google Play services or standard Google applications pre-installed. Instead, HMD has opted to curate its own app store featuring “lite” versions of popular applications to ensure the low-spec hardware runs smoothly. While HMD officially lists only TikTok Lite on its website, unofficial reports indicate that the store also supports Facebook Lite, Instagram Lite, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
This software approach positions the Asha as a middle ground in the mobile market. It isn’t quite as restrictive as HMD’s “dumbphones,” which are designed for total digital detoxes, but it is far less distracting than a standard smartphone ecosystem.
Pricing and Market Position
While official global pricing remains under wraps, the HMD Asha has already surfaced in markets like the Philippines, retailing for approximately 3,990 Philippine pesos (roughly $65 USD).
At this price point, HMD is carving out a niche for users who need core communication and basic social media access without breaking the bank. For nostalgic fans who remember the original Nokia Asha 305, the compact size and removable battery might just be enough to make this the perfect secondary device or weekend phone.
