HMD Arc 2 Lands in Thailand with New Colors, Modest Upgrade

3 Minutes

A new colorway can change how a phone feels. But is that enough to sway buyers? HMD's Arc 2 arrives in Thailand, and at first glance it's familiar: same silhouette, same battery, a few subtle refinements—and a fresh coat of paint.

The Arc 2 keeps the practical design language of its 2024 predecessor. Squared edges, a compact rear camera module, and a waterdrop notch on the front. Two finishes roll out: Dark Blue and Golden Beige. Neither is flashy, but both aim to make the handset look less disposable on a budget.

Under the hood the screen and software remain conservative choices. You get a 6.52-inch IPS LCD at HD+ resolution, running a standard 60Hz. The phone ships with Android 14 Go Edition, which is the leaner Android build tuned for entry-level hardware—faster on paper, lighter in practice.

The headline change is a swap from the older Unisoc SC9863A to the newer Unisoc T603. It is still an entry-level chip built on a 12nm process and capped at 1.8GHz, but it brings modest efficiency and compatibility improvements. Paired with 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of storage, the Arc 2 also keeps a microSD slot for anyone who hoards media or apps.

Display: 6.52-inch IPS, HD+, 60Hz
OS: Android 14 Go Edition
Processor: Unisoc T603 (12nm, up to 1.8GHz)
Memory: 4GB RAM; 64GB/128GB storage; microSD slot
Cameras: 13MP rear; 5MP front in waterdrop notch
Battery: 5,000mAh with 10W charging
Ports: USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack

Camera setups remain intentionally sparse. A single 13MP sensor handles the rear duties, and a 5MP selfie camera sits up front. Expect competent daylight shots and limited low-light performance—exactly what a majority of budget buyers expect and can live with.

Battery life is a highlight. The 5,000mAh cell, combined with a power-efficient display and Go Edition software, should yield multi-day endurance for light users. Charging is modest at 10W, so don’t expect lightning-fast top-ups.

Pricing is as aggressive as the spec sheet. HMD will sell the 4GB + 64GB model for THB 2,290 (about $68 / €60) and the 4GB + 128GB version for THB 2,990 (about $89 / €78). Availability starts July 20 in Thailand; there’s no word yet on wider regional or global launches.

For people looking for a straightforward, no-frills handset that prioritizes battery life and value over performance or camera prowess, the Arc 2 fits the brief. For anyone chasing smooth multitasking or gaming, this is not the device to stretch for. Will HMD extend this quiet roll-out beyond Thailand and tweak the formula for other markets? Time will tell.