The BlackBerry Aurora, launched in March 2017, is a budget-friendly Android smartphone offering solid performance for everyday tasks. It features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, dual SIM support, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset. Running on Android 7.0 Nougat, the Aurora provides a smooth user experience for casual users and professionals who require a reliable device at an affordable price point. With 32GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, the BlackBerry Aurora is perfect for users who need a smartphone that offers the essentials without sacrificing performance. Though its LTE bands are unspecified, the phone supports reliable 4G connectivity for users in multiple regions.
BlackBerry Aurora Specifications
Here is a detailed responsive table showcasing the key specifications of the BlackBerry Aurora:
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 (SIM 1 & SIM 2) |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G Bands | LTE (unspecified) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE |
| Dimensions | 152 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 178 g |
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Display Type | IPS LCD, 720 x 1280 pixels (~267 ppi density) |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Adreno 308 |
| Internal Memory | 32GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, AF, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP |
| Battery | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Gold |
| Price | About 200 EUR |
BlackBerry Aurora Review
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Aurora features a plastic frame and plastic back, which helps keep the phone lightweight at 178 grams. Its design, while simple, is functional and offers good durability for a budget device. Measuring 152 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm, the Aurora is comfortable to hold and use with one hand despite its 5.5-inch display. While the materials may not feel as premium as more expensive phones, the device is well-built for its price range. The dual SIM support makes it ideal for users who need to separate work and personal calls or for those who frequently travel and need multiple network options.
Display Quality
The 5.5-inch IPS LCD display has a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, offering a pixel density of ~267 ppi. Although not as sharp as Full HD displays, the screen is adequate for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and watching videos. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures a familiar viewing experience, and the display size provides plenty of screen real estate for multitasking and media consumption. While the screen could benefit from better brightness and color accuracy, it performs well for a device in this price range.
Performance and OS
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset and a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, the BlackBerry Aurora delivers sufficient performance for everyday use. Tasks like browsing, messaging, and running light apps are handled smoothly, thanks in part to the 4GB of RAM. While the Adreno 308 GPU may struggle with graphically intensive games, it performs well for simpler tasks and casual gaming. The phone runs on Android 7.0 Nougat, offering a user-friendly experience with access to the Google Play Store and the essential Android features. Though the phone does not feature the latest Android updates, BlackBerry’s DTEK security provides enhanced privacy and protection.
Camera Quality
The 13 MP rear camera is a solid performer for a budget device, capable of taking decent photos in well-lit conditions. It features autofocus and supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, making it suitable for capturing everyday moments. The camera also offers features like HDR and panorama, which enhance the quality of photos. The 8 MP front-facing camera is perfect for selfies and video calls, providing clear images in good lighting conditions. While low-light performance is not exceptional, the dual-LED flash on the back helps improve image quality in darker settings.
Battery Life
The 3000 mAh battery offers reasonable endurance, providing a full day of use with moderate tasks like browsing, messaging, and light media consumption. Though it lacks fast charging capabilities, the battery size ensures that users won’t need to charge their phones frequently. With proper battery management, the phone can last through a day of standard use without issue.
Connectivity and Features
The BlackBerry Aurora offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS. Although it lacks NFC and FM radio, the phone supports 4G LTE for reliable internet connectivity. It includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, which is expected at this price range. The dual SIM capability, combined with the dedicated microSDXC card slot, adds versatility, allowing users to expand storage without sacrificing SIM functionality.
Storage and Expansion
The 32GB of internal storage may be limiting for some users, but the phone includes a dedicated microSDXC slot for easy storage expansion. With support for microSD cards, users can increase storage to accommodate apps, photos, and media.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Aurora is a budget-friendly smartphone designed for users who need reliable performance at an affordable price. Its dual SIM support, decent cameras, and 4GB of RAM make it a great choice for professionals and casual users alike. While it may not have the most powerful specs or the latest Android version, it excels in delivering a smooth and secure experience for everyday tasks. If you’re looking for a cost-effective smartphone that gets the job done, the BlackBerry Aurora is worth considering.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
