SMARTPHONE TIER: ENTRY TIER
Battery Capacity mAh: 5000
HMD Pulse Pro Smartphone Review:
Pulse of Performance: The HMD Pulse Pro Balances Power and Longevity
SMARTPHONE BATTERY PERFORMANCE
Based on Price: Entry (€0-€199)
Entry Ranking #3
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Quick Summary
ViserMark Labels
Specifications
Know the Test Results
ViserMark Verdict
Video Review Available Soon
Quick Summary
The HMD Pulse Pro, announced in April 2024, is an Android smartphone with strong performance and exceptional battery life. It is an attractive option for users seeking efficiency and affordability.
One of the standout features of the Pulse Pro is its 6.65-inch IPS LCD display, with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and a 720x1612 pixels resolution. The display provides an immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption and daily use, with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 86.8%. The device is powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU and a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, ensuring reliable and consistent performance across various tasks. It comes with 128GB of internal storage and offers three RAM options: 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB, catering to different user needs.
The dual rear camera setup features a 50 MP wide lens with autofocus, a 2 MP depth sensor and a front-facing 50 MP camera for high-quality selfies. The phone's 5000 mAh battery is another standout feature, offering an impressive 55 hours of battery life according to ViserMark testing. This battery supports 20W wired charging, allowing quick recharges in 2 hours and 18 minutes.
The HMD Pulse Pro also comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, NFC, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port for enhanced practicality and security. Available in Black Ocean, Glacier Green, and Twilight Purple colour options, the device combines style with a comprehensive feature set, ensuring that users are well-equipped for their daily tasks. The Pulse Pro offers great value for money, particularly considering its robust battery life and comprehensive feature set.
Overall, the HMD Pulse Pro is an excellent choice for users looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with long battery life, a solid camera system, and reliable performance for everyday tasks.
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ViserMark Labels for the HMD Pulse Pro
The HMD Pulse Pro impresses with its battery performance, as confirmed by recent ViserMark testing. The smartphone boasts a battery life of 2 days (55 hours), which positions it as a reliable option for users seeking longevity in their smartphone use.
This endurance is paired with a charging time of 2 hours and 18 minutes, ensuring the phone can be quickly powered up when needed. Despite its impressive battery life, the HMD Pulse Pro received a Battery Performance score of 48/100, indicating that while the battery lasts long, there might be areas where efficiency could be improved.
Moreover, the Pulse Pro's energy efficiency is highlighted by a Battery Efficiency rating of 1.5 out of 5 leaves, reflecting a moderate balance between power consumption and battery size. The device's Annual Energy Consumption is calculated at 2.9 kWh per annum, which is standard for smartphones in its category. Overall, these results suggest that the HMD Pulse Pro is well-suited for users prioritising battery life.
Specification Overview - Released Date: April 2024
Body: 163.2 x 75 x 8.6 mm, weight 196g. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Display: 6.65 inches, IPS LCD, 90Hz with 720 x 1612 resolution. Dust and splash-resistant. Nano-SIM
Operating System: Android 14
Chipset: Unisoc T606 (12 nm), Octa-core processor
Memory: 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM. microSDXC
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth: Yes. NFC: Yes. Loudspeaker: Yes. 3.5mm Jack: Yes
Camera: Set-up - Main: 50MP (wide) 2 MP (depth) with LED flash, HDR. Video1080p@30fps
Front Camera: 50 MP and Video
Battery: 5000mAh, 20 W wired
Colour: Black Ocean, Glacier Green, Twilight Purple
Discover all the Battery Performance Test Results
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Smartphone Battery Performance - HOW WE TEST
ViserMark offers a comprehensive range of battery performance test results based on different criteria and benchmarks for evaluating a smartphone's performance. Our tests are performed using the strictest protocol in a controlled environment to ensure repetition and consistency powered by SmartViser's test automation solution viSer.
VWS Analytics Studio is a complementary product to the viSer Test Automation solution. It enhances the viSer user experience and is the fastest way to analyse and view smartphone test results.
We have used the interactive dashboard to show you the recent test results and translated them into ViserMark Labels.
Discover the Battery Test Results
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Smartphone Battery Performance - FULL TEST RESULTS AND REVIEW
ViserMark has put the HMD Pulse Pro through our testing protocol, based on real smartphone usage from 100% battery level down to power off. This includes daily activities, such as calls, web, video and music streaming, gaming, social networks, picture and video capture, and standby. All activities are executed in a defined order and timeline.
