Price and specifications of Acer Allegro advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build

The Acer Allegro sports a sleek and compact design that was typical of smartphones in the early 2010s. With dimensions of 116 x 59 x 13 mm and a weight of 126 grams, the device is relatively easy to handle. The phone features a plastic build with a straightforward look and is available in two color variants: Black and White. The front of the phone displays a 3.6-inch TFT screen, which occupies about 53.9% of the device's front body, providing a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 259 ppi.

Display

The 3.6-inch TFT display on the Acer Allegro offers moderate viewing angles and decent brightness levels, which are adequate for indoor usage. With a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, the screen provides crisp enough visuals for daily tasks such as web browsing, messaging, and viewing photos. However, under direct sunlight, readability can be challenging – a common issue with TFT screens of that era.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Acer Allegro is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, featuring a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This hardware combination was quite competent for the smartphone's release time, capable of handling basic tasks and several applications without much hassle. However, intensive applications and multitasking might pose a challenge given the hardware limitations. The device comes with 8GB of internal storage without any option for expansion via microSD, which could be restrictive for users requiring more space for their media and apps.

Camera

The Allegro is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera, capable of capturing satisfactory photos in well-lit conditions. The absence of advanced features like a dual-camera setup or optical image stabilization means that low-light photography and fast-moving object capture are not the phone's strong suits. The camera can record video, allowing users to capture moments in motion.

Operating System and Features

Running on Microsoft Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, the Acer Allegro initially provided a refreshing alternative to the Android and iOS platforms. Windows Phone 7.5 Mango delivered a unique user interface with its live tiles and fluid performance. The operating system also introduced improved multitasking capabilities, a better app marketplace, and integrated Windows Live, Xbox LIVE, and Microsoft Office services. However, the limited app ecosystem compared to its competitors was a significant drawback.

Connectivity

For connectivity, the Acer Allegro supports various networks with GSM and HSPA technology, covering 2G and 3G bands essential for phone calls and data. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA support, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and EDR, GPS with A-GPS support, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfers. Unfortunately, the device does not feature FM Radio which was more common on smartphones during its release period.

Battery Life

The device features a removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery. While not exceptional by today's standards, it was relatively standard when the device was launched. Acer Allegro could sustain up to 6 hours of talk time. For users with moderate usage requirements, the battery was capable of lasting through most of the day with standard tasks.

Sound and Multimedia

On the sound front, the Allegro includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring users can enjoy music and calls both through the speaker and personal headphones. Media players for audio and video are embedded within the OS, providing satisfactory performance for multimedia playback.

Conclusion

The Acer Allegro presented a valuable proposition at its entry-level price point of approximately 140 EUR. While it may not have stood out in extraordinary ways, it provided a competent package for users looking to enter the smartphone world with a device based on Windows Phone. The distinct OS experience, coupled with its reasonable performance and compact design, made it an interesting choice for those curious about the Windows ecosystem during its operational period. While it has since been discontinued, it stands as a testament to the diverse options that were available during the Windows Phone era.