HMD Global has officially introduced the HMD Arc 2 in Thailand, expanding its portfolio of affordable smartphones aimed at first-time smartphone users and budget-conscious consumers. The new device combines entry-level hardware with long-term security support and Android 14 Go Edition, starting at 2,290 Thai baht (approximately US$63).
Affordable Smartphone with Essential Features
The HMD Arc 2 features a 6.52-inch LCD display with a 720 × 1,280 (HD+) resolution, a traditional waterdrop notch, and a 60Hz refresh rate. While the display specifications are modest, they are in line with expectations for smartphones in this price category.
Powering the device is the Unisoc T603 octa-core processor, manufactured on a 12nm process. The chipset includes:
- 2 × Cortex-A75 performance cores clocked at up to 1.8GHz
- 6 × Cortex-A55 efficiency cores running at up to 1.6GHz
The processor supports 4G LTE connectivity, making the Arc 2 suitable for everyday communication, web browsing, and light multimedia use.
Large Battery and Expandable Storage
The smartphone is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is expected to provide all-day battery life under typical usage. Charging is handled through a USB Type-C port with support for 10W wired charging.
HMD also retains several practical features that are becoming less common on modern smartphones, including:
- A 3.5mm headphone jack
- microSD card expansion for additional storage
The Arc 2 is available in two memory configurations:
- 4GB RAM + 64GB storage
- 4GB RAM + 128GB storage
Basic Camera Setup
For photography, the HMD Arc 2 includes:
- 13MP rear camera
- 5MP front-facing selfie camera
The camera hardware is designed for everyday photography, video calls, and social media sharing rather than advanced imaging.
Android 14 Go with Regular Security Updates
On the software side, the Arc 2 ships with Android 14 Go Edition, Google’s lightweight operating system optimized for entry-level hardware.
One notable highlight is HMD’s commitment to device security. The company says it will provide security updates every three months, helping protect users against newly discovered vulnerabilities and ensuring a safer long-term experience.
Pricing
The HMD Arc 2 is currently available in Thailand with the following pricing:
| Variant | Price (Thailand) | Approximate USD* |
|---|---|---|
| 4GB + 64GB | 2,290 THB | ~US$63 |
| 4GB + 128GB | 2,990 THB | ~US$82 |
*Approximate conversions based on current exchange rates and may vary over time.
Positioned for the Budget Segment
With its combination of a large battery, expandable storage, USB-C connectivity, Android 14 Go Edition, and ongoing security updates, the HMD Arc 2 targets users looking for a reliable entry-level smartphone without unnecessary extras.
While its specifications are modest by today’s standards, the device offers a practical balance of affordability, essential features, and software support, making it an attractive option for first-time smartphone buyers, students, and users seeking a dependable secondary device in emerging markets.