HMD Enters Feature Phone Market Again with 106 Pure, Starting at $78
HMD has quietly launched the 106 Pure feature phone in the Pakistani market, marking another entry in itsNotes series. Designed for basic communication needs, the device does not support modern mobile networks—only legacy GSM 2G connectivity remains available.
Key facts:
- Launch date: September 28, 2026 (Pakistan market only)
- New version: HMD 106 Pure (feature phone, not smartphone)
- Price: 3,250 PKR (~$78.81 USD/€72 at current exchange rates)
- Availability: Pakistan only; no other regions announced
- Network support: GSM 2G only (no 3G/4G/5G)
- Color options: Dark Gray, Teal Green
Hardware: Pragmatic, No-Frills Design
Powered by the Unisoc 6531E System-on-Chip—a成熟制程 chip targeting ultra-budget feature phones, known for low power consumption and minimal cost—the 106 Pure features a 1.8-inch QQVGA display with 120×160 resolution, a classic feature phone specification. The software stack runs S30+, Nokia’s current feature phone OS based on the former Series 30+ platform, supporting calls, SMS, basic apps, and multitasking.
Physical and functional highlights include:
- 3.5mm headphone jack: Retains wired audio output compatibility
- FM radio: Local broadcast without data usage
- microSD card slot: Up to 32GB storage expansion
- Rear camera: 320×240 resolution (photo only, no video)
- Removable battery: 1,000mAh capacity
- Charging port: USB-C (per rendering images)
Notably, in an era where smartphones dominate, launching a new device that exclusively supports 2G networks creates a striking technological contrast. While most developed markets have shut down 2G (China fully retired GSM networks in 2020), parts of emerging economies—like rural Pakistan—still rely on 2G for its extensive coverage, strong signal penetration, and extremely low device costs.
Launch and Pricing Summary
| Specification | HMD 106 Pure |
|---|---|
| Price (Pakistan) | 3,250 PKR |
| Price (CNY equivalent) | ≈78.81 RMB |
| Screen size/resolution | 1.8-inch QQVGA (120×160) |
| Chipset | Unisoc 6531E |
| Operating system | S30+ |
| Expandable storage | microSD, up to 32GB |
| Battery capacity | 1,000mAh (removable) |
| Camera resolution | 320×240 (photo only) |
| Network bands | GSM 2G only |
Who Should Buy It—and Who Should Wait
Given its minimal hardware, this phone is unsuitable for anyone requiring mobile data, modern messaging apps, or smart ecosystem integration. It targets users whose needs are authentically basic:
- Those who need only voice calls and SMS
- Emergency/backup phones (large battery = long standby)
- First phones for children or seniors (simple interface, no distractions)
- Low-budget users in areas where 2G networks still operate
If your region has decommissioned 2G or if you rely on data-dependent services (WeChat, digital payments, etc.), continue waiting for 4G Cat.1 or larger-screen entry-level smartphones.
Final Thought
HMD’s return to feature phones is not nostalgia—it’s market precision. When flagships have nowhere left to ‘up’ on AI or camera specs, the value proposition of 2G feature phones lies in radical minimalism: stripping away everything nonessential and returning to core communication. In select emerging markets, this subtraction strategy remains viable and commercially sustainable.