HMD Touch 4G: A New Hybrid Phone Bridging Feature and Smartphone Worlds

In October 2025, HMD Global launched a unique device in India: the HMD Touch 4G. Marketed as the country’s first “hybrid phone,” it blends the simplicity of a feature phone with select smart capabilities. In this blog post, we’ll explore what this phone offers, its strengths and limitations, and whether it’s worth considering.

What Is the HMD Touch 4G?

1 The Hybrid Concept

Rather than being a full-blown smartphone or a classic keypad phone, the Touch 4G occupies a middle ground. HMD describes it as a hybrid: you’ll get basic touch input, 4G connectivity, and cloud-based services — but without the complexity (and cost) of modern smartphones. 

It aims at users who want internet features, video calls, and messaging — but in a compact, minimalist package with long battery life.

2 Launch, Price & Availability

• Launch date: October 7, 2025 

• Price in India: ₹3,999 for its single memory variant (64 MB RAM + 128 MB storage) 

• Colours: Cyan and Dark Blue 

• Where to buy: HMD’s official website, with plans to expand to e‑commerce and offline retail outlets. 

Specifications & Features

Let’s break down what the Touch 4G delivers — and where it compromises.

1 Detailed Specifications

2 Feature Highlights

• Express Chat & Cloud Apps: The phone comes with an app (Express Chat) to enable text, voice notes, and video calls — even to Android/iOS users.It also offers cloud‑hosted shortcuts to services like cricket scores, trending videos, weather, and light games (Tetris, Sudoku) via browser‑based rendering. 

• ICE / Quick‑call Button: A dedicated hardware key lets users rapidly access emergency calls or open Express Chat. 

• Lightweight & Compact Build: At just 100 g and compact dimensions, the device is extremely pocketable. 

• Battery Efficiency: While the 1,950 mAh battery is modest by smartphone standards, the lightweight OS and limited hardware demands allow it to last up to 30 hours in claimed continuous use. 

Pros, Cons & Use Cases

1 Advantages

• Simplicity: No complex menus, bloatware, or heavy apps. Good for users who want basic access to internet features without a full smartphone.

• Affordability: At ₹3,999, it undercuts many entry smartphones while still giving 4G, touch, and video calling.

• Battery life & lightweight: With minimal hardware overhead, it can last much longer than many full smartphones of similar size.

• Emergency support & essentials: The ICE key adds utility in urgent situations.

• Niche appeal: Ideal as a secondary device, for minimalists, for travel backup, or for users who resist full smartphone dependence.

2 Limitations & Risks

• Tiny memory & storage: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB storage are extremely limited — no room for large apps or media files.

• Non‑Android OS: You can’t install most popular apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.). The reliance on Express Chat limits communications to users with that service.

• Weak cameras: 2 MP rear and 0.3 MP front are barely adequate for simple snapshots or video calling.

• Basic touchscreen & display: The QVGA resolution and small size aren’t ideal for rich media consumption.

• Controversial cloud app usage: Some users point out that offloading many functions to the cloud may strain connectivity or battery.

  “Running on Cloud Apps? … Isn’t this gonna drain the battery quicker than running apps on‑device?” — a Reddit user comment 

• User feedback & criticism: Some critics say HMD’s feature phones lack standout features and fall short on software experience. 

3 Who Should Consider It?

This phone is best suited for:

1. Users seeking extreme minimalism: Those who only need calling, texting, and occasional internet features without a full smartphone.

2. Secondary / backup phone users: A compact device to carry when you don’t want to risk your primary smartphone.

3. Budget-conscious / feature phone fans: If cost is a primary constraint but you still want touch and connectivity.

4. Kids / elders: As an entry device for young users or seniors who need video calling with minimal complexity.

It may not suit people heavily invested in app ecosystems (WhatsApp, YouTube, social media) or those needing higher power for tasks like navigation, video streaming, or multitasking.

Summary 

• HMD Touch 4G is a hybrid phone that blends feature phone simplicity with select smart features.

• It offers a 3.2" touchscreen, 4G connectivity, Express Chat, and cloud‑based services.

• Its specs are modest: 64 MB RAM, 128 MB storage, 2 MP rear / 0.3 MP front cameras.

• The price is ₹3,999 in India, available via HMD’s site, soon on e‑commerce and retail.

• Major pros: simple UI, long battery life, lightweight design, affordability.

• Major cons: limited OS, very small memory, lack of app ecosystem, basic cameras.

• Best use cases: minimalist users, secondary/backup device, or first device for those who only need minimal connectivity.

Final Thoughts

The HMD Touch 4G is a testament to HMD Global's commitment to providing affordable and user-friendly devices. While it may not cater to power users or app enthusiasts, it serves as a reliable option for those seeking a simple, budget-friendly mobile experience. Its compact design, long battery life, and essential features make it a compelling choice for minimalists and secondary device users.

In a market saturated with complex smartphones, the HMD Touch 4G stands out by embracing simplicity and functionality. If your mobile needs align with its offerings, the Touch 4G could be the perfect fit.