Canonical's Aquaris E5 HD Ubuntu Edition launches tomorrow in the EU for $223

Just like Canonical's previous smartphone, the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition, the new handset is actually made by BQ, a smartphone manufacturer from Spain. Also like its predecessor, the original Aquaris E5 HD previously launched with Android on board.

Ubuntu's gesture-based smartphone operating system aims to keep everything at a swipe away, although the low number of apps currently available on the platform is a real downside at the moment. Canonical obviously hopes that this will change in the future, although it certainly looks like an uphill battle.

As the name suggests, the Aquaris E5 HD Ubuntu Edition will come with a 5-inch IPS display running a resolution of 720 by 1280 pixels at a PPI of 294. Like its predecessor, the upcoming Ubuntu smartphone will be based on a 1.3GHz quad-core processor from MediaTek paired with 1GB of RAM. Other specs include 16GB of integrated storage space, a 13MP primary camera, a 5MP secondary camera on the front, and dual SIM capabilities. Overall, Canonical's second Ubuntu smartphone doesn't seem to come with too many improvements over its predecessor.

The Aquaris E5 HD Ubuntu Edition will be launched mid-June in the European Union. The unlocked smartphone will be available for 199.90 EUR (which translates into about $223 at the current conversion rates) and will be sold through BQ's online store. At the moment, there is no word about a potential launch in the United States, but we'll keep an eye out and let you know if there are any developments.

source: Canonical