Acer Liquid M220 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Acer Liquid M220

The Acer Liquid M220 is a budget-friendly smartphone that was launched in 2015. This device was aimed towards users who were looking for a basic smartphone with essential features without breaking the bank. It runs on the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system, which was part of Microsoft's attempt to gain a stronger foothold in the mobile market. The phone offers a compact design, satisfactory performance for everyday tasks, and a focus on simplicity and efficiency.

Network and Connectivity

The Acer Liquid M220 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, suitable for users who don't require high-speed LTE connectivity. The dual SIM models allow users to manage two phone numbers on a single device, making it convenient for business users and those who wish to separate personal and work communications. WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS are included, ensuring that the basic connectivity needs are met. However, the device does not support NFC, which may be a limitation for users who prefer mobile payments.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 124.9 x 64 x 9.6 mm and a weight of just 119 grams, the Acer Liquid M220 is a compact and lightweight device that is easy to handle and fits comfortably in the hand. Its build includes a removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery, which allows users to replace the battery if needed. The phone is available in Mystic Black and Pure White, offering a simple aesthetic that suits a variety of personal styles.

Display

The device sports a 4.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. This screen size and resolution are modest by today's standards but are acceptable for basic smartphone tasks such as browsing, messaging, and light app usage. The screen-to-body ratio is around 57%, which is typical for budget devices of its time.

Performance and Hardware

Acer Liquid M220 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 chipset with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 302 GPU. While this combination does not support high-end gaming or intensive multitasking, it provides adequate performance for basic applications and functions. There are two variants of the device in terms of memory: one with 4GB of internal storage and 512MB RAM, and another (M220+) with 8GB of internal storage and 1GB RAM. The phone supports expandable storage via a microSDHC card, which is crucial given the limited internal memory.

Camera Capabilities

Photography on the Liquid M220 is facilitated by a 5MP main camera with autofocus, LED flash, and panorama features. The camera is capable of capturing simple images suitable for social media sharing and memory preservation. For selfies, the device offers a modest 2MP front-facing camera. While these specifications are not designed for serious photographers, they adequately serve casual users.

Sound and Multimedia

The Acer Liquid M220 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who frequently listen to music or other audio on their devices. An FM radio is also embedded, which adds value for users in areas where radio is a popular media form. Multimedia playback is basic but sufficient for the device's target audience.

Sensors and Additional Features

Essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor are included, standard offerings for smartphones in this category. However, more advanced features such as gyroscopes and face detection are not part of the package, reflecting the device's emphasis on fundamental functionality.

Battery Life

Featuring a 1300 mAh removable battery, the Liquid M220 offers a stand-by time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours. While this might seem limited compared to modern smartphones, it is adequate for users who don't heavily rely on their phones throughout the day.

Price Consideration

Upon release, the device was priced at approximately 80 EUR, positioning it as an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers and those entering the smartphone market for the first time. Given its price point, the Liquid M220 delivers expected value and function.

Conclusion

The Acer Liquid M220 represents an entry-level approach to smartphones with its affordable price and provision of essential features. It is particularly suited for users with basic communication needs and for those who appreciate the simplicity and reliability of the Windows Phone 8.1 platform. While it lacks some of the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, it remains a noteworthy example of devices catering to the lower end of the market during its time of launch.