From Pulse to Thunder: What the Rebrand Means
The HMD Thunder series is a reported new line of HMD new smartphones that will replace the existing Pulse family, aiming to refresh the company’s design language and reposition its offerings in the mid-range segment with updated displays, cameras, and larger batteries. According to tipster @smashx_60 on X, “HMD Pulse Family is official death, HMD Thunder Family will be replacing,” signalling a clear break from the HMD Pulse replacement strategy. The move suggests HMD wants a cleaner, more performance-oriented identity that can sit alongside its own-branded devices and former Nokia-branded phones. By shifting naming from the softer “Pulse” to the more aggressive “Thunder,” HMD appears to target users who value specs and stamina over entry-level affordability cues. This transition also allows the brand to reset expectations around camera capabilities, display tech, and long-term software support using a fresh product family.
HMD Thunder: Core Specs and Target Users
The standard HMD Thunder positions itself as an everyday mid-range device with a noticeable bump over typical budget hardware. Leaked specs point to a 6.67-inch FHD+ HID OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor plus 2MP secondary camera, and an 8MP selfie shooter. Power comes from the Unisoc T620 chipset clocked at 2.2GHz, paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, running Android 16 out of the box. A 5,000mAh battery with 20W charging, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm audio jack, and mono speaker round out the hardware. Color options such as Baby Blue, Midnight Black, and Peach Pink hint at a lifestyle focus, aiming the HMD Thunder series at users who want decent performance, long battery life, and colorful styling without stepping into “Pro” territory.
HMD Thunder Pro Specs: Pushing Performance and Endurance
The HMD Thunder Pro specs indicate a more performance and feature-led approach while keeping the same 6.67-inch FHD+ HID OLED 90Hz display as the regular Thunder. Inside, it also uses the Unisoc T620 2.2GHz chipset but upgrades memory options to 8GB of RAM with 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. The camera setup is more ambitious: a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP front-facing camera for higher-quality selfies. Endurance is a key selling point, with a larger 6,000mAh battery and 20W charging support. Extras include NFC, IP65-rated protection, dual speakers, two microphones, a metal frame, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Offered in Cosmic Black, Jade Green, and Dark Bronze, Thunder Pro is clearly aimed at users who want better multimedia, durability, and audio than the outgoing Pulse line delivered.
Design Direction and Market Positioning
Both Thunder and Thunder Pro share a unified look that marks a departure from the Pulse design language. Renders show a pill-shaped camera module positioned horizontally in the middle of the rear panel, with two circular cutouts at either end and an LED flash in the center, giving the phones a distinctive, easily recognizable silhouette. The inclusion of HID OLED displays, side-mounted fingerprint scanners, and full-view fronts suggests HMD is aiming for a cleaner, more modern aesthetic that still keeps practical touches like 3.5mm audio jacks. Strategically, this design cohesion supports a stronger Thunder family identity in the crowded mid-range and performance segments. While no launch timeline has been confirmed, the level of detail in these leaks signals that HMD is close to revealing its HMD new smartphones, with the Thunder brand likely becoming the company’s main volume driver instead of the Pulse series.
