In a surprising turn of events, the HMD Aura, HMD Global’s latest smartphone, has quietly made its debut in Australia. Spotted on sale by Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi, the Aura offers a more affordable option compared to the HMD Pulse, despite not yet being officially listed on HMD’s website.
Unveiling the HMD Aura
The HMD Aura boasts a 6.56-inch display with a resolution of 900 x 1,600 pixels, which is an upgrade from the Pulse’s 720 x 1,612 pixels, though it only supports a 60Hz refresh rate. Unlike the Pulse’s punch-hole design, the Aura features a notch housing the 5MP selfie camera.
Camera and Build
On the back, the Aura keeps it simple with a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Interestingly, it also includes a rear-mounted fingerprint reader, a rarity in today’s smartphone market.
Under the Hood
Powering the Aura is the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset, featuring eight Cortex-A55 cores and a PowerVR GE8322 GPU. While this 28nm 4G chipset promises AI acceleration, it doesn’t aim for high performance. The device comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage (up to 256GB via microSD). It also retains the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack.
Software and Battery
The HMD Aura runs on Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive two years of security patches, though no OS updates were mentioned. It supports dual SIM, but users must choose between a second phone line or additional storage due to its hybrid tray. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 4 (n), Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS.
Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the Aura supports 10W charging through a USB-C port. The battery is designed to retain 80% of its capacity after 500 cycles, ensuring longevity.
Color Options and Pricing
Available in Glacier Green and Indigo Black, the HMD Aura is priced at AUD 180. For comparison, the HMD Pulse, with similar RAM but double the storage, is priced at AUD 230. This translates to approximately $120 USD for the Aura, though there’s no word yet on its availability outside Australia.
Final Thoughts
The stealthy launch of the HMD Aura in Australia presents an intriguing option for budget-conscious consumers. While it lacks some of the high-end features of its pricier counterparts, its affordability and decent specifications make it a compelling choice. We’ll be keeping a close eye on any official announcements and updates regarding its international release.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unexpected addition to the HMD lineup!
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