HMD Touch 4G is India’s first hybrid phone built for digital minimalists
It could be the right pick for people tired of endless apps and updates, offering just enough smart features without the digital clutter.
Smartphones have started to feel a little too smart lately. The constant updates, cluttered apps, and rising prices have turned even budget devices into something most people struggle to keep up with. Now, HMD seems to think it's time for a reset.
Instead of another entry-level Android, HMD has built its new Touch 4G as a hybrid phone that blends the ease of old feature phones with enough modern functionality to stay connected. At ₹3,999 ($45), it feels made for people who want digital access without the weight of Android or iOS.
Running on HMD’s lightweight S30+ Touch platform, the phone handles calls, messages, and basic browsing smoothly. Its built-in Express Chat app supports video calls and 13 Indian languages, giving it more range than the price suggests. Still, the software can feel sluggish at times, especially when switching between cloud apps, and the lack of an app store limits what you can actually do beyond the basics.
Design-wise, the HMD Touch 4G borrows from the Nokia Asha era. A 3.2-inch touchscreen, single-touch button, and circular camera module give it a neat, nostalgic charm. It feels intentionally simple rather than outdated and sits comfortably in one hand, though the small screen and low resolution could make reading and typing a little cramped.
Under the hood, a Unisoc T127 chip powers the experience alongside 64MB of RAM and 128MB of storage, expandable up to 32GB. It's fine for quick tasks, but anything more demanding pushes it to its limit. Dual SIM support, Wi-Fi, hotspot, Bluetooth, and Type-C charging make it practical for everyday use. Battery life is its biggest win, though, as it could last well over a day on light use, sometimes two.
Its cameras stay modest, with a 2MP rear and VGA front lens that handle quick moments but little else. Photos often look flat, and the limited storage means you will not keep many anyway. The absence of YouTube, WhatsApp, and modern apps will be a dealbreaker for anyone who expects more flexibility. But that is also the Touch 4G’s point—it keeps things deliberately simple, sometimes to a fault.
Oyinebiladou Omemu
For anyone who wants to step away from constant notifications without disappearing completely, the Touch 4G feels like a quiet reset. It's not built for multitasking or social scrolling, but it does something few devices manage today. It offers relief from digital noise, though at the cost of convenience.
If you expect full smartphone performance, you'll hit its limits quickly. But if you're looking for a dependable second device or a low-stress alternative for travel, the HMD Touch 4G delivers a refreshingly simple experience that is both nostalgic and slightly frustrating in equal measure.
The HMD Touch 4G is now available in Cyan and Dark Blue across major retailers, e-commerce stores, and HMD’s official website.
