Introduction to Allview X4 Soul Mini

The Allview X4 Soul Mini was introduced with the aim of providing a budget-friendly yet feature-rich smartphone experience. Released in March 2017, the device sought to meet the demands of users looking for a reliable smartphone that does not completely empty the wallet. Though discontinued now, it left an indelible mark during its active phase.

Design and Build

The Allview X4 Soul Mini boasts a compact design with dimensions of 143.5 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm, making it ergonomically friendly and easy to handle with one hand. Weighing just 144 grams, it’s a lightweight device, ensuring portability without the burden. The phone features a hybrid dual SIM slot allowing both Nano-SIM and Micro-SIM cards for added versatility. Available in colors like Black and Gold, the design is kept minimalistic yet elegant to cater to users who appreciate simplicity.

Display

A defining feature for any smartphone, the X4 Soul Mini does not disappoint. It features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This configuration provides for vivid colors and decent clarity for its size, with a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. Further enhances with Asahi Dragontrail Glass, the screen not only delivers in terms of visuals but also promises additional protection from scratches and minor accidental drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by a MediaTek MT6737 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.25 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Mali-T720MP2 GPU. This setup allows the X4 Soul Mini to manage everyday tasks efficiently, be it browsing, social media, or light gaming. Users have the choice of either 2GB or 3GB of RAM versions, coupled with 16GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSDXC card, albeit utilizing a shared SIM slot.

Camera Capabilities

The camera system includes a 13 MP primary sensor, featuring Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and an LED flash. The camera capabilities are further extended by features such as HDR and Panorama mode, ensuring that users can capture detailed and vibrant images in varying lighting conditions. Video recording is supported at 1080p at 30 frames per second, offering smooth playback. The selfie camera is an 8 MP shooter, delivering sufficient quality for video calls and selfies.

Battery Life

Fueling the device is a 2500 mAh Li-Po battery, which is non-removable. Given the hardware specifications and the efficiency of Android 7.0 Nougat, users can expect a full day’s usage upon moderate use. The battery is adequate for daily tasks such as messaging, calls, and moderate browsing or streaming. However, heavy users may need to charge the device more frequently.

Connectivity and Other Features

The Allview X4 Soul Mini supports multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and FM radio. However, NFC is not available on this device. It features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor enhancing the device's security while ensuring quick access for the user. The device also includes the essential sensors like accelerometer and proximity for smooth functioning of various apps and services.

Network and Communication

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring capable connectivity options, covering major frequencies for 2G, 3G, and 4G bands. Whether surfing the web or streaming videos, users benefit from LTE Cat4 speeds, offering up to 150 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload rates. Such connectivity ensures that users remain connected seamlessly in urban settings where these spectrums are widely available.

Software and User Interface

Allview X4 Soul Mini runs on Android 7.0 Nougat, bringing with it a host of features like split-screen multitasking, improved notifications, and enhanced power-saving options. The interface is intuitive and supports user-friendly customization, keeping in tune with the style Allview aims to deliver through a perfect blend of performance and usability.

Market Position and Conclusion

Positioned as a budget smartphone, the Allview X4 Soul Mini managed to carve a niche for itself within its productive span. It was largely appealing to users seeking functionality without extravagant expenses. The inclusion of decent camera capabilities, acceptable performance, and necessary connectivity options made it a competitive choice in the budget segment at the time of its release. Although not in production anymore, it remains part of the important narrative in the journey of accessible smartphone technology, highlighting how innovation and affordability can converge within the tech industry.