These test results, show how the HMD Pulse Pro performed and the scores achieved.
1. Battery Performance
The HMD Pulse Pro stands out as the leader in battery performance among its competitors in the Entry Tier smartphone segment, scoring 48 out of 100. This positions it ahead of similar models like the Xiaomi A2 and Motorola Moto G34, which scored 44 and 43 respectively. Despite the small margin, this slight edge in battery performance could translate into noticeable benefits for users, such as longer usage time between charges and more efficient power management, making the Pulse Pro an appealing choice for those who prioritise battery life.
However, the narrow gap between these smartphones highlights a consistent focus on reliable battery life across the Entry Tier (€0-€199) market. The close scores suggest that while the HMD Pulse Pro leads, competitors like the Xiaomi A2 and Motorola Moto G34 are also strong contenders, offering similar battery performance. This consistency emphasises the importance of battery life in this segment, where consumers often seek the best value. Nonetheless, the HMD Pulse Pro's position at the top suggests it is better suited for users looking for that extra bit of endurance from their smartphone.
2. Battery Life
The HMD Pulse Pro stands out in the Entry Tier smartphone segment, leading the pack with its superior battery life. It offers an impressive 2 days of continuous use or 55 hours if translated into hours on a single charge, outlasting competitors like the Motorola Moto G34 and Xiaomi A2, which offer around 53 and 54 hours, respectively.
This extended battery life makes the Pulse Pro an attractive choice for users who prioritise endurance and want a device that can comfortably last more than two days without recharging.
However, the consistency of 2 days of use in battery life between the HMD Pulse Pro and its rivals highlights the strength of the Entry Tier segment in delivering reliable battery life. All phones compared exceed 50 hours of use and approach or surpass 2 days of battery life, indicating that manufacturers are successfully meeting the demands of budget-conscious consumers who value longevity.
While the Pulse Pro holds a slight edge, the strong performance of its competitors means that users may also consider other factors, such as design or camera quality, alongside battery life, when making their purchasing decisions.
The HMD Pulse Pro battery life details, as analysed using SmartViser's viSer and VWS Analytics Studio, provide a technical and detailed perspective on the smartphone's battery consumption. The platform's capability to monitor and access real-time test results explains how it manages power under various daily user tasks.
The battery performance comparison between the HMD Pulse Pro and the Motorola Moto G34 uncovers intriguing differences in power consumption across various tasks. Notably, the HMD Pulse Pro consumes more power than the Moto G34 during outgoing calls. This higher current draw suggests that the Pulse Pro may be utilising more powerful hardware or processing capabilities, potentially delivering better performance but at the cost of battery efficiency. This insight is crucial for users who value performance but also need to manage their phone's battery life.
Another significant insight from the data is the substantial power draw of the Motorola Moto G34 during camera usage. It exhibits a higher current consumption compared to the HMD Pulse Pro, indicating that it may be supporting more advanced camera features or better image processing. This could be a boon for users who prioritise photography, as they could enjoy enhanced camera functionality, even if it means sacrificing some battery life. This understanding of the trade-off between camera features and battery life is valuable for users who are photography enthusiasts.
Interestingly, the web browsing and media playback activities show less discrepancy between the two smartphones, with both phones exhibiting similar power consumption levels. This implies that the HMD Pulse Pro and the Moto G34 are well-optimised for these tasks, offering users a balanced experience without excessively draining the battery.
The analysis suggests that the HMD Pulse Pro is more performance-oriented, which might appeal to users who value advanced features and are willing to trade off some battery efficiency for better overall performance. Conversely, the Motorola Moto G34 offers more conservative power management, making it a better option for users who prioritise battery longevity and efficiency in their day-to-day activities. This comparison highlights the importance of considering performance and battery life based on user needs and usage patterns.
The battery performance comparison between the HMD Pulse Pro and the Xiaomi A2 reveals several interesting trends that highlight differences in how these two smartphones manage power consumption across various tasks. One of the most notable observations is that the HMD Pulse Pro consumes more power than the Xiaomi A2 in nearly all usage scenarios. This trend suggests that the Pulse Pro may be utilising more powerful hardware or processing more intensive tasks, leading to higher current consumption across the board.
For instance, during social media usage and outgoing calls, the HMD Pulse Pro exhibits significantly higher current consumption than the Xiaomi A2. This could imply that the Pulse Pro is handling these tasks more aggressively, possibly due to higher processing demands or less efficient power management. In contrast, the Xiaomi A2's more restrained power consumption could potentially lead to better battery longevity, empowering users who heavily engage in these activities.
