HMD is apparently preparing a refreshed version of its Pulse Pro smartphone, which originally launched in April 2024. A tipster on X has spotted the device at a retailer in Thailand, where it is listed under the name HMD Pulse Pro 2nd Edition. The listing appears on what looks like the Nokia Official Shop and carries a price tag of THB 4,990, which translates to roughly $148. This suggests that HMD is aiming to keep the device affordable while offering some notable upgrades under the hood.
Retail Listing Reveals Key Specifications
The retail listing is quite detailed and gives us a good idea of what to expect from the HMD Pulse Pro 2nd Edition. According to the information provided, the phone features a 120Hz display, which is a significant improvement over the standard 90Hz panel found on the original Pulse Pro. The listing also mentions the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, which it claims is 45% more powerful than the previous generation. This chipset is a popular choice for budget-friendly devices and should provide a decent performance boost for everyday tasks and gaming.
In addition to the chipset, the listing reveals that the 2nd Edition comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. This is a generous amount of memory and storage for a phone in this price range, and it should allow for smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, photos, and media. The original Pulse Pro also had an 8GB RAM variant, but the storage was capped at 128GB, so doubling it to 256GB is a welcome upgrade.
Camera and Design Details
Camera-wise, the HMD Pulse Pro 2nd Edition is listed with a 50MP main camera and a 50MP selfie camera. The listing also includes some “AI Camera” branding, which suggests that HMD is incorporating some AI-driven features to enhance photo quality. The original Pulse Pro had a 50MP main camera and a 50MP selfie camera as well, so it seems the camera hardware remains unchanged. However, the AI features could bring improvements to image processing and low-light performance.
Design-wise, the listing indicates that the 2nd Edition looks identical to the original Pulse Pro. The original had a sleek, modern design with a flat back and a rectangular camera module. It also featured a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The 2nd Edition is said to have a 120Hz display, which would make it the first in the Pulse series to offer such a high refresh rate. The design similarities suggest that HMD is focusing on internal upgrades rather than a visual overhaul.
What Else to Expect
While the listing doesn’t cover everything, we can infer some other specifications based on the original Pulse Pro. The original had a 5,000mAh battery with 20W fast charging, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also ran Android 14 out of the box. It’s likely that the 2nd Edition will retain these features, though there’s a chance HMD might upgrade the charging speed or the software. The original also had an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance, which is modest but better than nothing.
The HMD Pulse Pro 2nd Edition is expected to be available in multiple color options, though the listing only shows one. The original came in Black Ocean, Glacier Green, and Twilight Purple. It’s unclear if the 2nd Edition will offer the same palette. The price of THB 4,990 is quite competitive, especially considering the upgraded chipset and display. For context, the original Pulse Pro launched at around €150, so the 2nd Edition seems to be in the same ballpark.
Performance and Software
The MediaTek Helio G99 is a capable mid-range chipset built on a 6nm process. It features an octa-core CPU with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at up to 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz, along with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. This chipset is known for its efficiency and can handle most games at medium settings. The claim of 45% more power likely refers to CPU performance compared to the Unisoc T606 chipset used in the original Pulse Pro. The Unisoc T606 is an entry-level chip, so the Helio G99 should indeed offer a significant leap in performance.
The 120Hz display is another major upgrade. The original’s 90Hz panel was already smooth, but 120Hz makes scrolling and animations even more fluid. This is a feature typically found on more expensive phones, so it’s nice to see it on a budget device. The display size is likely to remain 6.56 inches with HD+ resolution, though the listing doesn’t specify. The original had a 720 x 1612 pixel resolution, which is adequate for the price but not particularly sharp. It’s possible HMD could upgrade to a Full HD+ panel, but that might be too much to ask at this price point.
Battery and Charging
The battery capacity is not mentioned in the listing, but it’s safe to assume it will be around 5,000mAh. The original had a 5,000mAh battery that could easily last a full day of moderate use. With the more efficient Helio G99 chipset and a 120Hz display, battery life should be similar or slightly better. The 20W fast charging is decent for the segment, though some competitors offer faster charging. HMD might include a charger in the box, which is becoming less common these days.
Comparison with the Original Pulse Pro
The original HMD Pulse Pro was launched in April 2024 as part of HMD’s push into the smartphone market under its own brand. It was a budget-friendly device with a focus on repairability and sustainability. HMD emphasized that the phone was easy to repair, with replaceable parts and a design that made it simple to swap out components. The 2nd Edition is likely to continue this philosophy, though the listing doesn’t mention it explicitly.
The key upgrades of the 2nd Edition over the original are the chipset and the display. The Helio G99 is a significant step up from the Unisoc T606, offering better performance for gaming and multitasking. The 120Hz display is also a notable improvement, making the phone feel more responsive. The storage upgrade to 256GB is another welcome change, as 128GB can fill up quickly with modern apps and high-resolution photos. The camera hardware appears unchanged, but the AI features might improve the output.
Other aspects like the design, battery, and software are likely to remain the same. The original ran Android 14 with HMD’s custom skin, which is close to stock Android. HMD has promised two years of OS updates and three years of security patches for its devices, so the 2nd Edition should receive similar treatment. The phone also has a dedicated Google Assistant button, which is a nice touch.
Availability and Pricing
The HMD Pulse Pro 2nd Edition has been spotted at a Thai retailer, but there’s no official announcement from HMD yet. The listing price of THB 4,990 is roughly $148, which is very affordable. It’s unclear if the phone will be available globally or if it’s exclusive to certain markets. HMD has a presence in many countries, so it’s likely the 2nd Edition will roll out to other regions in the coming weeks or months. The original Pulse Pro was available in Europe, Asia, and other markets, so we can expect a similar rollout.
The tipster who spotted the listing is known for leaking upcoming devices, and the information seems credible. The Nokia Official Shop listing might be a mistake or a premature listing, as HMD now sells phones under its own brand rather than Nokia. HMD has a licensing agreement to use the Nokia brand for feature phones, but smartphones are sold under the HMD brand. The listing might have been intended for a different device or could be a placeholder. However, the details align with what we’d expect from a 2nd Edition, so it’s likely genuine.
What This Means for HMD
HMD is still a relatively new player in the smartphone market, and it’s trying to carve out a niche for itself. The company has focused on repairability, sustainability, and affordability, which are appealing to budget-conscious consumers. The Pulse Pro 2nd Edition seems to continue this trend by offering better performance and a smoother display without increasing the price significantly. This could help HMD compete with other budget brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung.
The 2nd Edition naming suggests that HMD is following a pattern of releasing refreshed versions of its phones, similar to what other manufacturers do. This can be a smart way to keep a device relevant without a full redesign. It also allows HMD to address feedback from users and improve on weaknesses. For example, the original Pulse Pro’s chipset was criticized for being underpowered, so the upgrade to Helio G99 directly addresses that.
Final Thoughts
The HMD Pulse Pro 2nd Edition looks like a solid upgrade over the original, with a faster chipset, a smoother display, and more storage. The price remains competitive, making it an attractive option for budget shoppers. While the design and cameras are unchanged, the internal improvements should make a noticeable difference in daily use. We’ll have to wait for an official announcement from HMD to confirm all the details and learn about global availability. Until then, this retail listing gives us a good preview of what’s to come.
As always, we recommend taking leaks with a grain of salt, but the source seems reliable. The listing is detailed and consistent with HMD’s product strategy. If the 2nd Edition indeed launches at this price, it could be one of the best budget phones of the year, especially for those who value performance and a high refresh rate display. Keep an eye out for more news on this device in the near future.
