HMD Global last week unveiled the HMD Skyline, a high-end mid-range smartphone that combines advanced features with a design inspired by the Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia N9. The device features a 108 MP triple camera, a 50 MP selfie camera and support for Qi2 fast wireless charging. In addition, a disassembly of the phone carried out by iFixit showed that the device not only looks interesting, but also has high repairability at the Gen 2 Repairability level.
Image source: HMD
The advertising brochure claims that the HMD Skyline case was designed from scratch with an eye to extremely simple disassembly. It looks like HMD Global’s marketers aren’t exaggerating, as iFixit’s report gives the HMD Skyline a repairability rating of 9 out of 10.
To remove the back panel, you only need to loosen one screw on the bottom of the phone. Turning the screw lifts the corresponding corner of the back of the case so that the owner can easily insert the tool to peel off the back panel. It is impossible to do without glue completely, since it seals the housing and protects it from water penetration, but the material used can be removed relatively easily.
Once the back panel is removed, you can easily remove the display by simply loosening the color-coded screws and disconnecting the display cable from the motherboard. The screen will then release seamlessly from the body as instead of using glue, HMD Global uses a foam seal for the display to ensure IP54 certification.
The battery is glued into the case, but can be easily removed thanks to a plastic latch. The speakers, USB Type-C port, microSD and SIM card reader, and all four cameras are also relatively easy to replace individually. The manufacturer promises that original spare parts will soon appear in the iFixit online store.