Acer Liquid Z320 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Acer Liquid Z320

The Acer Liquid Z320 is a budget-friendly smartphone that was released in November 2015. It was designed to cater to users seeking a basic smartphone experience with essential features. While the device has been discontinued, it offers an insight into the mid-2010s smartphone industry, catering largely to entry-level users or as a secondary device. It combines affordability with functionality, making it an accessible choice for many consumers at the time.

Design and Build

The Acer Liquid Z320 sports a compact design with dimensions of 136 x 66.5 x 9.6 mm and a weight of 142 grams. This makes it a portable device easily operated with one hand. Its design is simple, with a plastic build that provides durability and a lightweight feel. The phone is available in a ‘Pure White’ color which adds to its clean and minimalistic look. Users have the choice between a Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) configuration, providing flexibility in usage.

Display

The device features a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. The display density is about 218 ppi, which is satisfactory for basic smartphone activities like texting, calling, and light browsing. Although it isn’t designed for high-definition media consumption or gaming, the display is adequate for everyday use, ensuring clear readability and decent color reproduction.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset, the Acer Liquid Z320 is equipped with a Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 304 GPU. This processor setup is aimed at handling basic tasks and applications. With 1GB of RAM, multitasking capabilities are limited but functional for non-intensive applications. The phone supports 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot, providing room for additional files and applications.

Camera Capabilities

The Acer Liquid Z320 is equipped with a 5MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash. It is suitable for capturing basic photos, ensuring users can document moments despite the lack of advanced camera technology. The device can also record video, making it versatile for capturing moving images. The front camera has a 2MP resolution, designed primarily for casual selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The phone includes a removable Li-Po 2000 mAh battery, which provides power enough to last for a regular day of light to moderate usage. The benefit of a removable battery is that it allows users to replace it easily once its efficiency starts degrading, thus prolonging the device's lifespan. Its modest battery capacity is aligned with the overall entry-level specifications of the smartphone.

Network and Connectivity

The Acer Liquid Z320 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, facilitating standard mobile connectivity. With HSPA speeds reaching up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps, users are afforded reliable 3G connectivity for essential internet tasks. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and can act as a mobile hotspot. Additionally, the device includes Bluetooth 4.0, GPS positioning, FM Radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, it lacks NFC capabilities.

Software and Interface

The device runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, delivering an intuitive and user-friendly interface typical of Android. While it may not support the latest apps due to its older operating system, Android 5.1 still provides various customization options and supports a number of popular apps for communication, productivity, and entertainment. Despite its limitations, the OS remains adequate for users with basic operational needs.

Audio and Multimedia

The Acer Liquid Z320 comes with a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring users can enjoy their audio experience through external speakers or personal headphones. The device's audio functionality caters to music playback, radio listening through the FM radio feature, and conducting calls. While it may not offer high-end sound quality, its audio capabilities are satisfactory for standard uses.

Additional Features

This device includes essential sensors like an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, supporting basic smartphone functionalities and enhancing user experience through features like auto-rotate and proximity-based screen control during calls. Such features are crucial for improving user interaction with the device and optimizing it for intuitive use.

Market Positioning and Price

When released, the Acer Liquid Z320 was priced at approximately 90 EUR, marking it as an economically appealing option in the smartphone market, especially for budget-conscious consumers or those in developing markets. Its affordability did not compromise the core functionalities required by average smartphone users, making it a practical choice for entry-level buyers.

Conclusion

Though the Acer Liquid Z320 is discontinued, its legacy as a budget smartphone remains significant. It represents a time when smartphone markets were rapidly evolving, with companies aiming to provide essential technology access to a broader demographic. While its functionality may be outpaced by modern standards, the Acer Liquid Z320 served its purpose well in providing a reliable, economical, and user-friendly device for everyday use.