BlackBerry

BlackBerry Aurora: Pros and Cons

Android OS v7.0 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 MSM8917
Adreno 308
4 GB / 32 GB
5.5 inch (720 x 1280 px)
13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus

BlackBerry announced the launch of the Aurora smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.5 inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 MSM8917 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The Aurora series was launched with Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The phone comes with a high-quality AMOLED display. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus). Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BlackBerry Aurora smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

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BlackBerry Aurora specifications

BrandBlackBerry
NameAurora
ModelAURORA
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.28 oz
Dimensions5.98 x 3.02 x 0.34 inch
Colorsblack, gold, gray
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of BlackBerry Aurora is about 6.28 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. A micro SIM is a smaller version of the standard SIM card used in mobile devices.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.0 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 425 MSM8917
CPUQuad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 308

The BlackBerry Aurora comes with Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays enable an Always-On Display feature. A part of the screen remains active to display the time, date, and notifications. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The BlackBerry Aurora comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Aurora has 32 GB. You can expand the internal storage (32 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Aurora comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands900 / 1800
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Aurora smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh

The Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Aurora smartphone has an accelerometer. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this BlackBerry phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • AMOLED display
  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
Add BlackBerry Aurora to your comparison

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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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