We reviewed the HMD Skyline back in mid-Feb 2025. This HMD flagship is still fresh to the Australian market having only just launched in late 2024.
Features such as Digital Detox mode and user self repairability which were far and away the headline grabbers and immensely useful. Ultimately I draw the conclusion at the full price tag of A$899 it is up against some stiff competition.
But the good news is, HMD has slashed $300 off the RRP and until 26 March 2025, you can have it for just $599.
The HMD Skyline is the phone for anyone who wants to be able to both capture and live in the moment.
HMD Skyline | For a limited time online, $599 | Available from Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Big W
Camera
Use HMD Skyline’s Capture Fusion function to make your pics look like they were taken by a pro. This super cool feature merges frames from the ultrawide and telephoto cameras with the main camera, giving you more detail in your pics. It’s perfect for those wide shots where you want everything to be super clear and detailed.
Night Mode automatically kicks in when it’s dark, but you can also turn it on manually for longer exposures. Plus, Optical Image Stabilisation helps keep your shots steady and clear, even when you’re snapping mid-party
Make your subjects the main character with 50mm Portrait Mode. It creates a beautiful blurred background effect, similar to a DSLR camera, and is perfect for close-up portraits, making your subject the star of the show.
The 50MP front camera comes with autofocus and eye-tracking to ensure the sharpest of selfies, and the device comes with in-built ‘selfie gesture’ tech, which means all users have to do is to look at the phone while making the universal peace sign (or one of three other hand signs) to activate the camera.
The 108MP Hybrid OIS triple rear camera is equally impressive. Portrait mode allows for stunning 50mm shots in bokeh effect and crisp close-ups can be achieved with the x4 zoom function. Stunning scenery and group shots can be captured using the 0.5 ultra-wide mode and there’s AI Capture Fusion too to add maximum detail to zoom images.
Repairability
HMD Skyline also takes mobile phone repairability to the next level, Gen2 to be specific, cementing the notion that F.I.Y is Fly. Shattered screen? No problem. With HMD Skyline you can pop it off and replace it in seconds using miniature tools from cute-as-a-button iFixit kits. But it doesn’t stop there. Bent charging ports, scratched back covers and tired batteries can also all be fixed in double quick time too.
Digital Detox Mode
And the good news just keeps on coming. The super-slick smartphone for the ages comes with a digital Detox Mode – a powerful new bespoke app allowing users to tailor their detox to their needs, focus on the real world and enjoy a balanced smartphone experience. Everyone needs a break from time to time. HMD’s Detox Mode is built into the device software and allows you to customise your device to the level of detox right for you – including app and contact customisation, scheduling and the option of “soft” or “hard” locks.
Check out Kevin’s full review here.