Interestingly, the power consumption difference between the two devices in gaming and media playback is less pronounced, though the HMD Pulse Pro still consumes slightly more power. This suggests that both devices are well-optimised for these power-intensive activities. Still, the higher consumption of Pulse Pro might be tied to better performance or higher-quality graphics processing.
Overall, the data suggests that while the HMD Pulse Pro may offer stronger performance or more advanced features, it comes at the cost of increased power consumption. For users who prioritise efficiency and longer battery life, particularly during everyday tasks like social media, calling, and video playback, the Xiaomi A2 might be the better choice. Conversely, users who value higher performance and don't mind sacrificing some battery efficiency for it may find the HMD Pulse Pro more appealing. This analysis underscores the importance of respecting individual user needs and preferences when balancing performance with power management.
The in-depth battery performance comparison among the HMD Pulse Pro, Motorola Moto G34, and Xiaomi A2, and their performance against the entry-tier segment average, uncovers several intriguing insights into how these smartphones manage power across a range of everyday tasks.
Firstly, the HMD Pulse Pro consistently exhibits higher power consumption across most activities when compared to its competitors, particularly in tasks like social media usage, camera operation, and web browsing. This higher power draw suggests that the Pulse Pro may be leveraging more powerful hardware or delivering a higher level of performance, which could be advantageous for users who prioritise speed and responsiveness in their phone, even if it means a quicker battery drain. This insight helps readers understand the trade-offs involved in their purchase decision.
Another interesting observation is that while the Pulse Pro generally uses more power, the Xiaomi A2 demonstrates more efficient power usage in several key areas, including gaming, media playback, and outgoing calls. This efficiency could make the Xiaomi A2 a more attractive option for users who prioritise battery longevity, especially when extended usage is crucial. The Motorola Moto G34 falls somewhere in between, generally offering more balanced power consumption that aligns closely with the entry-tier average, making it a solid all-around performer.
Finally, the average battery consumption for the Entry Tier segment, represented by the green bars, provides a valuable benchmark, showing that all three devices are relatively close in performance to the segment norms. However, the HMD Pulse Pro’s divergence from the average in high-consumption tasks highlights its focus on performance, possibly catering to users who demand more from their smartphones in terms of power and capabilities.
In summary, the HMD Pulse Pro stands out for its performance-driven approach, which may appeal to users who need a device that can easily handle intensive tasks, even if it comes at the cost of higher power consumption. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi A2 offers a more battery-efficient alternative suitable for users who value long battery life over peak performance. The Motorola Moto G34 provides a balanced option, making it a reliable choice for those looking to compromise power and efficiency in the entry-tier market.
The battery efficiency comparison chart for the HMD Pulse Pro and its competitors reveals several key insights into how well these smartphones manage power relative to their battery capacities.
This suggests that the HMD Pulse Pro has a long battery life and uses its power effectively, making it a strong choice for users who need reliable performance over extended periods without significant energy waste.
Interestingly, there is no gap in efficiency between the Pulse Pro and other mobile phones like the Motorola Moto G34 and Xiaomi A2. While all close in efficiency, these mobile phones do not match the Pulse Pro's capability to stretch every bit of power out of its battery. This slight advantage might make the Pulse Pro more appealing to users who are particularly sensitive to battery performance, especially in scenarios where efficient power usage can translate into longer daily usability.
The above chart highlights that while the HMD Pulse Pro excels in battery life and efficiency, its competitors remain relatively close in performance. This reinforces Pulse Pro's position as a leader in its segment, particularly for users who demand longevity and efficient power management from their smartphones.
The annual energy consumption comparison chart for the HMD Pulse Pro and its competitors reveals insightful trends regarding the efficiency and overall energy usage of these entry-tier smartphones.
The HMD Pulse Pro, with the lowest annual energy consumption at 2.9 kWh per year, is the most energy-efficient phone among the compared models. This efficiency is a significant advantage for users who are conscious of their device's environmental impact, as it helps reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the benefits of a smartphone.
In contrast, the other smartphones in the comparison, including the Motorola Moto G34 and Xiaomi A2, consume slightly more energy annually, at 3.1 and 3.0 kWh, respectively. The Entry Tier average, at 3.2 kWh, further highlights the HMD Pulse Pro's superior efficiency. This suggests that while all these mobile phones are designed to be energy-efficient, the Pulse Pro's optimised power management gives it a tangible edge, potentially making it more appealing to environmentally conscious consumers or those looking for cost savings over the long term.
