The affordable 5G smartphone market in India has a new player, and this time it’s from a trusted name — HMD. The company has officially launched the HMD Vibe 5G, an entry-level device designed for users who want reliable 5G connectivity, clean Android software, and practical everyday performance without spending a fortune. Priced aggressively, the Vibe 5G is set to compete in the budget 5G space that’s heating up rapidly.
Design and Display
At first glance, the HMD Vibe 5G looks simple yet functional. It features a 6.67-inch HD+ display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, giving smoother scrolling and animations than many budget rivals. While the resolution is limited to HD+, the higher refresh rate ensures that day-to-day usage feels snappy. The phone is fairly lightweight at around 190 grams and slim at 8.65 mm thickness, making it comfortable to hold and carry. Available in Black and Purple color options, the design leans more towards practicality than flash.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Vibe 5G is powered by the Unisoc T760 chipset, paired with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. This setup won’t turn heads for gaming or power-hungry tasks, but it should be more than enough for calls, social media, video streaming, and other everyday apps. What stands out here is HMD’s commitment to software — the phone runs Android 15 out of the box with minimal bloatware and a clean interface. HMD has also promised quarterly security updates for two years, which is reassuring for buyers who value reliability and software longevity in a budget phone.
Cameras
For photography, the HMD Vibe 5G comes with a 50 MP main rear camera, accompanied by a 2 MP secondary sensor. On the front, there’s an 8 MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout. The camera setup is modest but should be capable of capturing decent shots in good lighting conditions. Don’t expect flagship-level performance or versatile features like telephoto zoom, but for casual photography and social media use, it should get the job done.
Battery and Charging
The phone packs a 5,000 mAh battery, which should comfortably last a full day of regular use. Charging is supported at 18W wired speed — not blazing fast compared to rivals, but still decent for its price range. Given the efficient chipset and HD+ screen, battery life is expected to be one of the strengths of this device.
Price and Availability
The HMD Vibe 5G has been launched at ₹11,999 for the 4 GB + 128 GB variant, but as part of the introductory offer, it is available for just ₹8,999. This makes it one of the most affordable 5G phones from a known brand in India. The phone is already available for purchase via HMD’s online store, Amazon India and authorized retail outlets across the country.
Our Thoughts
The HMD Vibe 5G isn’t here to compete with flashy premium phones — instead, it’s about delivering essentials that matter at a budget price. Clean Android, regular security updates, reliable 5G support, and a solid battery are all features that budget-conscious buyers will appreciate. Of course, there are trade-offs: the HD+ screen is not as sharp as Full HD panels, the chipset isn’t built for heavy gaming, and the cameras are basic. But for under ₹9,000 (with offers), it’s hard to complain too much.
One thing that really stands out is HMD’s 1-year replacement guarantee on this device. While it does come with terms and conditions, it’s still a welcome move that adds peace of mind for buyers in a segment where after-sales service is often a concern. If more brands follow this approach, it could set a positive trend in the industry.
If you’re looking for your first 5G phone, or want a secondary device that is dependable and doesn’t break the bank, the HMD Vibe 5G is definitely worth a look. It won’t wow enthusiasts, but it checks the right boxes for practical everyday users.
