The Indian smartphone market has been witnessing a rapid rise in demand for affordable 5G phones. Responding to this trend, HMD Global has launched its own lineup of devices under the HMD brand, and one of the most talked-about models is the HMD Crest Max 5G. With an OLED display, a 50 MP selfie camera, repair-friendly design, and clean Android experience, the device stands out in the sub-₹17,000 segment.
This detailed article covers the complete specifications, features, pros, cons, and pricing of the HMD Crest Max 5G, giving you a comprehensive idea before making a purchase.
Introduction
HMD Global, previously known for Nokia smartphones, has entered the Indian market with its independent lineup under the "HMD" branding. The HMD Crest Max 5G is a mid-range smartphone that aims to deliver premium features at an affordable price. The phone focuses on display quality, camera performance, battery life, and user-repairability — something rarely seen in this price bracket.
Available in attractive colours and backed by a reliable design, the Crest Max 5G is positioned as a solid all-rounder for students, regular users, and content creators.
HMD Crest Max 5G: Key Specifications At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 2024 |
| Price in India | Around ₹15,999 – ₹16,499 |
| Colours | Aqua Green, Deep Purple, Royal Pink |
| Display | 6.67-inch Rigid OLED, FHD+ |
| Processor | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 8 GB RAM, 256 GB Storage |
| Rear Camera | 64 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP |
| Front Camera | 50 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 33 W fast charging |
| OS | Android 14 |
| 5G Bands | n1, n3, n28, n78 |
| Special Feature | User-repairable design |
Design and Build Quality
The HMD Crest Max 5G brings a premium feel with its frosted glass back and a clean, minimalistic design. It weighs 205 grams and has a slim profile at 8.41 mm thickness. The back panel is sturdy, while the matte finish makes it resistant to fingerprints.
The device comes with an IP52 rating, which means it can handle minor splashes and dust, but it is not meant for heavy exposure to water.
Repairability: A Unique Advantage
One of the standout features of this smartphone is its user-repairability. HMD allows users to replace components such as:
- Back panel
- Battery
- Display
- Charging port
This not only increases the device’s lifespan but also reduces repair costs significantly.
Display
The Crest Max 5G features a 6.67-inch Rigid OLED display with a resolution of 2400 × 1080 pixels. The colours are vibrant, viewing angles are solid, and brightness levels are more than enough for outdoor use.
Display Highlights
- OLED panel
- FHD+ resolution
- Smooth multimedia experience
- Punch-hole selfie camera design
For users who watch videos, browse social media, or read extensively, the display quality is one of the strongest points of this device.
Performance
Powering the HMD Crest Max 5G is the Unisoc T760, a 6-nm chipset that focuses on efficiency and smooth day-to-day performance. Paired with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage, the device handles regular tasks effortlessly.
Performance in Real-World Use
- Suitable for social media, browsing, online classes, and regular multitasking
- Handles casual gaming well
- Heavy gaming titles may not feel extremely smooth
This processor is not meant for hardcore gamers, but for everyday Indian users, it performs reliably.
Camera Performance
Rear Camera Setup
The phone includes a triple-camera system:
- 64 MP primary camera
- 5 MP ultrawide lens
- 2 MP macro lens
The camera delivers decent results in daylight, with balanced colours and good dynamic range. Portrait mode is enhanced by HMD’s skin-tone optimisation, making photos look natural.
Front Camera
The front camera is a 50 MP shooter, which is impressive in this price segment. Selfies have good detail, and features like:
- Gesture selfies
- Slow-motion selfies
- AI HDR
- Night mode
add to the experience.
However, some users have reported inconsistent rear camera performance in low light.
Battery and Charging
The 5000 mAh battery is designed to last a full day of heavy use. With efficient power management, users can expect up to 40–44 hours of mixed usage as claimed by HMD.
The phone supports 33 W fast charging, which can charge the device from 0 to 100 percent in a little over an hour.
Battery Longevity
HMD states that the battery can retain good health even after 800 charging cycles, ensuring long-term durability.
Software
The HMD Crest Max 5G runs on Android 14 with a clean, almost stock-Android interface. There is no bloatware, which improves performance and privacy.
Users will receive:
- 2 years of quarterly security updates
- Smooth software experience
- Minimal apps pre-installed
This is a significant advantage for users who prefer fast updates and a clutter-free interface.
Connectivity
The device supports major Indian 5G bands including:
- n1
- n3
- n28
- n78
Other connectivity options include:
- Dual 4G VoLTE
- Wi-Fi ac
- Bluetooth 5.0
- GPS + Galileo
- Type-C USB
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
The presence of a headphone jack is appreciated by Indian users, especially those who use wired headsets for calls, music, or gaming.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large OLED display
- Good selfie camera
- Clean and bloat-free Android
- User-repairable design
- Strong battery life
- 256 GB storage
- Attractive pricing
Cons
- Rear camera struggles in low light
- Not ideal for heavy gaming
- Only IP52 rating
Price in India
The HMD Crest Max 5G is priced around:
₹15,999 – ₹16,499, depending on platforms and offers.
This places it directly in competition with:
- Redmi Note 13 5G
- Realme Narzo 70 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy M34
- iQOO Z6 Lite
Final Verdict: Should You Buy HMD Crest Max 5G?
The HMD Crest Max 5G is a well-balanced smartphone that offers excellent value for money. It is ideal for:
- Students
- Office users
- Social media users
- Content consumers
- Selfie lovers
- Anyone looking for clean Android without bloat
If you want a reliable 5G phone with a beautiful display, strong selfie camera, long battery life, and repair-friendly features, this device is a smart choice in the mid-range segment.