This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
On November 28, 2019, Russian brand BQ launched a phone called the Aurora SE, which bears a striking resemblance to the Nokia 5.1 Plus, also known as the Nokia X5.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the BQ Aurora SE is, in fact, the exact same phone as the Nokia 5.1 Plus, with the same body size, look, notch, materials, screen size, processor, RAM, and storage options.
The BQ Aurora SE also runs on Android 9.0 Pie, just like the Nokia 5.1 Plus.
It is unclear how BQ acquired the rights to rebrand the Nokia 5.1 Plus, but it could be that they rented the design or that HMD Global is reselling their devices to other brands.
A NokiaMob writer claims that HMD Global is short of money, but this is disputed by a QZ article from over a year ago, which states that HMD Global is now worth over $1 billion.
The Nokia 5.1 Plus was a highly-regarded device, with a beautiful body, excellent cameras, and a USB type-C port.
Originally priced between KES. 18,500 and KES. 20,000 in Kenya, the BQ Aurora SE is launching in Russia at a significantly lower price point of around $116.
