The much-anticipated HMD Aura² is set to make its entrance into the Australian market, promising an evolution from its predecessor, the HMD Aura. Scheduled for release in mid-March, this budget-friendly smartphone carries a fresh design and some intriguing updates.
One of the notable changes in the Aura² is its 6.52-inch HD IPS display. While slightly smaller than the previous model’s 6.56-inch screen, the resolution has also taken a dip to 1280 x 576 from 1600 x 900. However, fans of the series will still find the familiar 60Hz refresh rate, sizeable bezels, and the waterdrop notch housing the front camera.
Under the hood, the Aura² is equipped with a Unisoc 9863A processor. Interestingly, this model features 4GB of RAM, which is expandable to 8GB thanks to its Memory Boost feature. Storage capacity has been significantly increased to 256GB, quadruple the previous model’s offering, though the microSD slot supports only up to 128GB.
Aesthetic changes are apparent in the design of the rear, where the dual cameras now reside within a sophisticated camera island, reminiscent of the HMD Vibe. The primary 13MP camera is complemented by an additional sensor, the specifics of which remain under wraps. Meanwhile, a 5MP front camera takes care of selfies and video calls. The fingerprint scanner has smartly been repositioned to the side for easy access.
The Aura² debuts with Android 14 (Go Edition), a sensible choice perhaps for its less demanding processor, aiming to deliver a smoother user experience. While the company hasn’t committed to OS updates, they guarantee two years of quarterly security patches. A practical touch in its design is the user-repairable feature, allowing users to swap out components like screens themselves.
Rounding off the Aura²’s features are Face Unlock, FM radio, Bluetooth 5.2, and a traditional audio jack. It’s juiced by a 5,000mAh battery supporting 10W wired charging via USB-C. Offered in chic color options of Shadow Black and Electric Purple, the Aura² is quite pocket-friendly, priced at AUD 169 (around $106 USD).
With these offerings, the HMD Aura² positions itself as a compelling option for those in search of an affordable yet reliable smartphone.
