Nokia HMD Crest at Rs. 43,900 Is it the best option under 50000 in Sri Lanka ?

The Nokia HMD Crest has created quite a stir in Sri Lanka's smartphone market, particularly amongst buyers with a Rs. 50,000 budget. Priced at Rs. 43,900 at GQ Mobiles (with some retailers listing it at Rs. 45,999), this 5G-capable device promises a compelling mix of modern features, repairability, and clean Android experience [1][2]. But does it truly deserve the title of best phone under Rs. 50,000, or are you better off with alternatives from Samsung or Xiaomi?

What You Get With the Nokia HMD Crest

Display and Design

The HMD Crest features a 6.67-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a respectable 395 ppi pixel density [1][2]. OLED technology delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours compared to LCD screens, making this a significant advantage at this price point. The display covers approximately 85.8% of the front surface, providing an immersive viewing experience for content consumption and gaming [2].

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will find a dual camera setup on the rear: a 50MP primary sensor with autofocus and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait effects [1][2]. The front houses an impressive 50MP selfie camera, which stands out significantly when compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G's 13MP front camera [3][4]. Both front and rear cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps, alongside features like HDR, LED flash, and portrait mode [2].

Performance and Hardware

Under the bonnet, the HMD Crest runs on the Unisoc T760 chipset built on 6nm process technology [1][2]. This octa-core processor features one Cortex-A76 core clocked at 2.2 GHz, three additional Cortex-A76 cores, and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, paired with a Mali-G57 GPU [2]. You'll get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card [1][2].

Battery and Charging

The device packs a 5,000mAh battery—now standard in this price range—with support for 33W fast charging [1][2]. This charging speed matches what Xiaomi offers and outpaces Samsung's typically slower 25W charging in comparable models [5]. What sets the HMD Crest apart is its user-replaceable battery, a rarity in modern smartphones that extends the device's longevity [1][2].

Unique Selling Point: Repairability

Perhaps the HMD Crest's most distinctive feature is its repair-it-yourself capability [1][2]. HMD has designed this phone so you can replace the display, back cover, battery, and charging port yourself without specialised tools or expertise. This approach reduces long-term ownership costs and addresses one of the biggest frustrations with modern smartphones—expensive repairs and planned obsolescence.

How It Compares Against the Competition

Nokia HMD Crest vs Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, priced at approximately Rs. 51,000 in Sri Lanka, represents the HMD Crest's closest competitor [4][6]. Here's how they stack up: The HMD Crest offers a superior 50MP front camera compared to Samsung's 13MP, 33W fast charging versus Samsung's 25W, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack that Samsung retains as well [3][4]. However, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G counters with a Super AMOLED display featuring a 90Hz refresh rate (compared to the Crest's standard 60Hz OLED), a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor that generally performs slightly better in everyday tasks, and Samsung's commitment to six years of security updates versus HMD's two years [4][5].

Nokia HMD Crest vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G

The Redmi Note 14 5G, available for around Rs. 45,000-58,000 depending on configuration, offers different strengths [5][7]. Xiaomi's offering typically includes a larger 5,500mAh battery, IP54 water and dust resistance (compared to the Crest's IP52), NFC for contactless payments, and Bluetooth 5.3 versus the Crest's Bluetooth 5.0 [7]. The Redmi also features more comprehensive positioning systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou) compared to the Crest's GPS and GALILEO only [7].

Strengths of the Nokia HMD Crest

The HMD Crest excels in several key areas that matter to Sri Lankan buyers. First, the clean Android 14 experience means minimal bloatware and a straightforward user interface that appeals to those tired of heavily customised skins [1][2]. Second, the repair-it-yourself design addresses a genuine pain point—expensive repairs that often exceed the phone's residual value after a year or two [1]. Third, at Rs. 43,900 (at select retailers), it offers genuine value with 5G connectivity, OLED display, and capable cameras [1]. Finally, the 50MP front camera delivers excellent selfie quality, important in our social media-focused culture [2][3].

Where the HMD Crest Falls Short

However, the device isn't without compromises. The Unisoc T760 processor, whilst adequate for daily tasks, doesn't match the gaming performance of MediaTek's Dimensity chips found in Samsung and Xiaomi competitors [4][5]. The lack of NFC means you can't use contactless payment systems, an increasingly important feature for urban Sri Lankan consumers [7]. The 60Hz refresh rate feels dated when competitors offer 90Hz or higher, resulting in less smooth scrolling and animations [4]. Additionally, the two-year security update commitment pales compared to Samsung's six-year promise, affecting long-term value [4][5].

Who Should Buy the Nokia HMD Crest?

The HMD Crest makes perfect sense for specific buyer profiles. It's ideal if you value simplicity and want a clean Android experience without customisation bloat that slows down devices over time [1][2]. It's brilliant for cost-conscious buyers who plan to keep their phone for several years and appreciate the ability to replace the battery and screen themselves [1]. It suits photography enthusiasts who prioritise selfie quality, thanks to the 50MP front camera [2][3]. Finally, it's perfect for users who don't game heavily but need reliable performance for social media, messaging, web browsing, and light photography [5].

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

However, you should consider alternatives if you're a mobile gamer requiring maximum performance, as Xiaomi's offerings with better processors deliver superior gaming experiences [5]. If you need the longest possible software support, Samsung's six-year update commitment provides better long-term value [4]. If you want the smoothest display experience, competitors offering 90Hz+ refresh rates provide noticeably better visual fluidity [4]. And if contactless payments matter to you, devices with NFC like the Redmi Note 14 make more practical sense [7].

The Verdict: Best Under Rs. 50,000?

Is the Nokia HMD Crest the absolute best phone under Rs. 50,000 in Sri Lanka? The honest answer is: it depends on your priorities [5]. If you value repairability, clean software, strong selfie cameras, and straightforward functionality, the HMD Crest at Rs. 43,900 represents excellent value [1][2]. It's a phone that respects your money and your right to repair, which matters in our economic climate. However, if you prioritise raw performance, gaming capability, longer software support, or features like NFC and high refresh rate displays, Samsung's Galaxy A16 5G or Xiaomi's Redmi Note 14 5G might serve you better despite their higher prices or different trade-offs [4][5][7]. The "best" phone is ultimately the one that matches your specific needs, usage patterns, and budget constraints. The HMD Crest earns its place as a strong contender in this competitive segment, but it's one excellent option amongst several, rather than an undisputed champion.