Acer CloudMobile S500 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Acer CloudMobile S500

Acer CloudMobile S500 was introduced as a part of Acer's aim to make its mark in the smartphone industry back in 2012. It was a competitive attempt by Acer to combine robust hardware specifications with the contemporary design and user-friendly interface. The device gained attention due to its sleek design and commendable performance during its time. Though it has been discontinued, it is still remembered for several of its features that were ahead of its peers.

Design and Build

The Acer CloudMobile S500 sports a compact and fashionable design. With dimensions of 127 x 65.8 x 9.9 mm and a weight of 122 grams, it offered a balance between portability and grip. The body was crafted to provide an ergonomic experience, supporting Micro-SIM technology. It was available in Black, exuding a professional and sophisticated look.

Display Features

The device featured a 4.3-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 61.0%, leading to a pixel density of around 342 ppi. These specifications allowed for vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making media consumption a delightful experience. The contrast ratio of 1063:1, further coupled with sunlight readability at 1.931:1, was impressive for outdoor use.

Performance and Hardware Specifications

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, the CloudMobile S500 ran on a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU. The Adreno 225 GPU allowed for decent graphics performance, supporting gaming and multimedia tasks. The device originally came with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), offering smooth and efficient performance during routine tasks.

Memory and Storage

With 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, users had a moderate amount of space for applications and media. However, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDHC card slot allowed for expandable storage, affording users the flexibility to extend their device's storage capacity as needed.

Camera Capabilities

The Acer CloudMobile S500 was equipped with an 8 MP rear camera, featuring auto-focus and an LED flash. The camera was capable of capturing high-quality images and offered HDR functionality to enhance photo clarity and detail. The device also supported 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring that users could capture memories in Full HD. However, there was an absence of a selfie camera, which might be seen as a limitation for contemporary users.

Audio and Connectivity

The audio output via the loudspeaker was adequate, with measurements for voice and noise at 59dB and 58dB, respectively. The device included a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to connect their favorite headphones effortlessly. Connectivity options were robust, featuring Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with A-GPS, NFC, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0, ensuring users remained connected and in control at all times.

Battery Life

The CloudMobile S500 housed a removable Li-Ion 1460 mAh battery. While this capacity seems modest by today's standards, it was quite typical for smartphones from its era. It offered an endurance rating of 30 hours, which was considered reasonably sufficient for typical daily usage back then.

Miscellaneous Features

The device offered various sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass — tools that enhanced user interaction and allowed the device to support a more immersive experience. Priced at about 220 EUR during its release, it positioned itself as a value-for-money device.

Conclusion

Despite being discontinued, the Acer CloudMobile S500 remains a testament to Acer's innovative approach during 2012. It combined a host of features, from a sharp display and decent camera to comprehensive connectivity options. While it might not hold up against modern smartphones due to the rapid advancements in technology, it paved the way for future devices and remains a noteworthy chapter in Acer’s smartphone history.