New HMD Asha 305 leak confirms mystery new OS

A day after HMD's upcoming budget phone surfaced in a certification listing, newly leaked retail packaging has given a clearer look at the device, confirming its software and filling in several missing specs.

The box identifies the handset as the HMD Asha 305 and confirms it will run an operating system called Pulse OS. The phone has already been listed at a retailer in the Philippines for 3,990 PHP (approx. $65), and from the advert banners, the new OS will support a handful of apps including TikTok, WhatsApp, and ChatGPT, just to mention a few.

HMD is also expected to rely on its Cloud Phone system to deliver 4G connectivity and selected online functions while keeping the interface and overall experience simpler than a standard Android smartphone. According to the retail box, the HMD Asha 305 will be available in black and green. It measures 147 x 71.5 x 10.2mm and features a 5-inch display with an 854 x 480-pixel resolution.

Under the hood, the phone pairs the Unisoc T137 chipset with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. It is equipped with basic imaging capabilities, featuring 2MP cameras on both the front and the back. Powering the device is a 2,500mAh battery that supports 5W charging.

In terms of connectivity and extra features, it comes with 4G support, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.2, a GPS module, and a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack to round out the hardware. These are clearly modest specifications, but they are in line with a low-cost, stripped-back handset. 

HMD has yet to formally announce the Asha 305 or confirm its complete specifications, price, and market availability.