HMD Arc specifications and in-depth review

HMD Arc

Manufacturer: HMD

The HMD Arc is a smartphone designed to provide essential features in a sleek package. It offers a 6.52″ LCD display with a resolution of 576 x 1280 px, and is powered by Android 14. With a weight of 185.4 g and a thickness of 9 mm, it is well-suited for everyday use. The device features a large 5000 mAh battery for extended use, and comes with IP54 water resistance for added durability. Water resistance is a key highlight, making it a practical choice for users in varied environments.

On the performance side, the HMD Arc is equipped with 4GB of RAM and an Unisoc SC9863A chipset. It supports 64GB of internal storage, with the option for expansion via an external memory slot. The smartphone's 13 MP rear camera comes with features such as HDR, phase detection autofocus, and slow-motion recording. Additionally, it has a front camera with 5 MP resolution. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2, dual SIM support, and Wi-Fi 4. The device also supports fast charging at 10W and comes with a fingerprint scanner for security.

Pros
  • Supports dual SIM cards for flexible mobile network usage.
  • Equipped with a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security.
  • Includes a video light, which can improve lighting during video recordings or photography.
Cons
  • Does not support 5G connectivity, limiting high-speed mobile data access.
  • Lacks stereo speakers, which could affect audio quality during media playback.
  • Does not feature a sapphire glass display, which would offer better scratch resistance.
  • Does not include a curved display, limiting visual appeal or immersive viewing experience.
  • No support for wireless charging, requiring traditional wired charging methods.
Who is this for?

This product is ideal for users who prioritize essential smartphone features with reliable performance and good security. With dual SIM support and a fingerprint scanner, it is well-suited for those who need secure, dual-network flexibility. The inclusion of a video light makes it a good choice for casual photographers and content creators who may need additional lighting in various conditions.

Who is this NOT for?

This device may not be ideal for users looking for cutting-edge features or high-performance capabilities. The absence of 5G support and stereo speakers limits its appeal for users who need fast mobile data and high-quality audio for media consumption. Additionally, the lack of a sapphire glass display or wireless charging may be a downside for those seeking more premium, durable, and convenient design elements.

Design:

water resistance Water resistant
weight 185.4 g
thickness 9 mm
width 76.9 mm
height 166.4 mm
volume 115.16544 cm³
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP54
has a rugged build
can be folded

The design of the HMD Arc combines practicality and durability. Weighing 185.4 g and with dimensions of 166.4 mm in height, 76.9 mm in width, and a thickness of 9 mm, it offers a comfortable fit in the hand. The device features IP54 water resistance, providing protection against water splashes and dust. However, it does not include a rugged build or folding capabilities, making it more suitable for general use rather than extreme conditions. Its total volume is 115.16544 cm³, offering a compact yet functional form factor.

Display:

Display type LCD, IPS
screen size 6.52"
pixel density 215 ppi
resolution 576 x 1280 px
refresh rate 60Hz
brightness (typical) 460 nits
has branded damage-resistant glass
supports HDR10
supports HDR10+
Always-On Display
supports Dolby Vision
Has a secondary screen
has a touch screen

The HMD Arc features a 6.52″ LCD IPS display, offering a resolution of 576 x 1280 px and a pixel density of 215 ppi. With a typical brightness of 460 nits, it delivers clear visuals under most lighting conditions. The display supports a 60Hz refresh rate for smooth interactions but lacks advanced features such as Gorilla Glass protection or HDR support. Additionally, it does not include an Always-On display or a secondary screen, but it does provide a responsive touch screen experience.

Performance:

internal storage 64GB
RAM 4GB
Chipset (SoC) name Unisoc SC9863A
GPU name PowerVR GE8322
CPU speed 4 x 1.6 & 4 x 1.2 GHz
Geekbench 6 result (multi) 725
Geekbench 6 result (single) 164
Geekbench 5 result (multi) 2956
Geekbench 5 result (single) 901
GPU clock speed 550 MHz
Has integrated LTE
RAM speed 933 MHz
semiconductor size 28 nm
Supports 64-bit
DirectX version DirectX 11
Has integrated graphics
OpenGL ES version 3.2
Uses big.LITTLE technology
CPU threads 8 threads
maximum memory bandwidth 7.464 GB/s
OpenCL version 2
memory channels 2
eMMC version 5.1
maximum memory amount 6GB
GPU execution units 4
GPU turbo 800 MHz
PassMark result 1327
Thermal Design Power (TDP) 3W
DDR memory version 4
PassMark result (single) 478
shading units 128
L3 cache 0.512 MB

The HMD Arc is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, offering a balance of performance for daily tasks. The device supports 64-bit architecture and runs on an octa-core CPU, with 4 x 1.6 GHz and 4 x 1.2 GHz cores, ensuring efficient multitasking. Its PowerVR GE8322 GPU runs at a clock speed of 550 MHz, providing adequate graphics performance. Additionally, the smartphone supports integrated LTE, DirectX 11, and OpenGL ES 3.2 for improved graphical and connectivity capabilities. The memory speed is supported by a 933 MHz RAM, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 7.464 GB/s.

