Key Takeaways
1. The HMD Aura² is an affordable smartphone aimed at the Australian market, featuring a fresh design and technical upgrades from its predecessor, the HMD Aura.
2. It has a 6.52” HD IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 576 and retains a 60Hz refresh rate, but comes with thicker bezels and a waterdrop notch for the front camera.
3. The device is powered by a Unisoc 9863A processor, includes 4GB of RAM (expandable to 8GB), and offers 256GB of storage, significantly increasing capacity compared to the previous model.
4. The Aura² features dual rear cameras with a 13MP main sensor, a 5MP front camera, and runs on Android 14 (Go Edition) with two years of security updates, though no guarantees for OS upgrades.
5. Additional features include Face Unlock, FM radio, Bluetooth 5.2, a headphone jack, and a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging. The phone will be available from March 13 for AUD 169 (~$106).
The HMD Aura² is the latest smartphone from HMD aimed at the Australian audience, serving as the updated version of the HMD Aura that launched in May 2024. While the Aura² is still positioned as an affordable option, it introduces a fresh design along with some technical enhancements.
Display and Design Changes
This new device features a 6.52” HD IPS display, which is slightly smaller compared to the 6.56” 1600 x 900 screen of its predecessor, and it comes with a reduced resolution of 1280 x 576. The 60Hz refresh rate remains unchanged, along with the noticeable thick bezels surrounding the display and the waterdrop notch for the front camera.
Performance and Storage
The Aura² is equipped with the Unisoc 9863A processor, which should not be mixed up with the Unisoc 9863A1 found in the older model. It includes 4GB of RAM, which can be expanded to 8GB using the Memory Boost option. Notably, the Aura² boasts 256GB of storage, quadrupling the capacity of the HMD Aura. There is also a microSD card slot available, though it only supports a maximum of 128GB.
Camera and Software Features
On the back, the HMD Aura² showcases its design upgrades. The dual rear cameras are now encapsulated in a camera island reminiscent of the HMD Vibe (currently available on Amazon for $79.99), while the fingerprint reader has been relocated to the side. The main camera features a 13MP sensor with autofocus, complemented by a secondary sensor with an unspecified resolution. For selfies and video calls, there is a 5MP front camera.
This model comes pre-installed with Android 14 (Go Edition) rather than the full Android version like its predecessor. Given the older processor, this lighter version may actually enhance the user experience. Although HMD is not guaranteeing any operating system upgrades, they do mention that the smartphone will receive two years of quarterly security updates. Like many of HMD’s recent devices, the Aura² is crafted for easy repairs, allowing users to purchase and replace parts like the screen.
Additional Features and Availability
Additional features of the HMD Aura² include Face Unlock capability, FM radio, Bluetooth 5.2, and a headphone jack. It is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, offering 10W wired charging through a USB-C port. While the product page displays the phone in Cyan, the HMD Aura² is also offered in Shadow Black and Electric Purple. The phone is set to be available starting March 13 for AUD 169 (~$106).
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