In a world dominated by feature-rich Android smartphones and expensive iPhones, HMD Global has decided to take a bold detour — a trip down memory lane, with a modern twist. The newly launched HMD Touch 4G, priced under ₹4000, isn’t your typical smartphone. It’s small, hybrid, and surprisingly functional. You can make video calls, play YouTube, use Wi-Fi, turn on a hotspot, and even record calls — all in a device that feels like a nostalgic tribute to Nokia’s golden era.
Let’s dive deep into this compact wonder and find out what makes the HMD Touch 4G both weirdly impressive and, at times, hilariously limited.
First Impressions: The “Not a Nokia” Nokia
At first glance, you might think it’s another Nokia feature phone. But no, this one’s officially from HMD Global, the company that used to make Nokia-branded phones. They’ve now launched products under their own name — and this HMD Touch 4G is the first step into that identity shift.
The box itself is minimal but interesting — you get the phone, a 5W charger, and a Type-C cable, which is quite rare in the sub-₹4000 range. The moment you take the phone out, you’re hit by nostalgia. It looks like something between an old Lumia and a tiny Android phone that shrunk in the wash.
The 3.2-inch touchscreen makes it feel like you’ve gone back a decade, yet there’s something oddly refreshing about its compactness. It’s ultra-light at just 100 grams, making it one of the lightest phones available today.
Design: A Cute Little Brick of Simplicity
The design screams simplicity — matte-finish plastic body, a non-removable back, and IP52 water resistance (enough to survive splashes or a bit of rain). On the right side, you get a dual SIM slot with a microSD card option — something that many modern smartphones have started ditching.
There’s a special SOS button on top, which can either call an emergency contact or open Express Chat, depending on how long you hold it. On the bottom, you’ll find a Type-C charging port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a delightful addition for those who still love wired earphones.
Visually, it feels like a mix of nostalgia and innovation — a compact, toy-sized gadget that’s surprisingly functional.
Battery and Build: Small Yet Sturdy
Powering this little hybrid is a 1950 mAh battery — or roughly 2000 mAh — which seems small but actually lasts quite well, considering the low-power display and lightweight software. You can expect a full day’s backup with moderate use, or more if it’s just for calls and light internet browsing.
There’s no fast charging, but that’s fine — after all, this isn’t meant to compete with high-end devices. It’s a “pick up and go” kind of phone — plug in for a bit, and it’s ready to roll.
Hardware & Software: RTOS — The Real-Time Surprise
The HMD Touch 4G runs on a system called RTOS (Real-Time Operating System). This isn’t Android or KaiOS — it’s a lightweight operating system that makes the device run smoothly on limited hardware. Inside, it has a Unisoc T127 processor, 64MB RAM, and 128MB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card).
Before you scoff at those numbers — remember, this isn’t a smartphone. It’s a smart feature phone. The goal isn’t multitasking or gaming; it’s smooth, simple utility.
You can still do quite a bit, though. You can:
- Watch YouTube videos (in-browser)
- Browse via Opera Mini
- Listen to FM Radio without headphones
- Use Wi-Fi and hotspot
- Make video calls via Express Chat
- Capture photos and selfies
It’s a hybrid between old-school feature phones and low-end Androids — not powerful, but capable.
Display and Multimedia: Small Screen, Big Throwback
The 3.2-inch QVGA display (320×240 pixels) brings back memories of the Nokia 5233 era. With 2.5D curved glass, it feels quite premium in hand.
Watching YouTube videos on this screen isn’t exactly cinematic — you can’t rotate the video or change the resolution — but surprisingly, the playback is smooth enough for short clips. You can scroll through channels, search, and even subscribe, making it more than just a feature phone.
Sound quality? For its size and price, the speaker is loud and clear, though not stereo. It’s good enough for casual music or speaker calls.
Camera: Just There Because It Should Be
Let’s be honest — no one’s buying this phone for its camera. The rear 2MP sensor and 0.3MP VGA selfie camera are more for utility than creativity.
The main camera can capture basic shots under good lighting but struggles indoors. The selfie camera works fine for Express Chat video calls, but don’t expect Instagram-worthy results. Still, it’s a nice addition for senior users or kids who just want to try a camera phone.
Connectivity and Smart Features
This is where HMD surprises everyone. Despite being a non-Android phone, it has:
- 4G connectivity
- Wi-Fi and hotspot support
- Bluetooth
- Call recording (without any announcement!)
- Express Chat and Cloud Phone
The Express Chat feature is HMD’s own messaging app — a sort of mini WhatsApp. You create a unique ID using your number, and can message or video call others who have the app (on Android or HMD devices).
Meanwhile, Cloud Phone gives you access to web-based “apps” like YouTube, Maps, Twitter, and Facebook — but they’re actually browser-based shortcuts, not real apps. Still, they give the illusion of app-like functionality, making the phone look smarter than it is.
Everyday Use: For the Calm, Not the Crazy
Using the HMD Touch 4G is a slow, nostalgic experience. The touchscreen isn’t super responsive, but it’s functional. Apps take a moment to open. There’s no multitasking, so only one app works at a time.
However, for seniors, minimalists, or as a backup phone, this simplicity is gold. You don’t get overwhelmed with notifications or background apps. It’s pure, focused communication.
And yes — the proximity sensor actually works during calls (most of the time), and you can easily record calls directly from the dialer.
FM Radio & Entertainment
One of the most enjoyable features is the FM Radio — it works without earphones, just like old Nokia phones. It’s loud, clear, and stable. Perfect for those who love tuning into local stations while commuting or relaxing at home.
The Limitations
Let’s be real — this isn’t a phone for everyone. Here’s where it falls short:
- No WhatsApp or Play Store
- No Google Maps navigation
- No app downloads
- No multitasking
- No payment or UPI apps
- No auto-brightness sensor
Essentially, it’s a smart feature phone, not a smartphone. But within its limits, it performs admirably.
Who Is It For?
The HMD Touch 4G isn’t designed for tech enthusiasts or gamers. It’s built for:
- Senior citizens who want a simple, touch-friendly phone.
- Feature phone users wanting to try touchscreen devices.
- Parents looking for a safe first phone for their kids.
- Backup phone users who want basic internet and calling functions.
At ₹3,999, it sits in a unique position — not competing with Android phones, but carving its own category between nostalgia and necessity.
Verdict: Nostalgia Meets Necessity
So, is the HMD Touch 4G worth it?
If you’re looking for a phone that’s simple, distraction-free, and just works — yes. It’s a beautifully nostalgic piece of tech that offers a glimpse of the past while staying barely relevant in 2025’s connected world.
It’s definitely not for multitaskers or power users, but for the right person, it’s perfectly adequate. It could be your travel phone, your parents’ new gadget, or even your digital detox companion.
For ₹3,999, you get a sturdy little device that reminds us how far we’ve come — and how sometimes, less really is more.
Final Thoughts
The HMD Touch 4G is not trying to compete with Androids. It’s a bridge — connecting the old-school Nokia vibe with a hint of modern-day connectivity. It’s nostalgic, it’s different, and it has a charm that most mainstream phones lack today.
Maybe, just maybe, this is HMD’s way of saying —
“Hey, smartphones are great, but simplicity never went out of style.”
For ₹3,999, the HMD Touch 4G is a delightful little gadget that proves one thing — innovation doesn’t always mean bigger, faster, or flashier. Sometimes, it’s about going small, simple, and smart.
