Hold onto your hats, because HMD just dropped a bombshell: three new phones that ditch 4G entirely. Yes, you read that right—no 4G. In a world where many countries are phasing out 2G and 3G networks, this move is either a bold statement or a head-scratching decision. But here’s where it gets interesting: these aren’t just rehashes of old designs. The HMD 100, 101, and 102 come with a fresh look but stripped-down features that might leave you wondering, “Who are these phones for?” Let’s dive in.
CEO Jean-Francois Baril announced on LinkedIn that these models are a departure from their 4G counterparts, the HMD 102 4G and HMD 101 4G, unveiled in September. The new trio takes minimalism to the next level. For instance, the HMD 102, the most feature-rich of the bunch, includes an MP3 player and a camera with an LED flash. The HMD 101 ditches the camera, and the HMD 100 goes even further, seemingly removing the MP3 player altogether. And this is the part most people miss: without an MP3 player, there’s likely no microSD slot, given these phones have virtually no internal storage. Talk about bare bones!
But the absence of 4G isn’t the only eyebrow-raiser. These phones still use microUSB ports, which are outdated and even illegal in regions like the EU, where USB-C is mandatory for portable devices. Is HMD intentionally limiting their market, or is there a strategy we’re not seeing?
For those in regions where 4G is non-negotiable, HMD hasn’t forgotten about you. Their 4G models, like the HMD 101 4G, come with dual-SIM support and USB-C ports—a clear nod to modern expectations. India, for example, still has active 2G networks, so these 4G-less phones might find a niche there. User guides for both variants are available on HMD India’s website, offering a side-by-side comparison of their differences.
If you’re wondering whether HMD has completely abandoned 4G, fear not. The HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G are still in the lineup for those who can’t live without faster connectivity. But here’s the controversial question: In a world racing toward 5G, is HMD’s focus on ultra-basic, 4G-less phones a smart move or a step backward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re curious to hear if you’d ever consider a phone like this, and why.
Shoutout to the anonymous tipster who helped bring this story to light!
