Crest Max 5G | Segment 1st 50 MP Front Cam | Triple Rear AI Cam with 64 MP Primary Sony Sensor | FHD+ OLED Display | 8 GB RAM & 256 GB Storage | Android 14 | 33W Fast Charger in Box | Deep Purple

I'm writing this review after owning the HMD Crest Max for approximately 21 months (1.8 years). My purchase decision was made early—right at launch—and out of necessity. After my trusty Samsung phone finally gave up after nearly six years of service, I had an urgent need, leading me to pay ₹15,000 for the Crest Max. While I know the price dropped significantly later (I could've saved money by waiting a year!), the need for a reliable daily driver was immediate. ​The Build Quality and Nostalgia Factor ​First, let's talk about the design and build. HMD really nailed the nostalgia here. The back design clearly pays homage to the classic Nokia Lumia era, and it brings back some great memories. More importantly, the build quality is exceptionally solid. I am not the gentlest user, and I've dropped this phone—hard—more than six or seven times. Every time, I expected a cracked screen, but the display remains completely intact and functional. It genuinely feels like a device built to last, honoring the old Nokia reputation for durability. ​Clean Software: A Budget Pixel Experience ​One of the biggest selling points, and a feature that has stood the test of time, is the software. The Crest Max runs a clean Android UI, offering what is essentially a Pixel-like experience in a budget package. There's zero bloatware and the performance is smooth and streamlined, a massive relief compared to the ugly, custom UIs I see on so many competitor devices. For someone who chases clean software over raw specs, this is a massive win, and it makes the daily usage experience truly enjoyable. ​Performance, Display, and the Great Storage Value ​The phone is powered by a processor that some might "nitpick" about, but for the average user, it’s more than enough. I need to be clear: this phone is not built for gaming. If you avoid heavy graphic-intensive titles, the Crest Max delivers reliable, lag-free performance for all your social media, streaming, and work needs. ​The true luxury comes in the memory department: 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This kind of configuration for the price I paid is fantastic value. Samsung, for comparison, would easily charge at least ₹25,000 for the same variant. HMD's pricing strategy here is incredibly generous, especially considering the HMD Fusion variant offers this same memory configuration at an even lower price point (around ₹11,000). ​The OLED display is another highlight. It's sharp, clear, and vibrant, and I've experienced zero green light issues, a common and frustrating defect even on Samsung's phones costing over a lakh rupees. While the screen is visible outdoors, it’s fair to say it’s not built for the brightest outdoor conditions, but it performs admirably otherwise. ​The Only Disappointment: Camera Specs ​My only real source of disappointment came later with the launch of the HMD Fusion. While the Crest Max features a reliable 64MP main camera, the Fusion surprisingly launched with a 108MP camera, despite having an LCD panel instead of the Crest Max's superior OLED. I also noticed the Fusion came with attractive bundles (gaming console, back covers), which did feel like the Crest Max was overlooked a little on the feature front. However, setting the camera resolution aside, the Crest Max is a solid, cohesive package. ​A Plea to HMD ​HMD has earned my trust and respect by being a genuinely customer-friendly brand. They were generous enough to include the charger and a soft silicon case free of cost in the box. This is a commendable stand against the trend set by big brands like Apple and Samsung, who shamelessly copy each other by cutting essentials in the name of the "environment." I strongly urge HMD: please do not follow this anti-consumer move in the future. Small brands truly pay attention to detail, unlike the big players. ​I would also like to take a moment to thank HMD for making such a beautiful, reliable device. As someone who values clean software and solid build quality over chasing specs, I can confidently trust HMD over the Chinese OEMs flooding the market with ugly custom UIs. Thank you also to Amazon for partnering with HMD and giving them a platform to market their quality phones. ​Final Verdict ​If you can find the HMD Crest Max available, especially at a discount, I wholeheartedly recommend purchasing it to support the HMD brand. You absolutely will not be disappointed. Keep making such beautiful devices, HMD, and always listen to your loyal customers! I wish you the best in your business.

Product: HMD Crest Max 5GFeedback:Packaging: The packaging was adequate but didn’t stand out in any way.Build Quality: The outer build quality is satisfactory but falls short of being impressive. It feels somewhat underwhelming and doesn’t inspire confidence in its durability.Performance: Unfortunately, the phone's performance is quite poor. It struggles with basic tasks, making it far from a smooth experience.Display Quality: I am extremely disappointed with the display quality. Having used Nokia phones in the past, I expected much better. The clarity and resolution are severely lacking, making this purchase feel like a complete waste.Battery Life: The battery life is average. It performs like a standard phone with no noticeable enhancements in battery longevity. It’s just okay.Camera Quality: The camera is a major letdown. It doesn't live up to the standards I expect from Nokia. The quality is far below par.Software & Features: The only redeeming quality is that it runs the latest version of Android, which is acceptable.Connectivity: I’ve experienced frequent disruptions and disconnections, which is frustrating. The phone’s connectivity is unreliable.Value for Money: Overall, this phone is not worth the money. The performance, display, and camera quality are all substandard. I would not recommend this product to others.

I have ordered HMD Cresr Max 5G. I will honestly few points about this mobile. 1.Feartures of this phone are nice on this price range including its hardware as well as software of this phone are nice. 2. Back panel Look also attractive, its having a formal cool look. 3. 5000mah battery is enough and one the best things is that this company include charger. 4. Camera also nice as usual like Nokia . 5. Performance overall good. 6.One of the last and best thing, I have never seen in any mobile box is 'Seed paper'. All the best to HMD team.

Seems good product. First impressions are awesome. Face unlock is very nice. After using for some time as my primary device I will update this review. For information I am using samsung s20. Update after 1month of use as primary device. 1. I didn't find this phone suitable for content consumption. Audio video lag is found with YouTube. Some issues with hot star too. May be company can check this and provide sw update. Next update after more use. After 3months of use I didn't find audio video lag. Phone has been working flawless. Doesn't feel budget phone in any aspect. Thank you hmd for bringing such awesome device in budget. I got this in sale at price tag of inr 12749. Best value for money so far. Will update my review based on my experience, after few months. Afternoon 6months Bluetooth mode no audio while bluetooth is connected. Hangs some time. Some apps doesn't install. Pnb one app doesn't install. Company should fix it. After one year I am using this phone as my primary phone. Now pnb app is working fine. And phone quality is still good. Battery is same as it was one year ago. Display is good. People usually appreciate my choice when they know price. 8 gb ram 256gm rom is still best. Your phone will always be able to store photo videos and APPS. I am satisfied with my decision so far. I have an eye on new phone from hmd. Hmd fusion it's under 10k I am into that phone. I will buy soon. Good job hmd. One request give call recording option without sound.