HMD Aura² Smartphone : The competitive mid-range smartphone market welcomes an impressive new contender with the HMD Aura², a device that combines sophisticated design elements with practical battery life in a compelling package.
This latest addition to HMD Global’s portfolio marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to establish a distinct identity beyond its Nokia-branded devices, bringing premium aesthetics to an accessible price point.
Design Philosophy
The HMD Aura² showcases a refined design language that balances contemporary trends with timeless elegance, resulting in a device that feels substantial and premium despite its competitive pricing.
Its carefully considered profile features gentle curves that enhance grip comfort, while the quality materials and meticulous construction provide an in-hand experience that rivals much more expensive flagship devices.
Premium Materials
Breaking away from typical mid-range construction standards, the Aura² incorporates premium materials including Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for the display, an aluminum frame, and a specially treated glass back panel.
The attention to detail extends to the precision-engineered camera island, which houses the lens array in a distinctive circular module that adds visual interest while maintaining harmony with the overall design aesthetic.
Color Variants
Available in four sophisticated colorways – Midnight Blue, Glacier Silver, Forest Green, and Sunset Copper – the HMD Aura² offers personalization options that appeal to different tastes and style preferences.
Each color variant features a unique light-refracting pattern beneath the glass back panel, creating dynamic visual effects as the device catches light from different angles, adding another dimension to its visual appeal.
Display Excellence
Dominating the front of the device is a vibrant 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), delivering rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
The screen boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO technology that intelligently adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on content requirements, balancing visual fluidity with power efficiency.
Visual Performance
With 1200 nits of peak brightness, the display ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight, while HDR10+ certification enhances compatible streaming content with improved dynamic range and color accuracy.
The display features minimal bezels with a small center punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera, maximizing screen-to-body ratio for an expansive viewing experience that enhances content consumption.
Camera System Overview
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the HMD Aura²’s capable camera system, headlined by a 50MP Sony IMX766 main sensor with optical image stabilization for sharp, detailed photos in any lighting condition.
This primary camera utilizes pixel binning technology to create crisp 12.5MP images with enhanced light sensitivity, delivering quality results across various shooting scenarios from bright daylight to challenging low-light environments.
Supporting Camera Lenses
Complementing the main sensor is a 13MP ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group photos without needing to step back.
Rounding out the rear camera array is a 5MP macro lens that allows users to explore the fascinating details of small subjects, capturing clear, close-up images from just 4cm away.
Camera Features
The camera system leverages advanced image processing capabilities, introducing several AI-enhanced features including Night Mode 2.0, Portrait Mode with bokeh effects, and Motion Capture for action shots.
These intelligent features optimize settings automatically based on scene recognition, making it easier for casual photographers to capture professional-looking photos without extensive manual adjustments.
Selfie Performance
Housed within the punch-hole cutout, the 32MP front-facing camera delivers detailed selfies with natural skin tones and facial features, while offering various beauty filters and enhancement options for those who prefer them.
The selfie camera supports 4K video recording as well, catering to vloggers and social media enthusiasts who prioritize high-quality self-recording capabilities for content creation.
Performance Hardware
Under the hood, the HMD Aura² is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, an octa-core chipset built on a 4nm process that delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and demanding games.
This efficient processor balances raw power and energy conservation, ensuring responsive operation throughout the day without excessive battery drain during normal usage patterns.
Memory Configuration
The smartphone offers generous memory options with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM paired with 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, providing ample space for apps, games, photos, and an extensive media collection.
For users requiring additional storage, the device supports microSD card expansion up to 1TB, ensuring flexibility for those with growing storage needs without forcing them to delete precious content.
Battery Endurance
Battery life stands as another highlight of the HMD Aura², with its substantial 5000mAh silicon-carbon battery easily delivering a full day of intensive use or up to two days of moderate usage.
The optimized power management system extends battery life even further during lighter use scenarios, potentially stretching to multiple days before requiring a recharge.
Charging Technology
Supporting the substantial battery is 67W fast charging technology, capable of replenishing from 0 to 50% in just 18 minutes and reaching full charge in approximately 45 minutes.
This rapid charging capability transforms the traditional battery anxiety experience, as even a brief 15-minute charge during a coffee break can provide several hours of usage time.
Software Experience
The HMD Aura² runs a clean version of Android 14 with minimal customizations, offering a near-stock experience with thoughtful additions that enhance usability without unnecessary bloatware.
HMD Global promises three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the device remains current and secure throughout its service life.
Connectivity Options
The Aura² brings comprehensive connectivity options including 5G support across multiple bands, ensuring compatibility with networks worldwide as this technology continues to expand.
Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for contactless payments, and a USB-C port with USB 3.2 speeds for quick data transfers.
Audio Capabilities
The device features stereo speakers with Dirac tuning, delivering immersive sound for gaming and media consumption that enhances the overall entertainment experience.
For personal listening, the Aura² includes a 3.5mm headphone jack – an increasingly rare feature that many users still appreciate – alongside support for high-quality Bluetooth audio codecs including aptX HD and LDAC.
Security Features
Security options include an in-display fingerprint sensor that offers quick and reliable biometric authentication without disrupting the clean design aesthetic.
The device also supports face unlock using the front camera, providing an alternative method for convenient device access in situations where using the fingerprint sensor is impractical.
Special Features
The HMD Aura² includes several unique features that set it apart from competitors, including an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Another standout feature is the programmable action button on the side of the device, which can be customized to launch specific applications or perform functions based on user preference.
Value Proposition
The HMD Aura² represents exceptional value, offering premium design elements, capable cameras, and reliable performance at a mid-range price point that makes these features accessible to a broader audience.
This compelling combination positions the Aura² as a standout option for users who prioritize sophisticated design and battery life without wanting to invest in a flagship-priced device.
HMD Aura² Smartphone Conclusion
With its premium design language, capable camera system, and substantial 5000mAh battery, the HMD Aura² successfully delivers a refined smartphone experience without the premium price tag.
For consumers seeking a well-rounded device that looks and feels more expensive than it actually is, the HMD Aura² emerges as a compelling option that punches well above its weight in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market.
