In a world obsessed with high-end smartphones and cutting-edge specs, there’s still something uniquely comforting about the humble feature phone. And now, HMD Global is reminding us exactly why these pocket companions are still very much alive—with the launch of two music-centric marvels: the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music.
These phones are more than just retro throwbacks. They’re purposefully designed for a demographic that values simplicity, endurance, and superior audio over AMOLED displays or triple-camera setups. Whether you’re buying it for a grandparent, a secondary device for travel, or simply craving that nostalgic experience—you’re in for a treat.
Let’s dive into what makes these phones a refreshing addition to the market.
🎧 Back to Basics—but Better
At first glance, the names—HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music—evoke memories of the classic Nokia era. And rightly so, because HMD Global (the maker of Nokia-branded phones) knows its audience: Indians who still love their FM radio, MP3 playlists, and a phone that lasts weeks on a single charge.
But don’t mistake these for relics of the past. Both devices incorporate modern tweaks—like USB-C charging, Bluetooth 5.0, and a design that strikes a balance between nostalgia and utility.
📱 Design & Display: Compact and Charming
HMD 130 Music
The 130 Music features a 2.4-inch QVGA display, housed in a lightweight and pocket-friendly chassis. It’s available in Black, Blue, and Purple, all with a matte finish that resists smudges and feels sturdy in the hand. It’s not about flaunting bezels here—it’s about function over flash, and that’s where this phone shines.
HMD 150 Music
The 150 Music offers a similar layout but with an upgraded design. The metallic navigation key area gives it a more premium look and feel. It also introduces a rear VGA camera with LED flash, making it ideal for occasional snapshots.
Both devices are IP52-rated, meaning they offer basic protection against dust and splashes—perfect for rugged outdoor usage or unpredictable Indian weather.
🔊 Music-Centric Features: The Real Star of the Show
This is where the “Music” in the name truly matters.
The HMD 130 Music and 150 Music come with a 2W rear speaker, ensuring loud and clear audio playback. Whether you’re on a long commute or chilling in your room, the MP3 player and FM radio (wired and wireless) provide continuous entertainment.
And here’s the kicker: unlike most feature phones that only support wired FM radio, these phones offer wireless FM, so you don’t need to plug in headphones to enjoy your favorite radio shows.
A dedicated microSD card slot allows you to expand storage up to 32GB, meaning hours of music can stay in your pocket without relying on streaming or internet access.
For audiophiles with classic tastes—or those in regions with low connectivity—this setup is unbeatable.
🔋 Battery That Lasts (and Lasts… and Lasts)
Let’s be real—battery anxiety is real. Smartphones might last a day or two, but these HMD devices offer a removable 2500mAh battery that promises up to 30 days of standby time.
That’s not a typo.
Even with daily use—calls, music, light texting—you can easily go over a week without needing a recharge. And with the modern convenience of a USB Type-C charging port, topping up is easy, fast, and universal.
Removable batteries also mean users can replace them themselves—something unheard of in the smartphone world today.
📷 Camera: Basic but Functional
Only the HMD 150 Music includes a camera—a basic VGA sensor with an LED flash. It won’t win any photography awards, but it’s good enough for quick captures, QR codes, or even torchlight functionality.
In contrast, the HMD 130 Music skips the camera altogether, leaning further into the minimalist design that many buyers of this segment prefer.
⚙️ Software & Performance: S30+ and Simplicity
Both devices run on S30+, a feature phone operating system known for its simplicity, reliability, and super-lightweight nature. With 8MB of RAM and 8MB internal storage, you’re not downloading apps—but you don’t need to.
You get:
- Classic snake game (yes, it’s still a vibe)
- Calculator, calendar, alarm, and basic tools
- Call logs, SMS functions, and contact saving
And all of it works without any lag, crashing, or updates interrupting your day.
🎯 Target Audience: Who Are These Phones For?
These aren’t devices aimed at your average smartphone user. HMD is laser-focused on audiences like:
- Senior citizens who want a simple, loud, and easy-to-use phone
- Laborers or field workers who need rugged devices with long battery life
- Students or travelers looking for a secondary phone for calls and music
- Rural users with limited smartphone access or patchy internet connectivity
- Music lovers who want an MP3 player that doubles up as a solid phone
And given India’s large and diverse population, this is a strategically smart move.
💸 Pricing: Affordable for Everyone
Let’s talk money.
- HMD 130 Music is priced at just ₹1,899
- HMD 150 Music comes in at ₹2,399
These are all-inclusive prices that offer real value. Compared to overpriced budget smartphones or poorly-built generic feature phones, these offer brand trust, durability, and utility.
🛒 Availability: Easy to Grab
Both phones are now available via:
- Leading offline retail stores
- HMD’s official website
- Popular e-commerce platforms
Color options include:
- 130 Music: Black, Blue, Purple
- 150 Music: Dark Grey, Light Blue, Purple
🌟 The Verdict
HMD has successfully reminded us that feature phones aren’t dead—they’re evolving.
With modern interfaces, classic form factors, long battery life, and a laser focus on audio, the HMD 130 Music and 150 Music represent a product category that still has a significant and meaningful place in India.
They’re not here to compete with smartphones. They’re here to fill a different, very real need—and they do it beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I use WhatsApp or internet browsing on the HMD 130 or 150 Music?
No. These are traditional feature phones designed for calls, SMS, music playback, and radio. They do not support apps or internet browsing. If you need basic smart functionality, you may want to explore devices running KaiOS instead.
Can I use my own headphones with these phones?
Yes. Both the HMD 130 Music and 150 Music include a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can plug in any standard earphones. Additionally, they support Bluetooth 5.0, so you can use wireless headphones or speakers as well.
