Allview P5 Symbol Specs Price Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Allview P5 Symbol

The Allview P5 Symbol was a notable addition to the smartphone market when it was announced in December 2013. Developed by the Romanian electronics company Allview, this smartphone was aimed at budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable device with well-rounded features. Despite being discontinued, it remains a point of reference for understanding the evolution of budget smartphones during the early 2010s.

Design and Build

The Allview P5 Symbol features a practical and straightforward design typical of smartphones from its era. With dimensions of 136.6 x 69.8 x 10.9 mm and a weight of 147.7 grams, the device offers a comfortable grip and ease of use. Its compact build makes it portable and user-friendly. The phone is available in a classic black color, which adds to its sleek and professional look. The device supports dual SIM cards, allowing users to manage work and personal communications on a single handset.

Display

The smartphone comes with a 4.63-inch TFT display, providing a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. This equates to a ~212 ppi density, offering decent clarity and sharpness for basic tasks and multimedia consumption. Although not on par with modern high-definition screens, it was adequate for its time, serving users who needed a functional display for daily use.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Allview P5 Symbol is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, paired with a Mali-400 GPU. It runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, an operating system which, at the time, provided a balance between usability and performance. The combination of CPU and GPU capabilities supports essential applications and a number of games, although it may struggle with more demanding tasks.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. While this capacity is quite limited by today's standards, it was sufficient for basic apps, some multimedia files, and contact storage. Unfortunately, the P5 Symbol does not feature a card slot for expandable storage, which significantly restricts storage capabilities for users requiring extra space.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera on the Allview P5 Symbol is a 5MP shooter with autofocus. It includes features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama, making it capable of capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions. The camera supports video recording at 720p@30fps, which was competitive for budget phones at the time. Its VGA front camera is basic, serving well for video calls but less suited for modern-day selfie quality expectations.

Battery Life

The Allview P5 Symbol is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery. According to the manufacturer, it provides up to 280 hours of standby time. In terms of talk time, it offers up to 6 hours and 40 minutes on 2G networks and up to 5 hours and 40 minutes on 3G networks. These are ample durations for typical daily use, ensuring the device lasts through a standard workday without frequent recharging.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The P5 Symbol supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, and microUSB 2.0. It also includes GPS and an FM radio, providing multiple avenues for connectivity and entertainment. The smartphone lacks NFC capability, which was a common omission in budget phones of its time. Sensory features include an accelerometer and proximity sensor, enhancing user interaction and device functionality.

Market Position and Pricing

When released, the Allview P5 Symbol was priced at approximately 160 EUR, placing it within the reach of consumers seeking a functional smartphone without the premium cost. Its pricing made it a viable option for first-time smartphone buyers and those looking for a secondary device.

Conclusion

While the Allview P5 Symbol might not compete with today’s high-end smartphones, it serves as a reminder of the progress made in smartphone technology over the last decade. Its simple design, basic functionality, and affordability demonstrate the characteristics essential to budget phones of its era. Despite its limitations, it provided a balanced experience suitable for daily communication and casual entertainment needs.