HMD Touch 4G blurs the line between feature and smartphone

HMD is pitching the Touch 4G as a hybrid phone: not a traditional keypad feature phone, but not a full smartphone either. The device combines a touchscreen, Cloud Phone Service, Wi-Fi, and the Express Chat app for video calls and voice messaging in a compact form factor.

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HMD says the phone is built to keep the simplicity, reliability, and affordability of a feature phone while adding a smoother, smartphone-like interface. Its touchscreen is meant to make scrolling and navigation easier.

The company’s Cloud Phone Service surfaces shortcuts to cloud-hosted services for news, weather, videos, socials, games, and cricket results.

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A bigger part of the pitch is Express Chat, HMD’s messaging app for texting, group chats, video calls, photos, emojis, and voice messages. HMD says Touch 4G users can communicate with other Express Chat users, including people on smartphones, because the app is also available as a free download on Android and iOS.

HMD also highlights global roaming, saying the phone supports 4G LTE bands for broad network connectivity and can deliver HD voice calls and online features while traveling.

The device includes a selfie camera for video calling through Express Chat.

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There is also a Quick-Call button that can be held down to record a voice message.

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Express Chat supports private and group text conversations, along with photo sharing.

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And because the app is available on smartphones, HMD is clearly positioning the Touch 4G as a bridge between simpler handsets and modern messaging ecosystems.

Other hardware features HMD lists include:

• Wi-Fi, hotspot support, and Bluetooth
• Front and back cameras for photos and videos
• A 1950 mAh battery
• USB Type-C charging

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HMD says the Touch 4G is currently only available in India.