Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Ubuntu Touch VS Aurora Store

Compare Ubuntu Touch VS Aurora Store and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Ubuntu Touch logo Ubuntu Touch

Read more about Ubuntu Touch. Our free and open source mobile OS is made and maintained by UBports! We care about your freedom and privacy.

Aurora Store logo Aurora Store

Aurora is a FOSS Play Store client that does not require a Google Account to download directly from Play Store. However you can login with your Google Account to download your already paid apps!
  • Ubuntu Touch Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-18
  • Aurora Store Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-23

Ubuntu Touch features and specs

  • Open Source
    Ubuntu Touch is an open-source project, which means its source code is freely available for anyone to inspect, modify, and improve. This can lead to enhanced security and flexibility.
  • Privacy-focused
    Ubuntu Touch places a strong emphasis on privacy and does not track user data. This can be appealing for users who are concerned about data privacy and security.
  • No Bloatware
    Unlike many other mobile operating systems, Ubuntu Touch does not come pre-loaded with unnecessary applications, providing a cleaner, more efficient user experience.
  • Convergence
    Ubuntu Touch aims for seamless convergence between devices, allowing for a more unified experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
  • Community Support
    The operating system is backed by a strong community of developers and users who contribute to its development, provide support, and create a variety of applications.

Possible disadvantages of Ubuntu Touch

  • Limited App Availability
    The app ecosystem for Ubuntu Touch is significantly smaller than that of Android or iOS, which may limit the choice and availability of popular applications.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Ubuntu Touch is only compatible with a limited number of devices. This can make it difficult for users to find supported hardware.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report that Ubuntu Touch may not be as smooth or performant as other operating systems, especially on older or lower-end devices.
  • Learning Curve
    Users who are accustomed to Android or iOS might find Ubuntu Touch's user interface and functionalities different and potentially challenging to adapt to initially.
  • Limited Commercial Support
    There is limited commercial support for Ubuntu Touch. Users primarily rely on community support, which might not be sufficient for all needs, especially in a business environment.

Aurora Store features and specs

  • Privacy-focused
    Aurora Store prioritizes user privacy by not requiring a Google account for app downloads, thus reducing the amount of data shared with Google.
  • Open-source
    The store is open-source, allowing users and developers to inspect the code for security vulnerabilities or add new features, ensuring greater transparency and trust.
  • Google Play Store access
    Aurora Store enables users to download apps from the Google Play Store without using the official Google Play client, providing access to a broader range of apps.
  • Anonymity
    Users can download apps anonymously using 'spoofed' Google Play accounts, adding an extra layer of privacy.
  • User-friendly interface
    The store offers an intuitive and clean interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for a wide range of users.

Possible disadvantages of Aurora Store

  • Potential legal issues
    Using spoofed Google Play accounts might violate Google's terms of service, potentially leading to account bans or other legal complications.
  • Dependence on Google's infrastructure
    Despite being an alternative store, it still relies on Google's infrastructure for app downloads, which might limit its functionality if Google decides to block it.
  • Updates and maintenance
    As an open-source project, it may not have the same level of funding or consistent updates as commercial app stores, potentially leading to issues with stability or security.
  • Limited support
    Support and troubleshooting might be limited compared to official app stores, making it harder for users to resolve issues quickly.
  • Fewer integrated features
    Aurora Store might lack some integrated features found in the official Play Store, such as direct support for in-app purchases and subscriptions.

Analysis of Ubuntu Touch

Overall verdict

  • Ubuntu Touch is a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and privacy-conscious users who are comfortable with Linux-based systems and appreciate open-source software. It is not as polished or app-rich as mainstream mobile operating systems like iOS or Android due to its smaller market share and developer base. Therefore, while it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those reliant on mainstream app ecosystems, it provides a viable, privacy-focused alternative for users willing to embrace its unique attributes.

Why this product is good

  • Ubuntu Touch is a mobile operating system based on Ubuntu Linux, developed by UBports. It is designed to be open-source, privacy-focused, and offers a unique convergence feature that allows users to connect their devices to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to use it as a desktop computer. It is particularly appealing to users who value data privacy, software transparency, and who support open-source ecosystems. Ubuntu Touch also allows users to escape the iOS and Android duopoly, offering an alternative that aligns with open-source principles. Additionally, the OS is known for its customizable user interface, the ability to run Linux applications, and its supportive community.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts who are experienced with Linux
  • Privacy-conscious users seeking an alternative to Android and iOS
  • Supporters of open-source software and communities
  • Users interested in a convergence feature to transform their mobile device into a desktop experience
  • Developers and hobbyists seeking a platform for experimentation

Analysis of Aurora Store

Overall verdict

  • Aurora Store is a good choice for users who value privacy and open-source solutions. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive access to the vast library of Google Play apps, it serves as a reliable alternative. However, it might not appeal to users who prefer a seamless integration with Google services.

Why this product is good

  • Aurora Store, an open-source alternative to the Google Play Store, offers a way to download apps from Google Play without needing a Google account. It prioritizes user privacy, providing options to spoof device information, download APKs directly, and maintain user anonymity. It is especially useful for those who seek greater control over their data and wish to avoid Google's data collection practices.

Recommended for

    Privacy-conscious users, open-source enthusiasts, and individuals who wish to use Google Play Store apps without a Google account.

Ubuntu Touch videos

REVIEW: Ubuntu Touch Smartphone OS!

More videos:

  • Review - Ubuntu Touch OS - Community Requested Overview
  • Review - Ubuntu Touch OS Review || Amazing Feautures || MultiTasking || Latest Version 2020 || Must Watch..

