HMD has revived the Asha name from Nokia’s past with a new entry-level smartphone aimed at users who want basic smartphone features without paying for a more capable Android device.
The phone runs an operating system built on the Android Open Source Project, but takes a much simpler approach than a typical Android smartphone.
Design and Display
The HMD Asha 305 is available in black and lime green.
It measures 10.2mm thick and weighs just 145 grams, giving it a compact and lightweight design.
The front features a 5-inch LCD with a resolution of 854 × 480 pixels.
There is also a 2MP front-facing camera positioned above the display.
Internals and Software
The phone is powered by a Unisoc T137 processor, paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.
Storage can be expanded by up to 128GB using a microSD card.
It supports dual 4G SIMs, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, and USB Type-C connectivity.
The device runs Pulse OS, which is based on Android but does not include Google Play services or Google’s usual applications.
Instead, HMD provides its own app store containing lighter applications. HMD specifically mentions TikTok Lite, while unofficial reports suggest apps such as Facebook Lite, Instagram Lite, WhatsApp, and YouTube may also be supported.
The software is designed to keep the experience focused on basic communication and entertainment.
Cameras
The HMD Asha 305 comes with a 2MP rear camera accompanied by an LED flash.
A matching 2MP selfie camera is located on the front.
The camera hardware is considerably simpler than what is normally found on modern budget Android smartphones.
Battery and Pricing
The phone includes a removable 2,500mAh battery with support for 5W charging.
HMD claims the battery can provide up to 32 hours of use.
Official global pricing has not yet been announced, although the device has appeared in markets including the Philippines for around $65.
HMD is positioning the Asha as a lightweight smartphone sitting between its basic feature phones and more powerful budget Android devices.
Its small display, simple cameras, and lightweight software could also make it suitable as a secondary phone. However, unlike HMD’s more digital-detox-focused feature phones, the Asha still provides access to social media and other apps.
The removable battery, compact size, and revived Asha branding may particularly appeal to users familiar with the original Nokia Asha 305.
HMD Asha 305 Specifications
| Specification | HMD Asha 305 |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Unisoc T137 |
| CPU | Quad-core, up to 1.4GHz |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Pulse OS, based on Android AOSP |
| Supported Networks | 2G / 3G / 4G LTE; dual Nano-SIM |
| Display | 5-inch FWVGA LCD, 854 × 480 pixels, 16:9 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Card Slot | microSD up to 128GB |
| Main Camera | 2MP, LED flash |
| Front Camera | 2MP |
| Colors | Black, Lime |
| Fingerprint sensor | No fingerprint sensor listed |
| Battery | Removable 2,500mAh, 5W charging |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours 4G talk time; up to 32 hours claimed battery life |
| Price | $65 |
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