Price and specifications of Acer beTouch E130 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Acer beTouch E130

The Acer beTouch E130 is a smartphone that was introduced in June 2010 and released in August 2010. It has since been discontinued but remains a point of interest for those examining the evolution of smartphones. It represents an era when Android phones with physical keyboards were striving to balance between touchscreen functionality and tactile feedback. With features like a 3MP camera and a full QWERTY keyboard, it was targeted at users who needed a compact phone suitable for email and basic internet use.

Design and Build

The design of the Acer beTouch E130 is functional and stylish for its time, measuring 115 x 62.5 x 11.5 mm and weighing 109 grams. Its dimensions make it compact, fitting comfortably in the hand while offering a physical QWERTY keyboard for ease of typing, which was a popular feature for business users or those who regularly send emails and messages. The build quality reflects its price point, using materials typical of 2010 smartphones, with a solid plastic exterior available in black and white color options.

Display

The E130 features a 2.6-inch TFT display capable of showing 65K colors at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. While relatively small by today's standards, during its release, it was adequate for viewing emails, messages, and basic web browsing. The screen’s size and resolution give it a pixel density of approximately 154 ppi, which is sufficient for reading text but not ideal for media-heavy applications.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Acer beTouch E130 is powered by an ST Ericsson PNX6715 chipset with a 416 MHz processor. Paired with 256MB of RAM, this setup was designed to handle basic smartphone tasks such as calling, texting, and light web browsing. It also features 512MB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDHC slot, which allows users to store additional data beyond the confines of its internal capacity.

Camera

The phone is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera, which was relatively standard for budget smartphones of its era. While not meant for professional photography, it’s capable of capturing basic images and videos. This camera setup appeals to users who need a simple and accessible way to capture moments without the need for high-definition quality.

Software

Running on Android 1.6 Donut, the device offers a standard Android experience typical of early-generation smartphones. The operating system supports essential applications and provides a user-friendly interface for managing tasks. However, it lacks the support for advanced applications and features found in later versions of Android, limiting its functionality in a modern context.

Network and Connectivity

The beTouch E130 supports GSM / HSPA technologies, with 2G bands covering GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G bands supporting HSDPA 900/2100. It offers HSPA speeds of up to 3.6/0.384 Mbps for data transfer. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS, and stereo FM radio with RDS. A microUSB 2.0 port is available for charging and data transfer.

Battery Performance

The device houses a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, which provides up to 600 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time. These battery specifications highlight the beTouch E130’s efficiency, particularly given its conservative power demands paired with the hardware capabilities of the time. The removable nature of the battery also allows users to replace it with ease, ensuring longer usability of the device.

Audio and Extras

Sound features of the Acer beTouch E130 include a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, facilitating audio playback through both external and personal listening devices. It also comes equipped with sensors like an accelerometer and a compass, enhancing its utility for various applications that include navigation and orientation tasks.

Market Position and Pricing

Originally priced at approximately 90 EUR, the Acer beTouch E130 was positioned in the budget segment of the smartphone market, appealing to those looking for an affordable handset with the added convenience of a physical keyboard. Its discontinuation marks its position as a device tailored for its time, serving a niche audience that valued tactile interaction alongside the burgeoning touchscreen trend.

Conclusion

The Acer beTouch E130 presents a snapshot of an era where smartphones were undergoing rapid transformation. With its combination of a physical QWERTY keyboard, Android operating system, and modest hardware specifications, it targeted users seeking simplicity and functionality. Although it's no longer available in the market, its design and features continue to be studied as part of the evolution of mobile technology.