HMD Aura : In the ever-evolving landscape of budget smartphones, HMD Global has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the HMD Aura.
This latest offering from the company behind the resurgence of Nokia-branded phones is set to shake up the entry-level segment, bringing a perfect blend of performance, style, and affordability.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the HMD Aura a potential game-changer in its class.
HMD Aura Design and Build Quality
The HMD Aura embodies HMD Global’s commitment to modern design philosophy while staying true to the robust build quality that Nokia phones were once famous for.
At first glance, the Aura exudes a sense of premium feel that’s uncommon in its price bracket.
The front of the device is dominated by a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a waterdrop notch, giving it a contemporary look. The bezels are reasonably thin for a budget device, with a slightly more pronounced chin.
The screen-to-body ratio of 83.97% ensures an immersive viewing experience without making the phone unwieldy.
Moving to the back, the Aura showcases a clean, minimalist design. The dual-camera setup is housed in a rectangular module that doesn’t protrude excessively, allowing the phone to lie flat on surfaces.
The fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed in the center, easily reachable with your index finger.
HMD Global has paid attention to the ergonomics, with the Aura measuring 163.86 mm in height, 75.51 mm in width, and a svelte 8.9 mm in thickness.
Weighing in at 175 grams, it strikes a good balance between heft and comfort.
The Aura is available in two attractive colors: Glacier Green and Indigo Black. Both options feature a subtle gradient effect that adds a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic.
HMD Aura Display
The 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel on the HMD Aura is a pleasant surprise at this price point. With a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels (HD+) and a 20:9 aspect ratio, it offers decent sharpness for everyday use.
The pixel density of 269 PPI might not win any awards, but it’s more than adequate for its target market.
One of the standout features of the display is its brightness. With a peak brightness of 430 nits, the Aura ensures good visibility even under direct sunlight.
The colors are vibrant and well-balanced, though not as punchy as what you’d find on AMOLED panels.
The 60Hz refresh rate is standard for this segment, providing smooth enough scrolling and animations for most users.
While higher refresh rates are becoming common in mid-range devices, the Aura’s 60Hz display helps in keeping the costs down and the battery life up.
HMD Aura Performance
Under the hood, the HMD Aura is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset. This octa-core processor, while not a powerhouse, is well-suited for the entry-level segment.
It comprises four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.2 GHz, providing a good balance between performance and power efficiency.
The Aura comes with 4GB of RAM, which is becoming the standard even in budget devices. This amount of memory ensures smooth multitasking for everyday use, though heavy users might notice some app reloads when pushing the device to its limits.
Storage-wise, the device offers 128GB of internal storage, which is generous for its class. There’s also support for storage expansion via a microSD card, allowing users to add up to 256GB of additional space.
In real-world usage, the HMD Aura handles basic tasks with ease. Web browsing, social media scrolling, and light gaming are all smooth experiences.
However, power users and hardcore gamers might find the device lacking when it comes to running demanding applications or graphics-intensive games.
HMD Aura Camera
The camera setup on the HMD Aura is straightforward yet capable. The main shooter is a 13 MP wide-angle camera, which performs admirably in well-lit conditions.
Photos taken in daylight showcase good detail and natural colors, though dynamic range can be limited in high-contrast scenes.
The secondary camera’s specifications haven’t been disclosed, but it’s likely a depth sensor to assist with portrait mode shots.
The portrait mode does a decent job of separating the subject from the background, though edge detection can be hit-or-miss in complex scenes.
On the front, there’s a 5 MP selfie camera housed in the waterdrop notch. It’s adequate for casual selfies and video calls, though don’t expect miracles in low-light conditions.
Video recording capabilities are basic but functional, with the main camera able to capture Full HD footage at 30 fps.
Electronic stabilization helps in reducing shake, but it’s not as effective as optical stabilization found in pricier models.
HMD Aura Battery Life and Charging
One of the Aura’s strongest suits is its battery life. The device packs a substantial 5000 mAh battery, which, combined with the power-efficient processor and HD+ display, delivers excellent endurance.
Most users will easily get through a full day of moderate to heavy use, with light users potentially stretching it to two days.
Charging is handled via a USB Type-C port, which is a welcome addition at this price point. While fast charging speeds haven’t been specified, the inclusion of USB-C future-proofs the device and provides faster data transfer speeds compared to micro-USB.
HMD Aura Software and User Experience
The HMD Aura runs on Android 13 out of the box, offering a clean, near-stock Android experience.
HMD Global has built a reputation for delivering timely updates, and the Aura is expected to receive at least two years of security updates.
The user interface is intuitive and free from bloatware, providing a smooth and responsive experience.
Google’s suite of apps comes pre-installed, and users have access to the vast library of applications on the Play Store.
HMD Aura Connectivity and Additional Features
Despite its budget positioning, the HMD Aura doesn’t skimp on connectivity options.
It supports 4G LTE, ensuring fast mobile data speeds where available. Dual SIM functionality is included, catering to users who juggle between personal and work numbers.
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS with A-GPS support round out the wireless connectivity options. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for those who prefer wired audio.
HMD Aura Price and Value Proposition
The HMD Aura’s pricing strategy is aggressive, with the device positioned squarely in the entry-level segment.
While exact pricing may vary by region, it’s expected to compete directly with offerings from Realme, Xiaomi, and Samsung’s A-series budget line.
Given its feature set, build quality, and the promise of timely software updates, the Aura presents a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious consumers or those looking for a reliable secondary device.
HMD Aura Conclusion
The HMD Aura is a testament to HMD Global’s understanding of the budget smartphone market.
It doesn’t try to dazzle with flashy features or groundbreaking innovations. Instead, it focuses on delivering a solid, well-rounded experience at an accessible price point.
Its strengths lie in its clean design, long-lasting battery, and the promise of a pure Android experience with timely updates. The capable main camera and generous storage also add to its appeal.
However, it’s not without its limitations. The processor, while adequate for basic tasks, may struggle with more demanding applications.
The display, though bright and colorful, doesn’t match the resolution of some competitors.
Ultimately, the HMD Aura is an excellent choice for users who prioritize reliability, battery life, and a clean software experience over raw performance or cutting-edge features.
It’s a smartphone that focuses on the essentials and executes them well, making it a worthy contender in the competitive budget segment.
For students, casual users, or anyone looking for a dependable smartphone without breaking the bank, the HMD Aura deserves serious consideration.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, getting the basics right is all that’s needed to create a satisfying user experience.
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