Introduction to Allview Impera S

The Allview Impera S, announced in June 2014 and released in August of the same year, marked a notable entry in the mid-range smartphone market. Noteworthy for its use of the Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 operating system, the Impera S sought to deliver a solid smartphone experience within an affordable price range. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the various aspects of this device, including its design, performance, and features.

Design and Build

The Allview Impera S sports dimensions of 144.9 x 72.1 x 8.8 mm and weighs 156.2 grams, making it relatively easy to handle. Its sleek design is complemented by a black color finish, which gives it a professional and understated look. The device incorporates a dual SIM slot, a feature that appeals to users requiring multiple numbers for business and personal use.

Display

The phone features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, housing a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi, delivering clear and vibrant visuals. Additionally, the screen-to-body ratio of around 66% provides a decent viewing area that enhances media consumption and user interaction. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass, adding a layer of durability to the device.

Performance

Under its hood, the Impera S is equipped with a Qualcomm MSM8212 Snapdragon 200 chipset built on a 28 nm process. It features a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 302 GPU. Although this combination was modest even for its time, it offered acceptable performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming.

The device is coupled with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. The presence of a microSDHC card slot allows for storage expansion, a necessary feature given the limited internal space. This makes it possible for users to store more applications, photos, and music beyond the built-in capacity.

Camera

The Allview Impera S is equipped with an 8 MP autofocus main camera. It is accompanied by an LED flash and supports panorama mode, allowing users to capture a variety of photographic styles. While video recording capabilities are included, the specifications indicate basic functionality without mention of advanced features like 1080p recording.

On the front, the device houses a 2 MP selfie camera, sufficient for video calls and basic selfie needs. Though it lacks the advanced functionalities seen in more modern devices, it serves adequately for its target user base.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. For its size and class, this capacity provides satisfactory standby and use durations. With a standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of about 8 hours and 20 minutes, the device can comfortably last through a typical day of use for non-intensive tasks.

Connectivity

The connectivity suite in the Impera S is quite standard. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and can function as a hotspot. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR ensures decent wireless data transfer capabilities. The device also includes GPS for location tracking. However, it lacks NFC, a feature that was gaining popularity even in 2014. An included FM radio rounds off the available communication features. MicroUSB 2.0 is used for charging and data transfer.

Operating System and Additional Features

Running on Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, the Impera S offers a user experience distinct from the more common Android and iOS platforms. It emphasizes a tile-based interface and integrates services like Microsoft Office and OneDrive. However, the app ecosystem was somewhat limited compared to its rivals at the time.

Sensors on the device include an accelerometer and proximity sensor, covering basic gesture and screen-off functions.

Market Context and Price

When released, the Allview Impera S was priced at about 170 EUR, placing it in the affordable range for most consumers. It was designed to cater to users who desired the functionality of a smartphone without the high cost associated with flagship models. Despite being discontinued, the Impera S remains an interesting example of the mid-range capabilities available to consumers in the mid-2010s.

Conclusion

The Allview Impera S represents a balanced device for everyday users of its day, offering essentials in a straightforward package. While it may no longer hold the allure it once did, its role in providing an accessible smartphone experience cannot be understated. This device stands as a testament to the incremental progression of technology, offering nostalgic value to enthusiasts and former users alike.