Aurora Store videos

Aurora Store for ALL Huawei Devices without GMS - Forget about Google Play Store!

More videos:

  • Review - F-Droid and Aurora Store Guide - Install Android Apps in Privacy!
  • Review - 3 Best App Stores for Android on Windows 11 | WSA | Aurora Store

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Ubuntu Touch and Aurora Store)
Mobile OS
100 100%
0% 0
App Store
0 0%
100% 100
Mobile SDK
100 100%
0% 0
Mobile Apps
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Ubuntu Touch and Aurora Store. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Ubuntu Touch and Aurora Store

Ubuntu Touch Reviews

Top 5 Mobile Operating Systems 2023 (Alternatives to Android)
With this one, you will get everything you need such as all the different types of applications services purposes like communication, music, messaging, navigation, games, and so forth. In this, privacy is ensured. Some of the key pros and cons of Ubuntu Touch are-
Best Open Source Android Alternative OS for Smartphones
It is also capable of functioning as a desktop computer in โ€œdesktop modeโ€. The Ubuntu Touch OS also comes with all basic pre-loaded apps like messaging, calendar, Telegram, music app, weather, maps, and more. Overall, this OS is quite good and can be customized according to the smartphone manufacturer and user need.
Android Alternative: Top 12 Mobile Operating Systems
The UBports community also claims that none of your data leaves your device unless you explicitly allow it which is a good thing from the privacy point of view. Currently, Ubuntu Touch supports PinePhone, PineTab, Fairphone, Volla, Nexus 5, and OnePlus One. There are also 81 devices that are community supported so in terms of device support, Ubuntu Touch excels. Not to...
Source: beebom.com
Open Source Mobile OS Alternatives To Android
With UBportsโ€™ efforts, Ubuntu Touch gets some updates. There are a handful of devices that are supported by Ubuntu Touch. You can see the list here.
Source: itsfoss.com

Aurora Store Reviews

10 Best Google Play Store Alternatives for Android Apps
Aurora Store is another best alternative to Play Store. It offers a wide range of apps, including popular apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter. However, what sets Aurora Store apart is its focus on privacy.
Source: geeksramp.com
22 Best Google Play Store Alternatives 2023
Aurora Store is another open-source Play Store alternative with thousands of stunning applications and games available for free. Its clean and unique user interface is why I prefer it to the Play Store. It also features a dark theme with various accent choices.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Aurora Store should be more popular than Ubuntu Touch. It has been mentiond 85 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Ubuntu Touch mentions (31)

  • Trans liberation must be protected at all costs. Protect trans kids. Under no pretext shall arms and ammunition be taken from the working class.
    I know it's not as common and not as good as android forks, but more secure and better privacy Linux operating systems exist for mobile phones as well like Plasma Mobile and Ubuntu Touch. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Support for Linux distributions added to customrombay.org
    For now, only information about Ubuntu Touch support is available on our website. We plan to extend that to PostmarketOS and NixOS. But which devices does Ubuntu Touch support? For example those:. Source: over 2 years ago
  • aegsgrsgegsegsg
    She: Finally. I couldn't wait any longer to feel your [Ubuntu Touch](https://ubuntu-touch.io/). I'm feeling both [Fire](https://developer.amazon.com/apps-and-games/devices) and [Harmony](https://www.harmonyos.com/en/)!!! Source: over 2 years ago
  • Need to get talked out of a terrible idea!
    You could always look into Ubuntu touch, Https://ubuntu-touch.io/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Ubuntu touch, xiamoi redmi note 9
    Ubuntu Touch is being actively worked on by a community of developers. They have been making very impressive progress on an 20.04 LTS-based release that we should see early next year, and they have a Telegram channel with updates as well as a monthly update and Q&A session on YouTube, plus blogs, a forum, governance bodies, and basically everything else you'd expect from a very ambitions development effort. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

Aurora Store mentions (85)

  • F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree
    The Aurora Store lets you access Play Store apps without having a Google account by using their shared accounts, it is recommended on GrapheneOS (a privacy/security Android fork). https://auroraoss.com/ Of course government, banking, McDonalds and other apps ban non-Google versions of Android, so you might be stuck with either Google or Apple until lawmakers catch up with this situation.... - Source: Hacker News / 5 days ago
  • 'The tyranny of apps': those without smartphones are unfairly penalised
    Can you use Aurora store? https://auroraoss.com/ (That's what I use when I don't want to put a Google account on an Android phone). - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Android gaming on Odin 2
    If the game says it's not compatible with your device, I suggest The Aurora Store. Connects to Google's official servers to download any free apk. If you want a Paid game/app, you need to sign in with your Google Play account, as long as you've purchased it with that account, and it's still available to download from Google play, you can download the apk. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • โŸณ 8 apps added, 74 updated at f-droid.org
    Aurora Store (version 4.2.5): An open-source alternative to Google Play Store with privacy and modern design. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Consumer Software Is Expected to Be Next Fast-Growing Segment (1994)
    >Like, Google does not let you search their app store and filter by cost or spyware Why would they? But Aurora Store does: https://auroraoss.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Ubuntu Touch and Aurora Store, you can also consider the following products

LineageOS - Operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android

F-Droid - F-Droid is an interesting alternative for Android users who want to try something different and not have to use the Goole Play store all the time.

Android - Android is an open source mobile operating system initially released by Google in 2008 and has since become of the most widely used operating systems on any platform.

APK Pure - Download apk for Android with APKPure APK downloader. NoAds, Faster apk downloads and apk file update speed. Best of all, it's free

GrapheneOS - GrapheneOS is an open source privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility.

Aptoide - Aptoide is a third party replacement for the traditional Google Play Store.