Motorola AURA hands on!
We’re not the first site to have a hands on, but we’re the first with a production unit. So there! All jokes aside, I’d like to give you a little back story… about 3 years ago I was talking to one of my higher-up Motorola sources and we started discussing Vertus. I said how much the right people appreciated those phones even though there were completely outdated in terms of technology. They filled a void and were the first ones to get it. I suggested Motorola should create a spin-off brand and concentrate on higher-end phones. Use precious metals, hand assemble them, limit availability, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Our source promptly shot down the idea saying that Motorola wasn’t looking to manufacture high-end devices, just handsets that fall under the RAZR umbrella. Well, I guess all good ideas never die. Motorola’s AURA is in fact the highest-end device they’ve ever built.
As far as the physical hardware goes, Motorola has used the same strategy above that Vertu has used successfully for many years. They’ve made the device almost purely out of metal (even the keyboard is metal), there’s Swiss-manufactured internal components for the flip mechanism (same concept as the complicated movements inside your favorite expensive watch), and they used Sapphire crystal to overlay the beautiful circular display. We’re not joking here, guys — this is hands down one of the most beautiful and impressive screens we have ever seen. As far as build goes, this really is built how a phone should be. And hey, for a retail price of $2,000, it better be. The software is the MOTOMAGX platform which does not allow for 3G, so that’s a pretty decent strike against it. But, we were pleased with the responsiveness of the phone and the familiarity of it. The reason why you see the pre-production devices with the serial number engraved on the metal panel on the flip is that we’re told Motorola originally was limiting the phone to 5,000 handsets. They were going to engrave the buyer’s name and serial number on the panel. Then, Motorola executives probably said two words and changed their minds… “Russian. Market.” Since this is such an important milestone in Motorola’s history, we’re going to put together a full review on the Motorola AURA in the coming days. If you’ve got any questions that you’d like squared away, drop a comment and we’ll do our best to include it. As always, you can find our fine photos in the BGR Gallery below!
Tags: Aura, EDGE, flip, GSM, hands on, metal, motomagx, Motorola, v70, Vertu
Another stupid and ugly Motorola phone. $2K for that? And no 3G? Motorola is going down the toilet.
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I think the phone will fill a niche for that indiscriminate buyer who has a blackberry by day & is looking for a phone to step out in for special occasions. It is nice looking & unlike pretty much anything out there, but the No 3G in my opinion is a huge deal breaker for me. I owned a Vertu Signature before & really like it but as we all know the tech is outdated. Not sure what Moto was thinking when they decided to put such tech limiting software on the phone.
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Hiddeous!! I have to agree with Wazz.. Motorola is on their way out if this is their signature device.
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This thing will be a hit with the “more money than they know what to do with it” crowd. I don’t think 3G, in a device that’s purely for show, is all that necessary.
This thing’s about turning heads, not function.
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…or turning stomachs.
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Guys,
The design of this phone is IDENTICAL to the old motorola that was out maybe in 1998? The aura is pretty much that phone in metal. Just throwing it out there. I liked that phone. Does anyone have that model #?
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@Justin
Motorola V70?
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yep. that’s it. speaking of luxury phones, Any thoughts on the Mobiado 105 ZAF? It’s running S40? I am looking for a luxury phone for just voice calls.
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Also why is my logo a girl in a bikini with a surfboard? haha
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Shiny. Be sure to let us know about reception and battery life - with the metal body, I wonder how well the radios work…
Also how much does the thing weigh? Sounds like a boat anchor in your pocket.
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Yea it does look identical to the V70…I loved that phone also. I think people who would buy this phone is not looking to use 3G speeds on it or even surf the web for that matter. Do you not see the design and the screen? The crowd they are going for are not BGR visitors people.
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@ BG:
Haven’t you tried/seen the W760r since you’re so far inside the motosphere? It’s MOTOMAGX running 3G.
It does work. This phone was probably spec’d before that however.
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It kind of looks like the V70.
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They should have stuck to the 5,000 and saved the costs, lord knows moto needs it lol
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Moto needs to create a retro limited edition release line. I’m dieing for a Star-tac update … would love to see that old phone revamped for todays purpose. Nothing too drastic, a colour screen, a recessed antenna, just a little bit thinner profile, increased battery time, and a better plastic material could make 2 options (a ruggedized version for a tough phone line up, and a piano black consumer edition). I think Smartphones have there place, but dumb phones is where volume is … and Star-tac offers the nostalgic name brand for people to drop moola on. Now this moola better be darn cheap.
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Nice to see metal being used - like the weight - some mobiles are so light and plastic & cheap looking. Have owned a couple of Motorola’s the RAZOR & the U6 pebble. In my opinion they get the designs right but the slow response software (load times) is the deal breaker. Looking to replace my current phone and will probably go with SE as their software is fast. So Motorola get the software sorted first.
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just want to know if this phone is limited
thanks
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