The smartphone market in Nepal just got a significant upgrade with the launch of the HMD Crest Max 5G, a device that promises impressive features at an accessible price point. Building on the success of its predecessor, the HMD Crest 5G, the Crest Max 5G introduces notable enhancements in camera, memory, and design, making it a compelling option in the budget to mid-range segment.
Pricing and Availability in Nepal
The HMD Crest Max 5G is priced at Rs. 22,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant. It is available both online and in retail stores across Nepal, making it widely accessible.
Given that its Indian retail price (INR 16,499) converts to over Rs. 26,500, the Nepal pricing represents a significant and strategic discount, courtesy of TeleTalk, HMD's official distributor in the country.
Design
The HMD Crest Max 5G maintains a modern aesthetic with flat frames, a subtly curved back panel, and a distinctive squircle camera module. It is IP52-rated, providing resistance against dust and light splashes, enhancing its durability for everyday use. The device is available in three vibrant colors: Deep Purple, Aqua Green, and Royal Pink, although availability may vary by region.
Display
Featuring a 6.67-inch Full HD+ OLED display(1080 x 2400) with a 90Hz refresh rate, the Crest Max 5G delivers sharp visuals and smooth scrolling experiences. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor ensures quick and secure access while maintaining the sleek design.
Performance and Storage
Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the 6nm UNISOC T760 chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It houses an octa-core CPU (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55) and Mali-G57 GPU, striking a balance between performance and efficiency. Users can further expand storage via a microSD card slot, accommodating up to 256GB additional space. The device runs on Android 14, providing a clean and user-friendly interface.
Battery Life
A 5,000mAh battery powers the device, supporting 33W fast charging via USB Type-C. This ensures that users can stay connected throughout the day with minimal downtime.
Software
The HMD Crest Max 5G ships with Android 14 out of the box, giving users access to the latest UI improvements, privacy controls, and streamlined notifications. HMD offers a clean and bloat-free Android experience, staying close to the stock UI, which ensures smoother operation and better long-term usability.
While it doesn't come with a guarantee of major Android version upgrades, HMD commits to quarterly security updates for two years. This gives users a reasonable safety net in terms of software integrity, even if newer Android versions aren't promised.
The emphasis is clearly on reliability and longevity, aligning with HMD's broader vision of repairability and sustainability.
Camera
The HMD Crest Max 5G is equipped with a triple rear camera setup, including a 64MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor, allowing users to capture a variety of scenes with clarity. The front-facing 50MP camera is ideal for high-resolution selfies and video calls, catering to content creators and selfie enthusiasts alike.
Key Features
-
Flat frame, curved back
-
6.67-inch FHD+ OLED panel
-
90Hz refresh rate
-
IP52-rated (dust and splash resistant)
-
Color: Deep Purple (Nepal variant)
-
Android 14 out of the box
-
Quarterly security updates for 2 years
-
Clean, near-stock Android experience
-
Dual SIM with 5G support
-
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
-
WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/A-GPS/Galileo
-
3.5mm headphone jack
Conclusion
For a budget under Rs. 25,000, the HMD Crest Max 5G delivers an excellent value proposition. With a vibrant OLED display, reliable performance, a versatile camera system, generous storage, and a modern design, it confidently competes even with higher-priced devices.
Its stock Android experience, long battery life, and repair-friendly architecture make it a well-rounded pick for users looking for a future-proof yet affordable 5G phone in 2025. If you're shopping in Nepal’s competitive smartphone market, the Crest Max 5G is not just a great deal—it’s a smart investment.
-original.webp)
