HMD Asha 305 Lite launched with Pulse OS and a removable battery

HMD has quietly brought back the iconic Asha branding with the launch of the new HMD Asha 305 Lite. But unlike the classic Nokia Asha phones, this one is a lightweight smart device powered by HMD's Pulse OS, targeting users who want a simple and affordable mobile experience. This phone focuses on the basics while bringing back a few features that are hard to find on modern smartphones. It comes with a removable battery, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and microSD card support—making it a practical option for day-to-day use. In this article, I will discuss this new phone in detail, including the expected HMD Asha 305 price in Nepal, specifications, and availability.

HMD Asha 305 Lite Overview

Design and Display

Starting off, the HMD Asha 305 Lite features a simple design with a plastic body and rounded edges measuring 10.2mm in thickness that should feel comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand. Here, you can choose between “Black” and “Green” color options. The removable back cover also makes it easy to swap the battery, a feature that's become increasingly rare on today's smartphones.

On the front, the phone features a 5-inch display with an 854 × 480 resolution. While the panel is modest by current standards, it should be a good option for everyday tasks like calling, texting, checking WhatsApp, or browsing lightweight web pages. You'll also notice thicker bezels around the display, which clearly reflects the phone's budget-first approach. Still, if you are looking for a simple secondary device, the overall design feels functional.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the HMD Asha 305 Lite uses the Unisoc T137 chipset that is designed for a lightweight RTOS rather than the full Android OS. So, the performance in this phone should be good for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. If you are looking for a budget phone in a similar price bracket with better performance, you can go with options like Redmi 15C, Infinix Smart 20, and Techno Spark 40. 

Memory-wise, it comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded using a microSD card if you run out of space in the future. On the software front,  Asha 305 Lite runs on the Pulse OS—a lightweight operating system of HMD that is designed for users who only need the essentials. While it doesn't offer the full Android experience, it should be capable of handling basic tasks. 

Camera and Battery

For photography, the Asha 305 Lite keeps things simple by opting for the 2MP rear and 2MP front-facing camera. With these optics, you could comfortably scan documents and do video calls. However, if you are looking for a phone with better optics, you can check phones like the Motorola Moto G05. 

In terms of battery, the phone packs a 2,500mAh removable battery, which is the unique feature it is bringing to the table—as at this point most of the smartphones come with a non-removable battery. And to recharge this battery, you will also get a 5W charger in the box.

HMD Asha 305 Lite Specifications:

• Design, build: 147×71.5×10.2 mm
• Display: 5-inch TFT screen, HD ( 854 × 480 pixels) resolution, 90Hz refresh rate
• Chipset: Unisoc T137
• Memory: 2GB RAM, 16GB storage (expandable with microSD card)
• Software & UI: PluseOS
• Rear Camera: Single (2MP primary)
• Front Camera: 2MP sensor (hole-punch)
• Security: Fingerprint sensor (side-mounted)
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, 4G
• Battery: 2500mAh with 5W charging 

HMD Asha 305 Lite Price in Nepal and Availability

In the Philippines, the HMD Asha 305 Lite is priced at PHP 3,990 (~$65, INR 6,999). If this launches here, we expect the HMD Asha 305 Lite price in Nepal to be NPR 14,999.

• Meanwhile, you may like our review of the Samsung Galaxy A27 (review).