HMD Arc 2 Official: See What’s New With the Updated Chipset

HMD Arc 2: A Subtle Refresh for the Budget-Conscious

HMD has quietly pulled the curtain back on the Arc 2, the latest addition to its entry-level smartphone lineup. If you were hoping for a massive overhaul, you might want to adjust your expectations—the Arc 2 is more of a gentle nudge forward than a giant leap.

On the surface, the device looks and feels very familiar. It retains the same 6.52-inch IPS LCD panel as its predecessor, complete with an HD+ resolution and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It ships with Android 14 Go Edition, keeping the software experience lean and focused on performance for lower-end hardware.

What’s Under the Hood?

The real story here is the jump to the Unisoc T603 processor. While it isn’t winning any benchmarking awards, this chip is a step up from the original Arc’s SC9863A. Built on a more efficient 12nm process, it offers a slight boost in reliability with clock speeds hitting 1.8 GHz. You’ll get 4GB of RAM alongside either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, and thankfully, HMD kept the microSD card slot for those who need extra space for photos and apps.

Camera and Battery Life

Photography duties are handled by a modest 13MP rear camera, while a 5MP selfie shooter tucked into a waterdrop notch takes care of your video calls. It’s a straightforward setup designed for casual snapshots rather than professional-grade content creation.

For power, you’re looking at a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Charging speeds are capped at 10W via USB-C, which is typical for this price point, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack remains a welcome feature for those still rocking wired earbuds.

Pricing and Availability

HMD is offering the Arc 2 in two distinct finishes: Dark Blue and Golden Beige. It’s set to hit the market in Thailand starting July 20 with an attractive price tag of THB 2,990, which converts to roughly $90 or €78. It’s an uncomplicated, no-frills device perfect for someone who just needs a phone that works.