HMD Crest Review: Nepal's Top Budget Phone Under NPR 20,000

HMD Crest Review: Nepal's Top Budget Phone Under NPR 20,000

The HMD Crest has entered Nepal's fiercely competitive sub-20,000 rupee smartphone market and immediately set itself apart with compelling features typically unseen at this price point. Priced at NPR 18,999 for the 6GB/128GB variant, this device offers a stunning 6.67-inch FullHD+ AMOLED panel with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, powered by the capable Unisoc T760 5G chipset. After spending over a week with the phone, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses.

Design and Display

The HMD Crest impresses right from the unboxing with a modern monotone design featuring flat edges and a 2.5D curved screen. Unlike many rivals that settle for LCD panels, this phone boasts a vibrant AMOLED display that produces deep blacks and rich colors, making media consumption a delightful experience. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, whether browsing social media or watching videos. The front features a centered hole-punch cutout for the 50MP selfie camera, and while the plastic build doesn’t feel premium, it remains comfortable to hold.

Performance and Software

Equipped with the octacore Unisoc T760 5G processor and 6GB of RAM, the HMD Crest handles everyday tasks effortlessly. Performance benchmarks place it at the top of Nepal’s under-20,000 rupee category, with casual games running smoothly and even PUBG Mobile managing decent 40fps. The phone runs pure Android 14 without any bloatware or ads, providing one of the cleanest software experiences available in this price bracket.

Battery and Charging

A sizable 5000mAh battery easily lasts through a full day of moderate use, and the included 33W power adapter charges the device to full capacity in approximately 1.5 hours. This fast-charging capability is noteworthy, as many phones in similar price ranges either omit a charger or provide slower charging solutions.

Camera Capabilities

The camera department presents the most significant compromise. The dual rear setup includes a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP depth sensor, while the front offers a 50MP shooter. While daylight photos manage decent clarity, dynamic range remains limited and white balance can appear slightly off. Low-light performance improves somewhat with night mode but remains inconsistent. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30 frames per second on both cameras, yielding average results. For a budget device, these cameras serve basic needs but won’t satisfy enthusiasts.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The HMD Crest supports full 5G connectivity along with all necessary 4G bands for Nepali carriers like NTC and Ncell, including Band 20 for rural coverage. It also features Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi 5, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Although it lacks stereo speakers, the single speaker delivers adequate audio quality for most use cases.

Repairability

HMD has made repair processes more accessible by allowing users to replace key components such as the battery, charging port, back cover, and display independently. While a dedicated repair kit costs around NPR 2,000 and isn’t yet available locally, HMD has confirmed plans to introduce it in Nepal soon.

Final Verdict

At NPR 18,999, the HMD Crest establishes itself as the leading budget smartphone in Nepal. Its combination of a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, solid processor performance, enduring battery life, and fast charging makes it an exceptional value proposition. The camera limitations prevent it from achieving perfection, but for users prioritizing a smooth multimedia experience and clean Android usage, this phone delivers remarkable bang for the buck.