Firefly Mobile Aurii Secret Lite Unboxing And First Impressions

As a follow-up to the popularity of Aurii Envy, Firefly Mobile announced two new phones under that name. Dubbed as the Aurii Secret and Aurii Secret Lite, they're similar looking metal clad handsets inspired by the design Samsung's Galaxy S7 series.

Firefly Aurii Secret Lite unboxing and first impressions

Unfortunately, the higher-end Aurii Secret isn't still available for purchase so we got the entry-level Aurii Secret Lite instead. Anyway, like the first gen Aurii phones, this handset highlights a stylish design with decent specs and a Smart PA amplifier for better audio experience.

Will that be case with this handset? Can this erase our bad experience from coming from the Aurii Envy? Let's all find out.

Disclaimer: We purchased this unit using our own money for an honest review

Firefly Mobile Aurii Secret Lite Specs

Display: 5 Inch HD IPS OGS 1280 x 720 resolution w/ Gorilla Glass 3 protection at 294 ppi

CPU: 1.3 GHz MT6580 quad core processor

GPU: Mali 400

RAM: 1 GB

ROM: 8 GB expandable via micro SD card slot up to 128 GB (dedicated)

Back Camera: 8 MP f/2.4 Sony IMX149 w/ dual tone LED flash

Selfie Camera: 5 MP f/2.8 w/ wide angle lens

Battery: 3,450 mAh Li Pol w/ 1.5A charging

OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, OTG, GPS, A GPS, dual SIM

Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, light, orientation, magnetometer

Others: Smart PA, Colors: deep ocean, icy champagne

Price: 3,499 Pesos

Update: We found out that Sony IMX149 is only an 8 MP sensor w/ f/2.4 aperture, not 13 MP f/2.2.

Unboxing / Accessories

The ala Huawei flagship like box

We appreciate Firefly's packaging here. They mimic the way Huawei present their box by incorporating an all black box with easy to open compartments inside.

There's a 1.5A wall charger, USB to micro USB data / charging cable, in ear monitor w/ mic, and paper documentations.

Inclusions inside

The Aurii Secret Lite comes with the most impressive package on a sub 3.5K phone yet.

Then aside from the regular inclusions, the local brand still managed to put a tempered glass with oleophobic coating and a high quality TPU armor case inside.

Build Quality / Design

The nice curve back showing the camera and dual tone LED flash

Aside from the Elephone S1, this comes with the most solid build paired with nice design for the price.

Opened, it comes with a non-removable battery, dual SIM slots, and a dedicated micro SD card slot

Unlike the Aurii Envy with a body that feels doesn't feel like 100% metal, the frame of Aurii Secret Lite is absolutely SOLID! It's made out of a slab of tough aluminum metal alloy with well machined chamfered edges and beautiful curves. At the back, there's a removable Note 7 like curved plastic cover with matte like paint. In front, its 5 inch HD screen is protected with a layer of Gorilla Glass 3.

Micro USB (OTG capable) and 3.5 mm audio port on top

Single microphone and speaker grills below (only the right one is working)
The backlit capacitive keys is nicely hidden below the screen

At left showing the logo of Firefly Mobile and how thick the phone looks

Power button and volume rocker at right

This phone is beautiful, solid, hefty, and thick!

To make things sweeter, the included good type of tempered glass and high quality TPU case is there to ensure that your phone is protected from drops so it'll last for a good while.

Design-wise, Firefly's effort should be lauded. Unlike other budget phones, this is far from tawdry or trying hard to look great. Why? This phone really looks nice for its price. It comes with beautiful S7 like curves, the camera doesn't protrude much, and its black border bezels doesn't feel as thick as Aurii Envy.

Ergonomically, it feels great in the hands. Even if its thickness is thicker and heavier than what we are used to, its curved at the back was able to rescue its grip. So we're just fine with its overall hold and feel in the hands.

Buttons and ports are quite okay too. The power button / volume rocker is easy to reach and the audio port on top is standard.

As of the moment

We're very impressed with the package and build of this phone. It's probably the most solid and beautiful sub-3.5K that's readily available in the country today yet. It's could also be the most affordable handset with HiFi capability due to its Smart PA amplifier.

However, we're not expecting that much from it. Why? It isn't the beefiest phone in terms of specs for the price. Anyway, still watch out for our full review and final assessment in a couple of weeks.

For our full review: Firefly Aurii Secret Lite Review - A Good Buy Or Not?