Archos 50 Helium 4G Comprehensive Review and Price Analysis

Introduction to Archos 50 Helium 4G

Released in 2014, the Archos 50 Helium 4G represents a remarkable achievement in the mid-range smartphone market of its time. Its design caters to users looking for a practical and efficient device, with a blend of decent performance and connectivity options that align with the needs of everyday life. Throughout this article, we will explore an in-depth review of its specifications, performance, and available features.

Design and Build

The Archos 50 Helium 4G boasts dimensions of 145 x 71.5 x 9 mm and weighs approximately 160 grams. With a micro-SIM slot, the design emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it comfortable to hold and carry around. The IPS LCD display measures 5.0 inches, which provides a fair screen-to-body ratio of approximately 66.5%, making it suitable for moderately immersive viewing experiences without contributing significantly to the bulkiness of the device.

Display Characteristics

In terms of visual output, the device sports a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 294 ppi. The screen delivers satisfactory sharpness and color accuracy, vital for users who consume media or spend extensive amounts of time browsing or using applications requiring clear visuals. The use of IPS technology ensures good viewing angles, making it convenient for users to view content from various perspectives without significant loss in quality.

Hardware Performance

The device is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset built on a 28 nm process. The quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU clocked at 1.2 GHz and Adreno 305 GPU underline its capabilities in handling standard applications and multimedia tasks effectively. While it may not satisfy users seeking high-performance gaming, it handles everyday applications smoothly.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, the Archos 50 Helium includes a microSDHC card slot, allowing for expanded storage options. While the internal memory may seem limited by modern standards, the ability to add extra storage provides flexibility in accommodating additional applications, photos, and other media files.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera, an 8 MP sensor with autofocus, and an LED flash, is capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30fps. Although it may not compete with the rapid advancements in mobile photography, it serves sufficiently for casual photography needs. The front-facing 2 MP camera ensures users can engage in video calls and take selfies, albeit with basic results.

Operating System

The Archos 50 Helium 4G initially ships with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. This operating system version provides access to a wide array of applications and remains user-friendly despite being an older version. Users can navigate the interface with ease, benefitting from familiar Android features and functionalities.

Connectivity Options

In terms of network technology, the Archos 50 Helium supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with the inclusion of bands suited for different regions. The device’s connectivity features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS with GLONASS. This ensures reliable connections for daily tasks such as internet browsing, data transfer, and navigation.

Additional Features

The Archos 50 Helium 4G is equipped with several sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing user interaction. Additional functional features include FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Though NFC is absent, most standard connectivity options are covered.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, facilitating a certain degree of user convenience in terms of ability to carry spare batteries. The phone offers talk time of up to 10 hours on 2G networks and up to 8 hours on 3G, which adequately supports users throughout a typical day’s usage with moderate activity levels.

Price and Market Position

At its release, the Archos 50 Helium 4G was priced around 280 EUR. While not classified as a budget phone, its pricing places it in an accessible bracket for mid-range smartphones. It provided users with a balanced option that incorporated 4G LTE capabilities without stretching their finances significantly.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the Archos 50 Helium 4G, it stands as a testament to the evolution of smartphone design and functionality during its time. Although it may not fit the bill for today’s high-demand mobile environments, it remains a noteworthy option for its balance of performance, efficiency, and available features in a compact and user-friendly package.