HMD Aura vs. Umidigi A13 Pro Max: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Umidigi A13 Pro Max is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the HMD Aura’s Unisoc SC9863A1, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the Aura may offer a slightly cleaner software experience, the A13 Pro Max’s raw power is too significant to ignore.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HMD Aura | Umidigi A13 Pro Max |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 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, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 23 | 2022 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 23 | Available. Released 2022 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 168.5 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.63 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 24 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5150 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Glacier Green, Indigo Black | Starry Black, Sunglow Gold |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 240 EUR |
HMD Aura
- Potentially cleaner software experience (HMD's reputation)
- May be more readily available in certain markets
- Likely lower price point
- Significantly weaker processor
- Slower charging speed
- Limited future-proofing
Umidigi A13 Pro Max
- Much faster processor (Dimensity 900)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better thermal efficiency
- More responsive user experience
- Software may contain bloatware
- Brand recognition is lower than HMD
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the A13 Pro Max’s focus on overall performance, it’s reasonable to assume it features a higher-resolution panel and potentially a higher refresh rate. The Aura, likely targeting the lowest possible price point, probably utilizes a more basic LCD panel. Color accuracy and peak brightness are unknown, but the A13 Pro Max’s more modern chipset could support better display calibration.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the A13 Pro Max’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Dimensity 900 chipset suggests superior image processing capabilities. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the A13 Pro Max is more likely to offer features like improved dynamic range, better low-light performance, and faster autofocus. The Aura’s camera system will likely be adequate for basic snapshots, but will struggle in challenging conditions.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these two phones. The Umidigi A13 Pro Max’s Mediatek Dimensity 900, built on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the HMD Aura’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The Dimensity 900 features a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores alongside 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Aura’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the A13 Pro Max. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Umidigi A13 Pro Max’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the HMD Aura’s 10W charging. Even with a similar battery capacity, the A13 Pro Max will reach a full charge significantly faster. The Dimensity 900’s 6nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency, potentially extending battery life despite the faster charging speed. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the A13 Pro Max’s faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Aura if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and prioritize a familiar brand. Buy the Umidigi A13 Pro Max if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, or want a device that will remain responsive for longer. The A13 Pro Max is the better choice for users who anticipate needing more than just the basics.