HMD Global Enters Smartwatch Market Along With New Earbuds

HMD Global has officially expanded beyond smartphones with the launch of its first smartwatches and a fresh lineup of true wireless earbuds. As HMD Global Enters Smartwatch Market territory for the first time, the move marks a strategic shift aimed at strengthening revenue streams and building a broader ecosystem of connected devices amid continued pressure in the global smartphone market.

The company introduced two smartwatches, the Watch X1 and the Watch P1, alongside six new Dub series earbuds. Together, the products signal a cautious but deliberate entry into wearables, with an emphasis on fitness tracking, battery efficiency, and affordability rather than premium smartwatch features.

Watch X1 leads HMD’s wearable debut

Sitting at the top of HMD’s initial smartwatch range, the Watch X1 targets users who want a modern design paired with essential health features. It comes with a 1.43 inch circular AMOLED display that delivers a sharp 466 x 466 resolution and up to 600 nits of peak brightness. This places it competitively among mid range fitness focused smartwatches in terms of screen quality and visibility, reinforcing the strategy behind how HMD Global Enters Smartwatch Market without directly challenging premium rivals.

The Watch X1 carries an IP68 rating, which protects it from dust and water exposure. This makes it suitable for everyday use and workouts, including scenarios where sweat or rain is a concern. HMD claims the device can last up to five days on a single charge, highlighting the brand’s focus on battery longevity rather than power hungry smart features.

On the fitness side, the Watch X1 includes heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, sleep analysis, and support for more than 700 sports modes. Users also receive basic wellness reminders, such as prompts to move after long periods of inactivity or alerts to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Watch P1 targets budget conscious buyers

For buyers looking for a more affordable option, HMD introduced the Watch P1. This model features a larger 1.83 inch rectangular LCD display, though with a lower 284 x 240 resolution and slightly reduced brightness at 550 nits. While it does not match the visual sharpness of the Watch X1, the screen size may appeal to users who prefer clearer text and notifications.

The Watch P1 includes an IP67 rating, offering protection against dust and splashes. However, it is not designed for swimming or prolonged water exposure. Battery life is rated at up to four days, which remains competitive for a budget focused smartwatch.

Despite the lower price positioning, the Watch P1 still supports more than 700 sports modes and sleep tracking, ensuring feature parity in core fitness functions.

Both smartwatches run on a proprietary operating system and connect through the HMD Watch app, available on Android and iOS. They support Bluetooth calling, notifications, music controls, and customizable watch faces.

However, neither model includes built in GPS or NFC. Outdoor activity tracking and contactless payments therefore require a paired smartphone. These limitations underline the conservative approach taken as HMD Global Enters Smartwatch Market, prioritizing simplicity, cost control, and battery life.

New Dub series earbuds expand the ecosystem

Alongside the smartwatches, HMD unveiled six new Dub series true wireless earbuds, led by the Dub X50 Pro. The lineup follows last year’s HMD Amped Buds and continues the company’s expansion into personal audio.

The earbuds feature active noise cancellation, long battery life, IPX4 splash resistance, and multiple microphones for clearer calls. HMD says the range is designed for dynamic daily routines that move from workouts to work calls.

Availability and outlook

HMD has not yet confirmed pricing or an Australian release date. The smartwatches are already available in parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, with India expected to follow soon. Wider global availability will likely depend on early market response.

With this launch, HMD Global signals a broader shift toward connected devices, using value driven wearables and audio products to complement its smartphone business rather than replace it.

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