The rumor mill is churning again, and this time, it’s offering our clearest look yet at HMD Global’s upcoming mid-range contender. Following initial whispers in July, a fresh leak has surfaced, providing a high-resolution image and a detailed feature breakdown for the highly anticipated HMD Pulse 2 Pro. The new details paint a picture of a device with a striking design cue borrowed from Apple, a massive focus on selfie photography, and a strong commitment to repairability.
The latest intel comes from the highly reliable tipster @smashx_60 on X (formerly Twitter), who has a proven track record with HMD devices. The leak not only confirms several speculated features but also throws in a few surprises that could make the Pulse 2 Pro a standout in the crowded budget-to-mid-range market.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Design
The most immediate takeaway from the leaked render is the phone's design language. HMD Global appears to be taking a page directly from Apple’s playbook. The image reveals a camera module on the rear that looks strikingly similar to the rumored design for the yet-to-be-released Apple iPhone 17 Pro.
This isn't just another rectangular bump; it's a distinct, polished metal enclosure for the lenses, giving the phone a premium and recognizable aesthetic. Despite this high-end inspiration, the Pulse 2 Pro is said to feature a slightly rounded plastic frame, which should aid grip and comfort.
Color options are reported to be Glacier Green, Midnight Black, and Twilight Purple, catering to a range of tastes from subtle to vibrant. The right-side frame houses the power button, which conveniently integrates a fingerprint sensor for secure and quick unlocking. A welcome addition is a user-programmable button, likely similar to Google’s Pixel lineup, allowing users to assign shortcuts for quick access to their favorite apps or functions.
For a closer look at the source, you can see the leaked image directly from the tipster here:
Embedded Link: https://x.com/smashx_60/status/1975133858543939706
Repairability Takes Center Stage
In an era where replacing a cracked back glass can cost a small fortune, HMD is reportedly doubling down on its repairability mission. The leak suggests the Pulse 2 Pro will feature a "relatively easy-to-repair casing." This aligns with HMD's recent initiatives to make its devices last longer by enabling easier battery replacements and repairs, a significant selling point for environmentally and budget-conscious consumers.
However, this focus on repairability may come with a slight trade-off in ruggedness. The phone is only listed with an IP54 rating, meaning it's protected against dust and water splashes but is not fully waterproof. You'll want to keep it away from pools and sinks.
Display and Audio: Solid Mid-Range Fare
The Pulse 2 Pro is expected to sport a sizable 6.7-inch display. According to the leak, this will be an IPS panel with a sharp 1,080p+ resolution and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. While an OLED screen would offer deeper blacks, a high-quality IPS LCD at 120Hz ensures fluid scrolling and a vibrant viewing experience for media and games. The package is rounded out with stereo speakers and two microphones for improved call clarity and audio playback.
Camera Power with a Catch
The camera system is where the HMD Pulse 2 Pro makes some bold claims. The headline feature is a massive 50 MP selfie camera. If the specs hold, this would place it among the highest-resolution front-facing cameras on the market, promising incredibly detailed selfies and video calls.
On the rear, the primary camera is also a 50 MP sensor, which should capture plenty of detail in good lighting. However, the leak indicates it will be accompanied only by a basic 2 MP depth or macro sensor, forgoing an ultra-wide lens that has become standard even in the budget segment. This could be a notable omission for users who enjoy capturing landscapes and group photos.
Performance: The Potential Bottleneck
This is where the "Pro" naming might face its biggest challenge. The leak claims the Pulse 2 Pro will be powered by the Unisoc T7250 processor. This is a dated 12 nm chip that was announced several years ago. Its configuration includes only two older ARM Cortex-A75 performance cores (clocked at up to 1.8 GHz) and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores.
In a market dominated by efficient 6nm and 4nm chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek, the Unisoc T7250 could struggle with demanding apps and intensive gaming, potentially making it the device's Achilles' heel. For more in-depth technical specifications and analysis of the chipset, industry watchers at GSMArena have compiled a detailed breakdown.
Embedded Link: https://www.gsmgotech.com/2025/07/exclusive-hmd-pulse-2-series-leaks.html
The phone is kept running by a substantial 5,000 mAh battery, which should easily provide all-day battery life, especially paired with the less power-hungry display and chipset. Charging is handled via USB-C at a modest 20 watts. On the software front, the Pulse 2 Pro is expected to launch with the latest Android 15 out of the box, offering users access to the newest features and security updates from Google.
The Bottom Line
The HMD Pulse 2 Pro is shaping up to be a device of contrasts. It boasts a trendy, iPhone-inspired design and a potentially class-leading 50 MP selfie camera, all wrapped in a repairable body—a huge plus in today's market. Features like the 120Hz display, programmable button, and NFC for contactless payments add to its appeal.
However, the choice of an aging Unisoc processor and the lack of an ultra-wide camera are significant compromises. The final verdict will heavily depend on the price. If HMD Global can position the Pulse 2 Pro aggressively in the budget segment, its strengths in design, selfies, and repairability could easily outweigh its performance shortcomings for a specific audience. As of now, the official launch date and pricing remain under wraps.
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