The HMD Aura and OnePlus Nord N30 SE represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Aura aims for affordability with a basic feature set, while the N30 SE attempts to deliver a more compelling experience through a more modern chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the HMD Aura’s older 22nm Unisoc SC9863A1, and the 33W charging is a game-changer for convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 23 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 23 | Available. Released 2024, January 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 51% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Green, Indigo Black | Black Satin, Cyan |
| Models | - | CPH2605 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 510 EUR |
HMD Aura
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor (though offset by slow charging)
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset and manufacturing process
- Very slow 10W charging
OnePlus Nord N30 SE
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Modern chipset with better efficiency
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- Likely a higher price point than the HMD Aura
- May require more frequent charging depending on usage
- Potential for slightly more heat generation under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Aura's focus on cost reduction, it likely utilizes a lower-quality panel with narrower viewing angles and lower peak brightness. The N30 SE, positioned slightly higher in the market, likely benefits from a more vibrant and accurate display, though specifics like resolution and refresh rate remain unknown. Bezels are also likely to be more prominent on the Aura.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, analysis is limited. However, it’s reasonable to assume the N30 SE benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 6020 chipset, leading to better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Aura, relying on the older Unisoc chipset, likely offers a more basic camera experience. The presence or absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device is unknown, but would be a significant advantage for the phone that includes it.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a substantial advantage in both performance and efficiency compared to the HMD Aura’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The Dimensity 6020’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, provides significantly more processing power for demanding tasks than the Aura’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the N30 SE. The 7nm process also means less heat generation, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the charging capabilities are a major differentiator. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W wired charging, capable of delivering 51% charge in 30 minutes, offers a significant convenience advantage over the HMD Aura’s slow 10W charging. This means less downtime and quicker top-ups throughout the day. Even if the Aura has a slightly larger battery capacity, the N30 SE’s faster charging will likely result in a more usable experience for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Aura if your primary need is a functional, extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and you prioritize simplicity over performance. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and value the convenience of significantly faster charging speeds. The N30 SE is for users who want a phone that feels more modern and capable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset in the HMD Aura sufficient for running popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A1 can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, but expect slower loading times and potential lag when multitasking. It's designed for light usage, not demanding applications.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord N30 SE compared to the 10W charging on the HMD Aura in a typical use case?
The 33W charging on the N30 SE can add a significant amount of charge in a short period. While a full 0-100% time isn't specified, the stated 51% in 30 minutes is dramatically faster than the Aura's 10W charging, which would likely take several hours to achieve a similar charge level.
❓ Will the HMD Aura struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the HMD Aura's Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset is not designed for gaming. While simple games might be playable at low settings, more demanding titles will likely experience significant lag and frame rate drops.
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 in the OnePlus Nord N30 SE support 5G connectivity?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6020 is a 5G-capable chipset, meaning the OnePlus Nord N30 SE likely supports 5G connectivity, provided your carrier and region support it. However, this is dependent on the specific model and carrier configuration.
