In a world where smartphones fill every pocket, HMD Global — the manufacturer of Nokia phones — has brought something pioneeringly different: the HMD Touch 4G. It costs a mere ₹3,999 and is being promoted as India’s first hybrid phone. It combines the ease of a touchscreen with the ease and durability of a feature phone. But what exactly is so special about this “hybrid” idea? Let’s explore its complete specifications, features, and real-world worth.
The Concept Behind the HMD Touch 4G
The HMD Touch 4G is not merely yet another low-end device — it’s a redesign of what a phone should be for those who prioritize strength, battery capacity, and minimalism over glitz.
It differs from traditional smartphones in running on a lean operating system known as RTOS Touch, which is optimized for efficiency and immediate responsiveness. However, unlike conventional feature phones, it features a touchscreen interface, Express Chat app for video calls and messaging, and support for 4G LTE — a slice of smartphone convenience in a slender package.
This makes the Touch 4G ideal for those who seek straightforward connectivity and digital functionality, without the app distractions and constant reminders of Android or iOS devices.
Design and Display: Small and Functional
On first impression, the HMD Touch 4G is remarkable for its petite size and understated beauty. It is 102.3 × 61.85 × 10.85 mm in dimensions and weighs approximately 100 grams, which is lightweight enough to take anywhere.
The handset boasts a 3.2-inch QVGA touchscreen with a 2.5D glass covering on top. The bezels are thick relative to contemporary smartphones, but that is all part of the charm — it looks strong and built for usefulness over fashion.
Coming in Cyan and Dark Blue, the color options do make a quiet style statement. Its rounded sides and compact form lend themselves to being used with one hand, even for long periods.
If you love small yet powerful devices, explore our detailed roundup of the best compact phones of 2025.
Performance and Hardware: Simple But Effective
Beneath its hood, the Touch 4G is driven by the Unisoc T127 processor, 64 MB of RAM, and 128 MB of local storage. On paper, these figures are modest, but the light RTOS Touch operating system does not need heavy resources to perform optimally.
You can also add storage through a microSD card to 32 GB, sufficient for media files, contacts, and offline data.
Although this phone won’t handle Android apps or multitasking like a smartphone, it does the essential tasks — such as calls, chats, photos, and media playback — effectively.
Software: RTOS Touch and Express Chat
Its RTOS Touch OS is what distinguishes the device. It’s not KaiOS or Android — it’s a real-time operating system tailored for lightning-fast performance, minimal power consumption, and top-notch security.
The showpiece here is Express Chat, HMD’s proprietary communication platform. With Express Chat, users can send text messages, voice messages, and even video calls — but only with other users of Express Chat. This is perfect for family communication or closed ecosystems where privacy and simplicity are key.
In addition, HMD offers a Cloud Phone service that provides instant access to news, cricket scores, and vital updates without needing to install cumbersome apps. The phone has a Quick Call button that allows you to record and send voice messages directly — a feature drawn from the convenience of walkie-talkie-like functionality.
Camera: Simple but Useable
For photography, the HMD Touch 4G features a 2 MP rear camera with LED flash and a 0.3 MP front (VGA) camera for taking selfies and video calls.
Though these cameras won’t be a substitute for your smartphone camera, they’re sufficient for instant snaps, contact photos, or informal video calls. The presence of LED flash also ensures that it takes photos in low-light conditions, which is rare to find in this price segment.
Battery Life: Built to Last
Battery life is perhaps the biggest selling point of the HMD Touch 4G. The phone is fitted with a 1,950 mAh removable battery, capable of offering as much as 30 hours’ usage on a single charge.
This longevity is due to its frugal chipset and lean software — less background processing and more time spent running. Charging is done through a USB Type-C port, a nice contemporary touch for this price.
If you’re tired of charging your smartphone twice a day, the Touch 4G is a refreshing alternative.
Connectivity and Other Features
The HMD Touch 4G doesn’t compromise on connectivity despite its small size. It supports:
- 4G LTE and VoLTE for fast and reliable calls.
- Dual SIM (Nano) slots.
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
- GPS + Beidou for basic navigation.
- 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio.
It also features an IP52 rating, with dust and light splash resistance — a feature that is not common in this price segment.
Sound is managed by a single mono speaker, which provides clear output for media and calls. Coupled with its compact size, it’s a usable phone for outdoor activities, travel, or emergency kits.
Price and Availability
The HMD Touch 4G is available in India for ₹3,999, making it one of the most affordable 4G-enabled touch devices on the market. It comes in a neat retail box that includes a charger, cable, and protective case, depending on the region of purchase.
You can buy it through HMD’s official website, leading e-commerce sites, or select offline retail stores.
Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Long 30-hour battery life
- 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 compatible
- Touchscreen with easy and responsive OS
- Express Chat app for voice and video calling
- IP52 rating for splash-proofing
- USB Type-C charging and dual SIM compatibility
- Cons
- Small RAM (64 MB) and storage (128 MB)
- Regular cameras (2 MP + 0.3 MP)
- No support for Android apps
- Express Chat only for HMD users
- Not great for heavy multitasking or social media
Who Should Buy the HMD Touch 4G?
The HMD Touch 4G is designed for customers who yearn for digital balance. It’s ideal for:
Seniors or new mobile users who want a straightforward, touchscreen phone.
Students or professionals who need an uncluttered secondary phone.
Travelers and outdoor workers who want a tough, long-lasting backup phone.
Anyone who desires a minimalist lifestyle without sacrificing contemporary connectivity.
Final Verdict: A Small Phone with a Smart Purpose
The HMD Touch 4G is a daring step in a spec-and-screen-hungry market. Rather than running after megapixels and gigabytes, HMD emphasizes real-world usability, security, and extended battery life.
At just ₹3,999, it offers a solid combination of 4G calling, touch control, rugged build, and basic smart features — making it a great secondary or travel phone.
Essentially, the Touch 4G isn’t really about competing with smartphones; it’s about redefining simplicity. It’s the sort of phone that reminds us that sometimes, less really is more.
Looking for more pocket-friendly devices? Check out our list of the best compact phones in India.