Cameras:

megapixels (main camera) 13 MP
Has a dual-lens (or multi-lens) main camera
megapixels (front camera) 5MP
has built-in optical image stabilization
Has a dual-tone LED flash
number of flash LEDs 1
has a BSI sensor
has a CMOS sensor
has continuous autofocus when recording movies
Has phase-detection autofocus for photos
supports slow-motion video recording
has a built-in HDR mode
has manual exposure
has a flash
optical zoom 0x
has manual ISO
has a serial shot mode
has manual focus
has a front camera
Has laser autofocus
Shoots 360° panorama
has manual white balance
shoots raw
has touch autofocus
has manual shutter speed
can create panoramas in-camera
Has timelapse function
Has a front-facing LED flash
has a dual-lens (or multi-lens) front camera
supports HDR10 recording
supports Dolby Vision recording
has a front-facing camera under the display
Has a RGB LED flash
has 3D photo/video recording capabilities

The HMD Arc is equipped with a 13 MP main camera and a 5 MP front camera, offering solid photo capabilities. The main camera features a phase-detection autofocus system for sharper photos, along with built-in HDR mode, manual exposure settings, and the ability to capture panoramas. It supports slow-motion video recording and comes with a flash for low-light conditions. The front camera, though without a dedicated LED flash, offers essential features like manual focus, burst mode, and the ability to capture timelapse videos.

Operating system:

Android version Android 14
has clipboard warnings
has location privacy options
has camera/microphone privacy options
has Mail Privacy Protection
has theme customization
can block app tracking
blocks cross-site tracking
has on-device machine learning
has notification permissions
has media picker
Can play games while they download
has dark mode
has Wi-Fi password sharing
has battery health check
has an extra dim mode
has focus modes
has dynamic theming
can offload apps
Has customizable notifications
has Live Text
has full-page screenshots
supports split screen
gets direct OS updates
has PiP
Can be used as a PC
Has sharing intents
has a child lock
Supports widgets
Is free and open source
Has offline voice recognition
has voice commands
Tracks the current position of a mobile device
is a multi-user system
has Quick Start

The HMD Arc runs on Android 14, offering a wide range of privacy and customization features. It includes location privacy options, camera/microphone privacy settings, and the ability to block app tracking. Users can also enjoy features like dark mode, dynamic theming, and customizable notifications. The phone supports split-screen functionality, PiP (Picture-in-Picture), and provides tools like Live Text and scrolling screenshots. Additionally, it offers offline voice recognition, voice commands, and multi-user support, but lacks support for direct OS updates or Wi-Fi password sharing.

Battery:

battery power 5000 mAh
has wireless charging
Supports fast charging
charging speed 10W
has a removable battery
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery

The device is equipped with a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery that provides ample power for extended use. While it does not support wireless charging, it features fast charging at 10W, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery. The device also includes a battery level indicator, though the battery is non-removable.

Audio:

has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has stereo speakers
has aptX
has LDAC
has aptX HD
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Lossless
Has a radio

This device includes a 3.5 mm audio jack for wired headphones and features a built-in radio for listening to live broadcasts. However, it does not have stereo speakers or support advanced Bluetooth audio technologies such as aptX, LDAC, or aptX Adaptive.

Connectivity & Features:

release date December 2024
has 5G support
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
SIM cards 2 SIM
Bluetooth version 5.2
has an external memory slot
Has USB Type-C
has NFC
download speed 300 MBits/s
upload speed 150 MBits/s
Has a fingerprint scanner
has emergency SOS via satellite
has crash detection
is DLNA-certified
has a gyroscope
supports ANT+
Has a heart rate monitor
has GPS
has a compass
supports Wi-Fi
Has an infrared sensor
has an accelerometer
has a cellular module
Has a barometer
has an HDMI output
Uses 3D facial recognition
Has an iris scanner
Stylus included
supports Galileo
Has motion tracking
Has optical tracking
Has a built-in projector

This device supports dual SIM cards and comes with USB Type-C connectivity for fast data transfer. It has Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connections, and features Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) for internet access. Additionally, it includes an external memory slot for expandable storage and supports GPS and Galileo for accurate location tracking. For added security, it also includes a fingerprint scanner, but lacks support for 5G, NFC, and some other advanced sensors like the gyroscope and heart rate monitor.

Miscellaneous:

has a video light
Has sapphire glass display
Has a curved display
Has an e-paper display

This device features a built-in video light for enhanced lighting during video recording or photography, but does not support a sapphire glass display, a curved display, or an e-paper display. These features contribute to its overall functionality while keeping the design straightforward.

Final Verdict

The product is a solid choice for users who prioritize essential features and reliable performance, offering dual SIM support, a fingerprint scanner, and a video light. While it lacks 5G support and some premium features like stereo speakers and wireless charging, it remains a practical option for those who need a functional device for daily tasks. The inclusion of a video light enhances its appeal for casual content creators, though its limitations in multimedia and connectivity features should be considered. Overall, it's a good option for users seeking a straightforward smartphone experience without the need for cutting-edge features.

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