Acer Liquid C1 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Network Capabilities

The Acer Liquid C1 offers connectivity options across GSM and HSPA technologies, which were standard during its release period. The device supports 2G bands, inclusive of GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 frequencies, making it compatible with a wide range of network carriers globally. Additionally, the 3G capabilities include bands HSDPA 850, 900, 1900, and 2100, providing a broader spectrum for better internet connectivity and faster data speeds, peaking at HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps.

Launch Details

The Acer Liquid C1 was first announced in January 2013 and subsequently released in March of the same year. Upon its release, it garnered attention for integrating an Intel processor at a budget price point. Despite its appeal and competitive pricing, the model has since been discontinued, making it a memory of past smartphone innovations.

Body and Design

The craftsmanship of the Acer Liquid C1 is reflected in its dimensions and weight. Measuring 127.3 x 65.5 x 10 mm and weighing 140 grams, the device offers a comfortable grip and is easy to handle. It employs a Mini-SIM slot which was common at the time. The design, although not groundbreaking, was functional, serving the practical aspect of a medium-tier smartphone.

Display

The device features a 4.3-inch IPS LCD screen, maintaining a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 61.1%. Its resolution stands at 540 x 960 pixels, with a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a pixel density of about 256 ppi. Although not high-definition by today's standards, it offered decent clarity and color reproduction suitable for regular multimedia consumption and browsing.

Platform and Performance

At the heart of the Acer Liquid C1 is the Intel Atom Z2420 chipset, powered by a 1.2 GHz CPU with a PowerVR SGX540 GPU handling graphics. This combination was notable for its time, introducing Intel's processing power to the smartphone ecosystem. Running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the device ensured access to a plethora of applications through the Google Play Store, though it lagged behind in supporting newer applications over time.

Memory and Storage

The device includes 4GB of internal storage paired with 1GB of RAM, a configuration that suited basic user needs such as phone calls, messaging, and light application use. To expand storage, it supports a microSDHC card, providing additional flexibility for users needing more space for media and applications.

Camera Features

Photographic functionalities in the Acer Liquid C1 include an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, enabling decent photography in various lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities are also available, although the quality may not meet high-definition standards. The front-facing camera is VGA, serving basic video calling needs rather than modern selfie expectations.

Audio and Comms

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker for media playback and a 3.5mm audio jack, enhancing its compatibility with most headphones and external audio setups. Connectivity options are robust for the era, featuring Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS for navigation, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfers and charging. Unfortunately, NFC is absent, which means no support for contactless payments or similar features.

Sensors and Battery Life

In terms of sensors, the Acer Liquid C1 integrates an accelerometer and proximity sensor, covering basic interaction needs such as auto-rotation and call management. The power is supplied by a removable 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery, promising up to 9 hours of talk time, which was adequate for daily moderate usage.

Miscellaneous Features

The phone was available in black and white color variants, providing a choice between classic aesthetics. In terms of safety parameters, the SAR value is recorded at 0.38 W/kg for head exposure and 0.70 W/kg for the body, complying with safety standards.

Price and Value

Initially priced at approximately 180 EUR, the Acer Liquid C1 was positioned in the market as an affordable option with decent specifications. It offered good value for money, catering well to price-sensitive consumers looking for feature-rich smartphones without breaking the bank.