The feature phone market, while seemingly stagnant, continues to evolve. We pit the HMD 130 Music, a recent entrant boasting a Unisoc chipset and enhanced music capabilities, against the Nokia 105 (2017), a stalwart known for its extreme simplicity and longevity. This comparison isn't about raw power, but about how modern features impact the core experience of a basic mobile device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a reliable and feature-rich basic phone, the HMD 130 Music is the clear winner. Its Unisoc 6531F chipset enables modern conveniences like improved audio playback and potentially FM radio recording, features absent in the older Nokia 105 (2017). While the Nokia 105 excels in simplicity, the HMD 130 Music offers a better value proposition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | - | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 02 | 2017, July. Released 2017, August |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 130.5 x 52.9 x 14.8 mm (5.14 x 2.08 x 0.58 in) | 112 x 49.5 x 14.4 mm (4.41 x 1.95 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 83.1 g (2.93 oz) | 73 g (2.57 oz) |
| | - | Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~18.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN TFT | TFT, 65K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | Unisoc 6531F | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC | No |
| Internal | 8MB 8MB RAM | 4MB 4MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | No |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 1.1 | microUSB 2.0 (charging only) |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | No | No |
| Messaging | SMS | SMS |
| Sensors | No | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 800 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Purple, Gray | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | TA-1010 |
| Price | - | About 20 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.50 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
HMD 130 Music
- Modern Unisoc 6531F chipset enables more features.
- Potential for FM radio recording.
- Improved audio playback quality.
- Battery life likely shorter than Nokia 105 (2017).
- Camera quality likely similar to Nokia 105 (2017).
Nokia 105 (2017)
- Exceptional battery life.
- Extreme simplicity and ease of use.
- Proven reliability and durability.
- Limited features and functionality.
- Outdated technology.
Display Comparison
The Nokia 105 (2017) features a 1.8-inch display, typical for its generation, with a resolution likely around 160x128 pixels. The HMD 130 Music, while likely similar in size, benefits from the potential for improved display technology due to its newer design. While neither device will offer vibrant colors or high resolution, the HMD 130 Music's display *could* have slightly better contrast and viewing angles, though specific details are unavailable. The Nokia 105's display is optimized for extreme power efficiency, prioritizing battery life over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for its camera capabilities. The Nokia 105 (2017) features a VGA camera, primarily for basic image capture. The HMD 130 Music's camera specifications are currently unavailable, but it's unlikely to be a significant improvement. Both cameras are intended for occasional, low-quality snapshots and are not comparable to smartphone cameras. The focus here is on core functionality, not photography.
Performance
The HMD 130 Music is powered by a Unisoc 6531F chipset, a significant upgrade over the likely proprietary, extremely low-power processor found in the Nokia 105 (2017). The Unisoc 6531F, while not designed for demanding tasks, allows for features like MP3 playback with potentially better audio quality, FM radio recording (depending on software implementation), and a more responsive user interface. The Nokia 105 (2017) prioritizes minimal power consumption, resulting in a very basic and limited user experience. The Unisoc chipset in the HMD 130 Music allows for a more versatile device, even within the constraints of a feature phone.
Battery Life
The Nokia 105 (2017) is renowned for its exceptional battery life, often lasting several days or even weeks on a single charge due to its minimal feature set and low-power processor. The HMD 130 Music, with its Unisoc 6531F chipset and potentially more features, will likely have a shorter battery life, though still respectable for a feature phone. The trade-off is functionality versus longevity; the HMD 130 Music offers more features at the cost of some battery life, while the Nokia 105 (2017) prioritizes maximum uptime.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD 130 Music if you need a phone with enhanced audio capabilities, potential for FM radio recording, and a slightly more modern user experience. It's ideal for users who want a basic phone that can still handle music playback and potentially other simple tasks. Buy the Nokia 105 (2017) if you prioritize extreme simplicity, maximum battery life (given its limited feature set), and a truly no-frills experience. It's best suited for those who only need basic calling and texting functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can the HMD 130 Music record from FM radio, and does the Nokia 105 (2017) have this capability?
The HMD 130 Music, powered by the Unisoc 6531F chipset, *may* support FM radio recording depending on the software implementation. This feature is not confirmed but is a possibility given the chipset's capabilities. The Nokia 105 (2017) does not have FM radio recording functionality.
❓ How much faster is the HMD 130 Music's user interface compared to the Nokia 105 (2017)?
The HMD 130 Music's Unisoc 6531F chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Nokia 105 (2017)'s processor. This translates to a more responsive user interface, faster menu navigation, and smoother operation of features like MP3 playback. While neither phone is fast by smartphone standards, the HMD 130 Music offers a significantly improved user experience.
❓ Is the audio quality on the HMD 130 Music noticeably better than on the Nokia 105 (2017)?
Yes, the HMD 130 Music is likely to offer improved audio quality due to the Unisoc 6531F chipset's enhanced audio processing capabilities. While both phones have basic speakers, the HMD 130 Music can potentially deliver clearer and more detailed sound, especially when playing MP3 files.