Overall, the HMD Pulse Pro excels in battery life and energy efficiency, consuming less power annually compared to its peers. This efficiency and its strong battery performance reinforce the Pulse Pro's position as a leading choice in the entry-tier market, especially for users who prioritise sustainability and cost-effective energy use.
ViserMark VERDICT
The HMD Pulse Pro - what's it like to use?
The HMD Pulse Pro offers a mixed experience that caters to performance enthusiasts and users who prioritise battery efficiency, making it a versatile option within the Entry Tier smartphone market.
One of the most significant aspects of using the HMD Pulse Pro is its battery performance. With an extended battery life of 2 days or 55 hours and energy-efficient consumption, it's designed to last through demanding use without frequent recharging. However, it's important to note that the Pulse Pro consumes more power across various tasks than its competitors. This might appeal to users looking for solid performance, even if it comes at the cost of higher power usage. The phone shows a higher current draw for everyday activities like social media, calling, and web browsing, which could impact battery life depending on usage patterns.
Also, the HMD Pulse Pro excels in handling intensive tasks, such as gaming and camera operations, thanks to its powerful hardware. However, this power comes at a cost-a potential decrease in battery life during heavy use. This trade-off is something users should consider based on their daily needs and usage patterns.
Beyond performance, the HMD Pulse Pro maintains a user-friendly design with features like a 6.65-inch IPS LCD display and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. These elements contribute to a comfortable and secure user experience, while the availability of multiple colour options adds a touch of personalization. The device also supports practical features like NFC and USB Type-C, which enhance its usability in everyday scenarios.
Overall, the HMD Pulse Pro is a strong choice for users who value both performance and battery life. It's particularly well-suited for those who prioritise power and efficiency in equal measure, and who are willing to accept a bit of extra power consumption for a responsive, capable smartphone experience.
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Who should buy the HMD Pulse Pro?
Here are the types of users who might find the HMD Pulse Pro particularly beneficial:
Performance Seekers on a Budget:
The Pulse Pro is ideal for users who want strong performance in tasks like gaming and photography without spending a fortune. It delivers high power and responsiveness at an affordable price.
Battery-Conscious Users:
Perfect for those needing a smartphone with a long battery life, lasting over two days on a single charge, while still capable of handling everyday tasks efficiently.
Practical Everyday Users:
This is a great choice for individuals looking for a well-rounded, reliable device for daily use. It offers essential features like NFC, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and energy-efficient operation.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the HMD Pulse Pro is best suited for users who seek a balance of performance, battery life, and affordability, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of smartphone users.
VCX (Valued Camera eXperience)
The VCX Forum has been working with its members on the system and infrastructure as a non-profit organisation. We strive to improve our technology to develop and exchange accurate and objective quality and performance indicators, which is our ultimate goal. We will also serve as a compass for the smartphone camera industry. We appreciate your interest in the VCX Forum.
No VCX reviews are available for this smartphone.
Background
HMD Global, commonly known as HMD, is a Finnish mobile phone manufacturer that was founded in 2016. The company's mission is to revive the iconic Nokia brand, combining its renowned durability and reliability with modern Android technology. This unique approach has led to the creation of devices that offer solid performance, longevity, and affordability, making HMD a standout in the industry.
HMD Global quickly gained attention for its commitment to producing smartphones that adhere to a clean, stock Android experience, free from bloatware and unnecessary modifications. This approach has ensured smoother performance and timely updates and appealed to consumers who prefer a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
With a strategic focus on the mid-range and entry-level segments, HMD Global has distinguished itself by offering quality devices at competitive prices. The company's strong emphasis on battery life, durability, and software reliability has carved out a unique niche in the market, appealing to both nostalgic Nokia fans and new users seeking dependable, no-nonsense smartphones.
HMD’s products are now available in over 100 countries, and the company has developed a reputation for supporting its devices with regular software updates and security patches, further enhancing the longevity and value of its offerings. HMD continues to grow its presence in the global smartphone market through strategic partnerships and a focus on user trust.
Written by
Debbie Bouffler is the Marketing and Communications Manager at SmartViser. She is crucial in developing the company's communication and marketing strategies. Debbie has gained extensive experience in strategic business development and marketing in various industries, which has helped her excel in her current position.
Debbie is a leader with imagination, an unmatched drive, and an infectious passion for growth and excellence, especially in the telecommunications industry.
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