ConsFirst / Digital photo frames / Compare
Aura Aspen (12-inch) vs Aura Walden (15-inch)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Aura Aspen (12-inch) ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on screen quality, easy setup (for older relatives). Aura Walden (15-inch) wins on reliability.
The biggest complaint about the Aura Aspen (12-inch) is no manual brightness or picture controls; for the Aura Walden (15-inch) it's big, with a visible power cord. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Aura Aspen (12-inch) | Aura Walden (15-inch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in digital photo frames | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Wi-Fi app frame | Wi-Fi app frame |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 5% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Screen quality | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| App & sharing | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Easy setup (for older relatives) | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| No hidden costs | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–250 · $$$ over $250. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Aura Aspen (12-inch)
- No manual brightness or picture controls
PCMag says there are no brightness, color or framing controls on the frame. Brightness is fully automatic and the screen switches off in a dark room, which PCMag calls a nuisance.
Source: PCMag review - Needs Wi-Fi and the cloud
PCMag and Wirecutter both note it relies entirely on cloud storage and won't work without an internet connection. Amazon's summary for Aura frames calls reliability mixed, with some units stopping working.
- Cropping and app quirks
Off-ratio photos are cropped automatically, and you must set each one individually to show the whole image (PCMag, Wirecutter). PCMag's Google Photos albums didn't appear in the app, videos are trimmed to 30 seconds, and the frame has no wall-hanging hardware.
Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT)
Aura Walden (15-inch)
- Big, with a visible power cord
Wirecutter says it takes up a lot of space, reaching just past 20 inches diagonally with the mat. Its 9.6-foot cord means an outlet must be nearby, and the only way to hide the wire is through the wall. Amazon's summary says reactions to the screen size are mixed.
- Pillarboxing and per-photo cropping
Wirecutter says portraits are noticeably pillarboxed when it hangs horizontally. Showing the whole image means changing each photo in the app, which can be time-consuming, so it suggests dedicating the frame to one orientation.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Needs Wi-Fi
Like all Aura frames, it won't function without a Wi-Fi connection (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Who should pick which
Pick the Aura Aspen (12-inch) if
The most print-like picture
Portrait photos from phones (4:3 screen)
Tabletop or shelf display
Skip it if: You want to adjust brightness manually; You want to hang it on a wall; The home has no Wi-Fi
Pick the Aura Walden (15-inch) if
Hanging on a wall (hook and stand included)
A big, short slideshow of favorite shots
No-subscription families
Skip it if: You don't have wall space and a nearby outlet; You want to mix portrait and landscape photos; You want the lowest price
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.