3 Minutes
HMD Global has a new phone on the market — but you won't see its brand on the case. The M-Kopa X30 is the result of a quiet collaboration with Kenyan fintech M-Kopa, built to deliver modern smartphone features through pay-as-you-go financing in African markets.
A subtle partnership that aims to widen access
Imagine getting a fully featured Android phone without a large upfront payment. That's the idea behind HMD's deal with M-Kopa: HMD supplies hardware and software expertise while M-Kopa handles distribution and flexible payment plans. The result is a device tailored for affordability and scale, designed to reach customers who need payment flexibility rather than a single big purchase.
Specs that punch above the price
The M-Kopa X30 packs respectable hardware for its segment. Highlights include:
- Processor: Unisoc T615
- Memory and storage: 6GB RAM and 256GB internal storage
- Software: Android 15 with HMD's own AI enhancements
- Display: 6.72-inch Full HD+ (2400 x 1080) at a standard 60Hz
- Cameras: 50MP main sensor with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP high-resolution front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 20W fast charging support (only a 10W charger is included in the box)
- Extras: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, and an IP52 rating for splash and dust resistance
Camera smarts and practical touches
On the imaging side the X30 surprises. The 50MP selfie shooter is unusually high-res for this tier, while the rear main sensor benefits from optical image stabilization. HMD adds AI features such as Remix Shots, which selects the best expressions in group photos, and gesture selfies that let users capture images with a blink or a peace sign. Those features bring user-friendly polish often seen on pricier phones.
What buyers should know
The pay-as-you-go model is the device's real headline — not just the specs. M-Kopa's financing makes the X30 appealing to customers who prefer to spread payments over time. A practical note: the handset supports 20W charging but only ships with a 10W charger, so buyers who want faster charging may need to purchase a higher-watt adapter separately.
Overall, the M-Kopa X30 is a pragmatic device: modest but well-balanced hardware, useful AI camera features, and design choices geared toward real-world needs in target markets. For HMD, the move to release the phone under a partner brand shows a new approach to reach price-sensitive customers without diluting its own brand strategy.
Source: gizmochina
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