HMD 150 Music vs Nokia 150 Music: Which Basic Phone Hits the Right Note?

The HMD 150 Music and Nokia 150 Music represent a resurgence in demand for simple, reliable feature phones. Both devices target users prioritizing call quality, long battery life, and music playback, but subtle differences in branding and potential software optimization separate them. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone offers the best experience for the price.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user seeking a dependable, no-frills music phone, the Nokia 150 Music likely offers a slightly more refined experience due to Nokia's established reputation for software stability and build quality within this segment. However, the HMD 150 Music presents a viable alternative, particularly if priced more aggressively.

PHONES
Phone Names HMD 150 Music Nokia 150 Music
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800GSM 900 / 1800
EDGENoNo
GPRSNoNo
TechnologyGSMGSM
Launch
Announced2025, March 022025, March 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, MarchAvailable. Released 2025, March
Body
Dimensions130.5 x 52.9 x 14.8 mm (5.14 x 2.08 x 0.58 in)130.5 x 52.9 x 14.8 mm (5.14 x 2.08 x 0.58 in)
SIMDual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by)Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight83.1 g (2.93 oz)83.1 g (2.93 oz)
Display
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)
Size2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.8% screen-to-body ratio)2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTN TFTTN TFT
Platform
ChipsetUnisoc 6531FUnisoc 6531F
Memory
Call recordsYesYes
Card slotmicroSDHCmicroSDHC
Internal8MB 8MB RAM8MB 8MB RAM
PhonebookYesYes
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
SingleQVGAQVGA
VideoYesYes
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningNoNo
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 1.1USB Type-C 1.1
WLANNoNo
Features
GamesYesYes
JavaNoNo
MessagingSMSSMS
SensorsNoNo
Battery
Type2500 mAh, removable2500 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlue, Gray, VioletBlue, Gray, Violet

HMD 150 Music

  • Potential for more aggressive pricing from HMD.
  • Represents a new option in the basic phone market.
  • Likely similar battery life to the Nokia 150 Music.

  • HMD is a newer brand in the feature phone space, potentially lacking Nokia's software refinement.
  • Build quality may be less premium than the Nokia 150 Music.

Nokia 150 Music

  • Nokia's established reputation for reliability in feature phones.
  • Potentially more polished software experience.
  • Likely robust build quality.

  • May be slightly more expensive than the HMD 150 Music.
  • Offers no significant hardware advantages over the HMD 150 Music.

Display Comparison

Both the HMD 150 Music and Nokia 150 Music feature 2.4-inch displays, typical for this class of device. Given the identical chipset and target market, it's highly probable both utilize similar TFT LCD panels with comparable resolutions (likely 240x320). Differences, if any, will be in color calibration and viewing angles, which are difficult to ascertain without direct comparison. The lack of any mention of brightness nits suggests both are optimized for indoor use, not direct sunlight visibility.

Camera Comparison

Neither HMD nor Nokia highlight camera capabilities for these devices, and it's reasonable to assume both feature a basic VGA camera (0.3MP) primarily for occasional snapshots. Image quality will be limited, and these cameras are not intended for serious photography. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; the sensor size and image processing capabilities are far more critical, and both are likely minimal.

Performance

The core of both devices is the Unisoc 6531F chipset. This is a low-power processor designed for basic functionality – calls, texts, and FM radio. Performance differences between the two phones will be negligible, as the chipset is the limiting factor. The Unisoc 6531F is not designed for demanding tasks; its strength lies in its energy efficiency, contributing to the extended battery life these phones offer. RAM capacity is likely identical, further minimizing performance disparities.

Battery Life

Both phones are designed for exceptional battery life. While specific mAh ratings aren't provided, the Unisoc 6531F's low power consumption, combined with the basic display and limited functionality, suggests several days of standby time and hours of talk time. Charging times will likely be similar, utilizing a Micro-USB port, and are not a primary consideration for this user segment. The focus is on longevity between charges, not rapid replenishment.

Buying Guide

Buy the HMD 150 Music if you prioritize exploring a newer brand in the feature phone space and are comfortable with potentially less refined software. It's ideal for users who want a basic phone with music capabilities and are willing to take a chance on a newer entrant. Buy the Nokia 150 Music if you value a trusted brand with a proven track record in the feature phone market, prioritizing reliability and a potentially smoother user experience, even if the core hardware is identical.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will either phone work with a modern 4G/5G SIM card?
No. Both the HMD 150 Music and Nokia 150 Music are 2G feature phones. They are designed for basic voice and text communication and do not support 4G or 5G networks. They will function on older 2G networks where available.
❓ Can I use WhatsApp or Facebook on either of these phones?
Generally, no. While some feature phones are beginning to support limited versions of apps like WhatsApp, the Unisoc 6531F chipset and limited memory of both the HMD 150 Music and Nokia 150 Music make running these apps impractical. They are designed for core communication features, not app ecosystems.
❓ How many SIM cards can each phone hold?
Both the HMD 150 Music and Nokia 150 Music support dual SIM functionality. This allows users to use two different SIM cards simultaneously, which is useful for managing personal and work contacts or taking advantage of different network offers.