Archos 45 Platinum A Comprehensive Review on Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Archos 45 Platinum

The Archos 45 Platinum, launched and released in 2013, represents a snapshot in the evolution of affordable smartphones. While it may be discontinued now, the device attracted users with its dual SIM capability and decent performance specs in its time, sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Play processor and operating on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, it managed to cater to basic smartphone needs quite efficiently.

Design and Build

The design of the Archos 45 Platinum is practical and lightweight. Measuring 142.5 x 71.8 x 9.2 mm and weighing 150g, it is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The build incorporates a classic black finish, adding to its universal appeal. The phone accommodates dual Mini-SIM cards, allowing users the flexibility of maintaining two separate lines, suitable for balancing personal and professional contacts.

Display Characteristics

The device features a 4.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi. Although the display's screen-to-body ratio sits at around 54.6%, the size is adequate for reading text, browsing the web, and watching videos without feeling constrained.

Performance

At the heart of the Archos 45 Platinum is the Qualcomm MSM8225Q Snapdragon S4 Play chipset paired with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU and an Adreno 203 GPU. This combination was sufficient for handling everyday tasks such as email, social media, and light gaming at the time of its release.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of RAM, which was standard for many smartphones in its class during its release. Additionally, it offers 4GB of internal storage, expandable via the dedicated microSDHC slot, providing users with additional flexibility to store apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The Archos 45 Platinum is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera complemented by an LED flash and HDR capabilities, enabling users to capture decent quality images. For video enthusiasts, it supports 720p video recording. On the front, a VGA camera is included, mostly serving for basic video calls and low-resolution selfies.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable 1600 mAh Li-Ion battery, the device offers a respectable standby time of up to 135 hours and talk time of up to 8 hours and 20 minutes on 2G and up to 10 hours on 3G networks. This battery life enables users to navigate through their day without constantly needing a charger.

Connectivity Options

The Archos 45 Platinum supports various connectivity options. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with the ability to create hotspots and use DLNA technology. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR supports wireless data exchange with compatible devices. GPS is available for navigation, alongside a stereo FM radio for entertainment. However, it lacks NFC support. The charging and data transfer are managed through a standard microUSB 2.0 port.

Sound and Audio

For audio, the device integrates a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones and audio systems. While the audio output quality stands adequate for the time, it supports the primary audio needs of users effectively.

Additional Features

A few auxiliary features include an accelerometer and proximity sensor which enhance usability by providing intuitive control options. These sensors are fundamental for automatic screen orientation adjustments and improving overall user interaction.

Network Support

In terms of network technology, the Archos 45 Platinum operates on 2G bands GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz and 3G HSDPA 900 / 2100 MHz, offering reliable albeit basic, connectivity standards. The HSPA provides up to 7.2 Mbps download speeds, supporting moderate internet usage needs.

SAR Values

The EU SAR values for this device are measured at 0.39 W/kg (head) and 1.28 W/kg (body), which comfortingly fall within the safety standards that consumers expect from mobile devices.

Conclusion

Even though the Archos 45 Platinum may now be discontinued, its legacy as a budget-friendly smartphone offering dual SIM capability and basic smartphone features remain noteworthy. During its lifecycle, it effectively balanced affordability with performance, successfully catering to its target segment. While technology has advanced considerably since its release, this device reflects a period of mobile technology where manufacturers were striving to expand smartphone accessibility globally.