HMD's DUB Series Expands: New TWS Earphones Teased Following Last Month's Launch Blitz

HMD has teased a new addition to its DUB series of true wireless earphones, following the launch of six models last month. The company's social media post hints at a design similar to the DUB X50 Pro, suggesting continued focus on affordable, feature-packed audio gear for the Android ecosystem.

HMD is continuing its aggressive expansion into the audio accessory market, teasing a new model in its DUB series of true wireless earphones. This comes just a month after the company unveiled a half-dozen new TWS models, signaling a strategic push to offer a wide range of audio options at various price points.

The company took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a teaser image for the upcoming model, which appears to share a design language with the HMD DUB X50 Pro unveiled in December. While HMD has not provided a name or specific launch date for the new earphones, the visual similarity suggests it will likely be part of the same product family.

The DUB X50 Pro: A Template for What's to Come

To understand what HMD might be preparing, it's worth looking at the specifications of the DUB X50 Pro, which currently sits as one of the more feature-rich models in the lineup. The earphones feature an in-ear design with an IPX4 rating, offering basic protection against sweat and light rain—suitable for workouts and daily commutes.

Key features of the DUB X50 Pro include:

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A crucial feature for blocking out ambient noise in public spaces or during travel.
Hi-Fi DSP: Digital Signal Processing aimed at delivering higher-quality audio reproduction.
Battery Life: Each earbud contains a 70 mAh battery, while the charging case holds a 600 mAh cell. Combined, they provide up to 60 hours of total playback at 50% volume.

The 60-hour total battery life is a significant selling point, positioning these earphones as a long-lasting option for users who prioritize endurance over premium materials or brand-name audio codecs.

HMD's Rapid DUB Series Expansion

The teaser for a new model comes after HMD's December 2025 launch of six other DUB series TWS earphones: the X50, S60, P70, P60, and P50. This rapid-fire release strategy indicates HMD is targeting multiple market segments simultaneously.

While full specifications for all models aren't detailed in the initial announcement, the naming convention suggests a tiered approach:

X Series: Likely the premium tier (e.g., X50, X50 Pro).
S Series: Possibly a mid-range offering.
P Series: Potentially the entry-level or budget-focused models.

This tiering allows HMD to compete across the entire TWS market, from budget-conscious buyers looking for basic functionality to users seeking ANC and higher-fidelity audio. It's a common strategy among Android-focused brands looking to capture market share through volume and variety.

Ecosystem Context: HMD's Android-First Strategy

HMD's move into audio accessories aligns with its broader strategy as a manufacturer of Android-based devices. By offering its own line of TWS earphones, HMD creates a more integrated ecosystem for its smartphone users. This is particularly relevant given the company's focus on the Android platform.

For consumers invested in HMD's smartphone lineup—such as the recently announced HMD 100, 101, and 102 (4G-less phones) or the HMD Terra M (rugged enterprise feature phone)—these earphones offer a seamless, brand-matched audio solution. While they likely support standard Bluetooth connectivity for use with any device, the marketing and potential software integration (like companion apps) will be tailored for the Android experience.

This ecosystem approach is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it simplifies the buying decision for HMD phone owners. On the other, it highlights the ongoing ecosystem lock-in considerations in the mobile space. While these earphones will work with any Bluetooth device, their full feature set—such as firmware updates, EQ customization, or ANC tuning—might be best accessed through an HMD-specific app, potentially creating a minor barrier for users of other brands.

What to Expect from the New Model

Based on the teaser and HMD's recent launches, the new DUB series earphones will likely feature:

A familiar in-ear design similar to the X50 Pro.
IPX4 or similar water resistance for durability.
ANC and Hi-Fi DSP as standard features, continuing the trend of bringing premium audio features to more affordable price points.
Competitive battery life, likely aiming for the 60-hour total playback mark.

The key question will be where this new model fits in HMD's pricing structure. Will it be a direct successor to the X50 Pro, a more affordable variant, or a premium upgrade? HMD's recent strategy suggests they are not afraid to flood the market with options, so the new model could be positioned to fill a specific gap in their current lineup.

The Broader TWS Market Landscape

HMD's aggressive expansion in the TWS space reflects a highly competitive market. Brands like Anker (Soundcore), Jabra, Samsung, and Apple dominate the premium and mid-range segments, while numerous Chinese manufacturers compete fiercely in the budget category. HMD's strategy appears to be to leverage its brand recognition (from its Nokia phone heritage) and Android focus to carve out a niche, particularly in markets where price sensitivity is high.

The inclusion of ANC and Hi-Fi DSP in models like the X50 Pro shows HMD is not content with competing on price alone. By bringing features that were once exclusive to higher-end models down to more accessible price points, they are helping to democratize audio technology—a trend that benefits consumers across the board.

For now, consumers and tech enthusiasts will have to wait for HMD to officially announce the new model's name, specifications, and pricing. The teaser campaign suggests an announcement could be imminent, potentially within the coming weeks.

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