HMD Revives Asha Brand With Affordable Asha 305 Phone

HMD has brought the Asha name back to the phone market with the launch of the Asha 305. The new device is aimed at buyers who want basic smartphone features without spending too much money.

The Asha name was once closely associated with Nokia feature phones, making its return an interesting move by HMD. The new Asha 305 takes a different approach, combining a simple design with Android Open Source Project based software and access to a collection of lightweight applications.

The phone is positioned as an affordable device rather than a high performance smartphone. It comes with a 5 inch LCD display and basic cameras, while its removable battery could appeal to users who prefer a straightforward phone experience.

HMD has not yet announced the official global price of the Asha 305. In markets such as the Philippines, however, the phone is reportedly available for around 3,990 Philippine pesos, which is approximately Rs 6,000.

The device is offered in Black and Lime colour options. Its pricing and availability are expected to vary between markets, so the Philippine price should not be treated as the final global price.

The Asha 305 uses a 5 inch FWVGA LCD screen with a resolution of 854 by 480 pixels. The display is relatively modest by current smartphone standards, but it fits the phones focus on basic everyday usage.

Powering the device is a Unisoc T137 chipset. The phone runs on the companys Pulse operating system and includes 2GB of RAM along with 16GB of internal storage.

Storage should not be a major concern for users who need additional space. The Asha 305 supports a microSD card, allowing storage to be expanded up to 128GB.

Battery life is one of the more notable features of the new phone. It packs a 2500mAh removable battery, which HMD says can provide up to 32 hours of usage on a single charge.

The phone is also rated to offer up to 15 hours of talk time. Charging takes place through a USB C port at 5W, reflecting the devices entry level positioning.

Photography is handled by simple cameras on both sides of the phone. The rear panel features a 2 megapixel primary camera, while another 2 megapixel camera is provided on the front for selfies and video calls.

The camera hardware is clearly designed for basic photography rather than advanced image processing or high quality video recording. For users who mainly need a camera for occasional pictures or calls, the setup may be sufficient.

Connectivity includes 4G support along with dual SIM functionality. The phone also offers Wi Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 and GPS, giving users the basic wireless features expected from an affordable handset.

An accelerometer or G sensor is also included. The phone has a USB C port for charging and other supported connections.

Despite its compact positioning, the Asha 305 is not particularly thin. It measures 147 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width and 10.2 mm in thickness, while its weight is around 145 grams.

The return of the Asha name is perhaps the most interesting part of the new device. Instead of competing directly with expensive smartphones, HMD appears to be targeting consumers who value affordability, simple software and dependable everyday features.

The combination of a removable battery, expandable storage and long claimed battery life gives the Asha 305 a distinctly practical character. These features are becoming less common on many modern smartphones, particularly in the lower priced segment.

The lightweight application approach could also make the phone more suitable for users who do not need demanding games or resource heavy applications. HMD is positioning the device around essential smartphone functions rather than premium hardware.

The Asha 305 is therefore unlikely to compete with conventional mid range smartphones on specifications. Its appeal lies elsewhere, particularly for buyers looking for a simple and affordable connected phone with 4G, dual SIM support and a battery that can last through extended use.

With the Asha brand now returning under HMD, the Asha 305 could attract attention from users familiar with the name as well as customers searching for an inexpensive alternative to mainstream smartphones.