Looking back at HMD’s models after 2020 I think this is pretty plausible, with how all their smartphones during this period are likely ODM model - you can tell with how they all use the same Unisoc or MediaTek SoCs.

I mean, only smartphones that are outsourced to Chinese ODMs would ever use these chips, you’ll see this with other brands too.

Perhaps zombie brand mode would also be a suitable term, if not for the recent Skyline and Fusion which feels like genuine efforts from HMD.

No shit, not everyone can shell out money for an iPhone or your typical flagship Android phone, even in the US.