Although the armor protection of the Pallada class was still light, it represented a significant improvement over preceding Russian cruiser designs.

As part of this same construction program, the Russian Navy had received cruisers of similar size from abroad (Varyag, Askold, Bogatyr), which were delivered between January 1901 and August 1902, and which were superior to Pallada class in several aspects, including their maximum speed of 23 knots (43 km/h; 26 mph).

Powered by three triple-expansion steam engines with a total of 13,000 horsepower (9,700 kW), they had attained speed of 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph).

The ships had a range of 3,700 nautical miles (6,900 km; 4,300 mi) with a coal stock of 972 tons and 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) cruising speed.

Aurora subsequently achieved fame for firing the shot which is considered the start of the Russian October Revolution.