HMD Global has unveiled the Arc 2, a budget smartphone priced around $90 that packs Android 14 Go and a hefty 5000mAh battery. Set to hit shelves in Thailand on July 20 for approximately 2,990 baht, the Arc 2 follows last year’s Arc with mostly internal upgrades while sticking firmly to its ultra-affordable roots.
The Arc 2 is built for the thriftiest buyers who need a phone that covers everyday basics without breaking the bank. It sports a 6.52-inch IPS display with HD+ resolution and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Under the hood is a more modern Unisoc T603 chipset built on a 12nm process – a step up from the original’s older Unisoc SC9863A – coupled with 4GB of RAM. Storage options include 64GB or 128GB, expandable via microSD.
Connectivity and usability features include a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a modest 10W charging rate. The device runs Android 14 Go, Google’s lightweight version of Android designed to run smoothly on low-powered hardware. Carrying a 5000mAh battery, the Arc 2 prioritizes long battery life over rapid charging or high-end specs.
HMD Arc 2 specifications
- Display: 6.52-inch IPS, HD+ (720×1600), 60Hz
- Processor: Unisoc T603 (12nm)
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB, expandable via microSD
- Cameras: 13MP rear, 5MP front
- Battery: 5000mAh, 10W charging
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Operating system: Android 14 Go
The camera setup is straightforward: a 13MP main sensor and a 5MP selfie shooter, catering to casual photography and video calls. The Arc 2 comes in two colors-dark blue and gold-beige-offering basic style options.
The sub-$100 smartphone segment is fiercely competitive, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and India, where brands such as Xiaomi’s Redmi A series, Samsung’s entry-level Galaxy A0x models, Tecno Pop, and Infinix Smart dominate. According to market researcher Counterpoint, in these regions, battery longevity and price remain top priorities for consumers, often more important than features like high-refresh-rate displays or fast charging.
For HMD Global, which has been expanding its budget lineup since stepping away from the Nokia brand, the Arc 2 represents a continued focus on affordable devices. How well the Arc 2 performs in Thailand could determine whether it receives a wider release across Southeast Asia, where phones priced around 3,000 baht typically see strong demand.
Looking ahead, the success of the Arc 2 will hinge on how well it balances low cost and functionality in an exceptionally crowded segment. With global giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google focusing on premium and mid-range devices, the ultra-budget segment remains a battleground for brands targeting emerging markets-an area where price and battery life still reign supreme.