The Crest - HMD’s Affordable 5G Smartphone with a Repair-Friendly Design

Meet the HMD Crest, your new affordable 5G smartphone! Enjoy stellar performance, a gorgeous display, and easy repairs without breaking the bank.

We are well aware that it’s not easy to balance affordability with innovative features that truly stand out. But HMD, formerly known as Nokia, has done it again! Quietly shaking up the Malaysian smartphone market, HMD has introduced the Crest—an affordable 5G smartphone that doesn’t just shine with its specifications but offers something increasingly rare: repairability. Yes, you read that right! The Crest is here to make waves with its practical yet forward-thinking design, all while packing in capabilities that will leave users impressed. Let’s dive into everything this exciting release has to offer!

HMD Crest-The Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphone

When HMD unveiled the Crest smartphone last year, it garnered attention for being a budget-friendly device that didn’t compromise on quality. Now, Malaysians can finally get their hands on this sleek gadget, though only the standard version (no Max variant yet!) has made its way to local shores. Priced at RM799, the Crest proves that you don’t have to break the bank to own a device with cutting-edge capabilities, including 5G connectivity, a vibrant display, and dependable performance.

An Eye-Catching 90Hz OLED Display

Let’s talk about what you’ll first notice on this phone: the display. The Crest boasts a stunning 6.67-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a buttery-smooth 90Hz refresh rate. What does this mean for you as a user? Bright, sharp visuals and seamless scrolling—a treat for binge-watchers, casual gamers, and social media scrollers alike. Whether you’re adding fiery filters on Instagram or diving into your favorite streaming shows, the Crest makes it an enjoyable visual experience.

Performance That Packs a Punch

Under the hood, the HMD Crest runs on the Unisoc T760 chipset, an efficient processor that competently handles everyday tasks while conserving battery life. Paired with 8GB of RAM, multitasking between apps feels snappy and lag-free. The 256GB of built-in storage—with the option for expansion—ensures you’ll never have to sacrifice your favorite photos, videos, or apps to make room for new ones. I always love a smartphone with storage that can be expanded.

Repairability Redefined: Built with Sustainability in Mind

For consumers growing increasingly eco-conscious, the Crest introduces an incredible feature: a repairable design. Forget about tossing your device at the first sign of trouble; HMD has made it easy for users to replace key parts like the battery, back cover, display, and charging port. This not only keeps repair costs low but also helps extend the device’s lifespan, making it eco-friendly and budget-friendly. And despite this modular approach, it still boasts an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance—a testament to its durability.

Capture Every Moment in Detail

Cameras have become an essential part of any smartphone buying decision, and the Crest doesn’t disappoint. On the back, you’ll find a 50MP main shooter paired with a depth sensor for those gorgeous portrait shots with creamy bokeh effects. Selfie lovers, rejoice—there’s a 50MP front camera that ensures you’ll look Instagram-ready in every snap. Whether you're capturing sunsets or taking TikTok videos, the Crest delivers high-quality results.

Battery Life You Can Count On

No one enjoys frantically searching for a charger halfway through the day. Thankfully, the Crest is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts through your day, even with heavy usage. And when it’s time to recharge, 33W fast charging gives you enough juice to power through in no time. Forget the frustration—this phone is designed to keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle.

Stay Connected with the Latest Features

When it comes to connectivity, the Crest covers all your bases. Enjoy blazing-fast internet with 5G support, stream audio wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.0, or use the classic 3.5mm headphone jack (which is really rare these days) for uninterrupted music playback. There’s also Wi-Fi 5 to ensure smooth online gaming and streaming sessions.

Keeping Up with Software and Security

The Crest comes preloaded with Android 14, ensuring you’ll enjoy the latest and greatest features right out of the box. HMD has also promised two years of security updates, so you can rest assured your device will stay secure and up to date. But then again, 2 years might not be enough for certain users. As an added bonus, the phone has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, offering a fast and convenient way to unlock your device.

Here’s the Best Part: It’s Super Affordable

In a market saturated with overpriced devices, the Crest is a breath of fresh air. While its official retail price is set at RM799, it’s currently available at a promotional price of RM699 on the Nokia Shopee store. For under RM700, you’re snagging a 5G smartphone with premium display features, powerful cameras, and an eco-friendly focus. If that’s not a fantastic deal, we don’t know what is!

Why Buy the HMD Crest?

The HMD Crest may not come with flagship branding, but it easily punches above its weight. Whether you’re hunting for a versatile device to handle everyday tasks, a smartphone that’s repair-friendly and sustainable, or simply a phone you can rely on for great performance without draining your wallet, the Crest checks all the boxes. And did we mention that gorgeous 90Hz OLED display? With a price tag of only RM699, it’s a real steal.

Ready to grab this gem of a smartphone? Head over to the official Nokia Shopee Store and make the most of the limited-time promotional price today!

Final Thoughts

With the Crest, HMD has proven that affordable smartphones can be innovative, durable, and eco-conscious all at once. This device is more than just a budget phone—it’s a symbol of how the smartphone industry can embrace sustainability while delivering high-quality user experiences. For anyone seeking a wallet-friendly 5G device packed with practical features, the Crest is well worth considering. What are your thoughts on repairable smartphones? Let us know in the comments below!