HMD began using the Nokia brand as it established itself in the market, and its latest release is unique. The HMD Skyline is a mid-range mobile phone that focuses on style while allowing the consumer to repair a damaged device at home.

Unfortunately, there is a fundamental problem with the HMD Skyline.

The Skyline is touted as a phone that can be repaired at home. Replacement parts are available through iFixit and my review unit came with a full set of screwdrivers and bits so I could try the DIY disassembly process myself. If the USB port is damaged, you can repair it instead of buying a new phone. Cracked screens can be replaced. If there are any issues with the battery, you can order a replacement.

It’s not an easy repair, it still uses a lot of glue that you have to break through and fat fingers are not tolerated. You need the right tools, screwdrivers, pry and picks to get in and out. However, it is possible to do it if you follow the instructions carefully, so that should be taken as credit.

This is a big step towards sustainable devices and the hardware is designed to remain in good condition for many years.

Still, HMD only supports the Skyline smartphone with two major Android updates. Since it ships with Android 14, which is set to be replaced by Android 15 in the next few months, the second and final Android update for the device is roughly scheduled for November 2025. Three years of security updates offers a little more security, but not much.

However, similarly priced phones offer at least five years of software support, and Google’s Pixel 8a even offers seven years of software and security updates. All the repair options in the world are worthless if you can’t protect your personal data.

For many, this will be a deal breaker.

This lack of synergy between hardware and software is all the more disappointing because HMD has a solid smartphone in the Skyline. The company started licensing the Nokia brand as it established itself in the market. The transition from Nokia to the HMD brand only began in September 2023, and less than a year later, we have arguably the company’s most defining phone.

Those with a good memory will have already recognised the subtly sloping design of the phone’s edges alongside the square, front-facing profile of the display as a nod to Nokia’s Fabula design language, found on many Windows Phone devices. The Skyline feels just as good in the hand as the older phones, but is less stable on a desk, where the off-centre camera wobbles a bit (Fabula has predominantly centre-line cameras).

Those new to the design will find a unique look that stands out from the current generation of phones; which is no easy feat given the dominance of each main display. This is helped by the Neon Pink model standing out without being garish, although I think many will opt for the more subtle Twisted Black.

At $500, the Skyline is in the upper mid-range, but the specs seem to be even higher. Sure, it’s not the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but the SnapDragon 7 Gen 2 is a capable chipset that delivers enough power for everyday use. This phone won’t be used for high-end gaming, nor is it home to demanding, mission-critical apps. What it does offer is a smooth experience for your web browser and core apps, as well as for processing photos and videos.

The camera specifications are also above the norm in this price range: The Skyline has a 108-megapixel main camera lens, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera.

Image processing tends to go for a more natural look, typical of old Nokia phones, rather than the high saturation seen on Oppo and Honor. The telephoto camera is similar, although colors tend to be a bit more vibrant than the main camera.

It’s limited to x2 optical zoom, and I suspect this is one area where the target price has limited the specs. Digital zoom offers x3 and x4 options, but these are crops and zooms from the main camera lens, not the telephoto lens. x4 is okay, but x4 seems ambitious.

The Skyline also offers a 50MP selfie camera that also scores well in terms of natural color reproduction, but there are moments when definition can be lost in darker conditions compared to the sharp detail you get in good light.

Compromises are evident in the battery choice. At 4,600mAh, it’s one of the smaller batteries in this price range, with 5,000mAh being more common. Charging is slow, at a maximum of 33W via a wired charger, and you’ll need to bring your own as there’s no charger included in the retail box. A full charge takes well over an hour, even at 33W.

Wireless charging is present, which isn’t always a given at this price point, but it’s a feature I always welcome for its convenience for my lifestyle, even if it only offers 15W. I sit at my desk often enough for this to work.

HMD’s Android implementation is one of the cleanest on the market. Google’s Pixel series is just as clean, but has several additional first-party apps that aren’t available to HMD. Still, the relative lack of bloatware – be it third-party or apps that use cloud-based services – is pleasing. Some is still there (Amazon and Booking.com seem to be everywhere, but thankfully they can be quickly uninstalled).

HMD’s big addition to the Android UI is the custom button. This is located opposite the power button and can trigger actions either by pressing and holding or by double pressing. The custom double press option is also available on the power button. This is a solid idea that has been implemented in various forms by other manufacturers over the years. You can only choose from a predetermined list of actions in one of the most unintuitive “picker” dialogs I’ve seen in a long time.

The much-vaunted Detox mode, which limits social media alerts and notifications, will be available in a later update. Having used a similar feature on other manufacturers, I don’t like it, although it has found an audience given the widespread acceptance of the principle.

As with any mobile phone, trade-offs and benefits must be established during the design process. Some phones go for a large and vibrant screen, others prioritize photography above all else, while for others battery life is the goal.

HMD’s decision to put repairability at the heart of the Skyline helps it stand out in an almost unique way – the Fairphone 5 is probably the closest comparison. That likely compromised some design parts to provide more protection for components consumers will touch (like the battery and its connectors). It’s quick to describe, easy to understand and implement, and while many will never use it, they’ll find comfort and security because the option is there.

Today, the HMD Skyline is a phone that does its best to stand out, not only because of the decision to make it user-repairable, but also because of the recognizable design and custom button. However, the weaker display and the short-lived nature of the software support remain hard to remember.

Disclaimer: HMD has provided a HMS Skyline for testing purposes.