The BlackBerry Aurora and Realme 3i both target the budget smartphone market, offering affordability without completely sacrificing features. But which one delivers the better experience? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 3i decisively wins this comparison. Its significantly more powerful processor, modern 12nm manufacturing process, and generally better features outweigh the BlackBerry Aurora's legacy brand appeal. The Aurora struggles to compete in today's performance landscape.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat12 600/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, March. Released 2017, March | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 152 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm (5.98 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 156.1 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.15 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | 4230 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Gold | Diamond Blue, Diamond Red, Diamond Black |
| Models | BBC100-1 | RMX1827 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 8000 INR |
BlackBerry Aurora
- Brand recognition (for some)
- Compact size
- Outdated chipset
- Lower performance
- Shorter battery life
- Less capable camera
- Likely lower screen resolution
Realme 3i
- Powerful processor
- Long battery life
- Better camera
- Larger display
- Modern design
- 10W Charging
- Plastic build quality (typical for budget phones)
Display Comparison
The BlackBerry Aurora features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, likely with a standard resolution (720p assumed). The Realme 3i boasts a larger 6.22-inch display, also an IPS LCD, but with a slightly higher resolution (720x1520). While both are adequate, the Realme 3i's larger size and slightly sharper resolution offer a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 3i generally offers a better camera experience. While specific megapixel counts are similar (Aurora: 13MP main, Realme 3i: 13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), the Realme 3i's image processing and depth sensor contribute to better photos, especially in portrait mode. The Aurora's camera is adequate for basic shots but lacks the refinement of the Realme 3i.
Performance
This is where the Realme 3i truly shines. Its Mediatek Helio P60 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is significantly faster and more efficient than the BlackBerry Aurora's Snapdragon 425 (28nm). The Helio P60's octa-core architecture with Cortex-A73 cores provides a noticeable performance boost for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps. The Aurora will likely feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
The Realme 3i's 4230mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life than the Aurora's likely smaller battery (around 3000mAh assumed). Coupled with the more efficient Helio P60 chipset, the Realme 3i can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use, while the Aurora may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Aurora might appeal to die-hard BlackBerry fans seeking a familiar form factor and keyboard (though it's a soft keyboard). However, most users will find the Realme 3i a far more compelling choice due to its superior performance, battery life, and camera capabilities. The Realme 3i is ideal for everyday users, students, and anyone on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Aurora still worth buying?
Unless you're a dedicated BlackBerry enthusiast, the Aurora is difficult to recommend given its outdated hardware. The Realme 3i offers significantly better value for money.
❓ What chipset does the Realme 3i use?
The Realme 3i uses a Mediatek Helio P60 chipset, a powerful and efficient processor for its price range.
