HMD, previously known as the home of Nokia, has introduced a blatant imitation of the iPhone 17 Pro and refers to it as “futuristic.”
A budget-friendly 5G smartphone with a design reminiscent of Apple has been launched in India.
The Finnish smartphone manufacturer HMD has unveiled a new economical phone in India that looks quite similar to Apple's offerings. Named the HMD Vibe 2 5G, this device features a back panel that seems to draw more than just inspiration from the iPhone 17 Pro. It showcases a wide camera bar that extends across much of the upper rear, resembling the latest Pro iPhone from Apple, although it includes only two cameras instead of three.
A notably recognizable futuristic look
The design choice becomes even more amusing considering HMD’s own promotional strategy. In their marketing materials, the company brands the phone as showcasing a “futuristic design,” despite the back panel showing a clear influence from Apple’s recent Pro iPhones. The sizable camera island and the two-tone finish make the comparison inescapable.
HMD
HMD could have opted for a more original approach. Instead, the Vibe 2 5G appears to be a budget alternative to the iPhone 17 Pro with one camera removed. This association isn't particularly flattering for a brand still linked to Nokia.
The essentials remain strong
However, it's worth noting that the HMD Vibe 2 5G is not intended to compete with an iPhone. It is a budget 5G phone, starting at Rs. 10,999 (approximately $114) in India. At this price point, customers receive a large 6.7-inch display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, Android 16 pre-installed, and a 6,000mAh battery, which is likely to be a more practical selling point for many users.
The device also includes a 50MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie camera, 18W charging capabilities, IP64 dust and splash resistance, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. It will be available on Flipkart in Cosmic Lavender, Nordic Blue, and Peach Pink.
As a budget option, the Vibe 2 5G meets the typical expectations. With a crowded market for budget 5G phones in India, HMD clearly needed a way to differentiate this model. It seems to have chosen the simplest method by mimicking the appearance of an iPhone.
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HMD, previously known as the home of Nokia, has introduced a blatant imitation of the iPhone 17 Pro and refers to it as “futuristic.”
HMD, the brand linked to Nokia’s phone heritage, has introduced an affordable 5G smartphone in India featuring a rear design that feels quite familiar. While the company refers to it as “futuristic,” it bears a strong resemblance to Apple's latest Pro iPhone.
