HMD Global is gearing up to refresh its lineup of affordable smartphones, but the newly listed HMD Vibe2 is raising eyebrows — and not in a good way. Recent listings on e-commerce sites and the EPREL database have revealed the device’s specifications, and on paper, the Vibe2 looks like a downgrade compared to last year’s HMD Vibe.
HMD Vibe2 Specifications
According to the listings, the HMD Vibe2 is powered by the Unisoc T606 4G chipset, paired with a 6.75-inch HD+ LCD display that supports a 90Hz refresh rate. The device packs a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging, 256GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot for further expansion. Out of the box, it will run on Android 15.
On the camera front, the phone includes:
- 50MP main rear camera
- Two 0.08MP auxiliary sensors (mostly decorative or for depth/macro)
- 5MP front-facing selfie camera
Another noticeable downgrade is in design. The original HMD Vibe featured a modern punch-hole display, while the Vibe2 reverts to a waterdrop notch, making it look more dated.
Performance Downgrade
One of the most disappointing changes lies in performance. The Unisoc T606 powering the Vibe2 falls significantly short of the Snapdragon 680 used in the first-generation Vibe. Benchmark comparisons on platforms like Geekbench, AnTuTu, and 3DMark all show the Snapdragon 680 outperforming the Unisoc chip across CPU and GPU metrics.
This means the Vibe2 could struggle with multitasking, gaming, and even some demanding day-to-day applications where its predecessor excelled.
Additional Features
Other confirmed specs include:
- IP52 splash resistance
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- 3.5mm headphone jack
The HMD Vibe2 is expected to launch in Australia at AUD 288 (~$187). It will be available in two colors: Light Titanium and Dark Grey.
More HMD Phones in the Works
The EPREL certification also points to additional upcoming models from HMD Global, namely the HMD Fuse, Pulse2, and Pulse2 Pro. Details about these smartphones are still limited, but they may target other entry-level and mid-range segments.
A Step in the Wrong Direction?
The Vibe2 may have been positioned as an affordable 4G smartphone, but with clear compromises in performance and overall design, it risks alienating buyers. What should have been a natural step forward looks more like “one step forward, three steps back.” Consumers may find better value opting for rivals — or even sticking with the original Vibe, if still available.