Looking for an affordable Android phone? The BlackBerry Aurora and TCL 403 are both contenders in the budget smartphone market. But which one delivers the best experience? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 403 edges out the BlackBerry Aurora thanks to its more modern chipset and faster processor. While the Aurora boasts the BlackBerry name, the TCL 403 offers better performance and efficiency for a similar price point, making it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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 900 / 2100 - T431D |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, March. Released 2017, March | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 152 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm (5.98 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
or
5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm - T431Q only |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Gold | Prime Black, Mauve Mist |
| Models | BBC100-1 | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 80 EUR |
BlackBerry Aurora
- Brand Recognition (BlackBerry)
- Compact Size
- Physical Keyboard (Limited)
- Outdated Chipset
- Lower Performance
- Smaller Battery
- Limited Software Updates
TCL 403
- Better Performance
- Longer Battery Life
- Larger Display
- More Modern Chipset
- Less Recognizable Brand
- Basic Camera Quality
- Plastic Build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, standard LCD displays. The Aurora typically has a 5.5-inch display, while the TCL 403 has a 6.5-inch display. Resolution is likely to be similar (720p+), so image quality won't be a major differentiator. The TCL 403's larger size offers more screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are generally modest on both devices. Expect rear cameras around 13-16MP and front cameras around 5-8MP. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be subpar on both. The TCL 403 might have slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
Here's where the TCL 403 shines. Its MediaTek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Aurora's Snapdragon 425 (28nm). The 2.0 GHz CPU in the TCL 403 provides a noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks and light gaming compared to the Aurora's 1.4 GHz CPU.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a key consideration. The TCL 403 typically features a larger battery (around 5000mAh) compared to the Aurora (around 3000mAh). This translates to significantly longer battery life on the TCL 403, easily lasting a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Aurora might appeal to those nostalgic for the BlackBerry brand and prioritizing physical keyboard functionality (though it's limited). The TCL 403 is ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable, everyday smartphone with decent performance and battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Aurora still worth buying?
The Aurora's appeal is primarily driven by brand nostalgia. However, its outdated hardware makes it less competitive than newer budget options like the TCL 403.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The TCL 403 has a significantly larger battery and a more efficient chipset, resulting in considerably better battery life than the BlackBerry Aurora.
