Archos 50b Helium 4G InDepth Review & Price Analysis

Overview of Archos 50b Helium 4G

The Archos 50b Helium 4G was announced in October 2014 and released in December of the same year. Although it has been discontinued, this device was known for its affordability and decent specifications for its time. It catered to users looking for basic smartphone functionality with the added advantage of 4G connectivity, a rare feature in budget phones at that time.

Network and Connectivity

The Archos 50b Helium 4G supported a variety of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, making it a versatile option for users in different regions. It supported dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two numbers simultaneously, a useful feature for those juggling work and personal life.

Its 4G capability was one of its hallmark features, with LTE bands 1, 3, 7, and 20 being supported, ensuring speedy internet access with download speeds up to 150 Mbps, courtesy of LTE Cat4.

Design and Build

The phone was designed with practicality in mind, featuring dimensions of 145 x 71.5 x 9 mm and a weight of 160 grams, which offered a solid feel in the hand. Available in black, the device maintained a classic and understated look.

The build included a dual SIM setup using Micro-SIM cards, catering to users who required multiple lines without the need for an additional phone.

Display

The Archos 50b Helium 4G featured a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, providing a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. With an approximate 294 ppi density, the screen offered sufficient clarity for daily tasks. The display's screen-to-body ratio was about 66.5%, allowing for an immersive viewing experience at the time.

Performance

At the heart of the Archos 50b Helium 4G was the Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. The quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU paired with the Adreno 306 GPU provided a decent performance for day-to-day operations like browsing, media consumption, and light gaming.

The device ran on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, a popular operating system at that time, offering a range of features and compatibility with numerous apps on the Google Play Store.

Memory and Storage

This smartphone came with 1GB of RAM, which was standard for budget devices at the time. Storage-wise, it offered 8GB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a microSDXC card, providing flexibility for users to store their media and applications.

Camera

The Archos 50b Helium 4G included an 8MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash, allowing users to capture fair quality photos in various lighting conditions. It supported video recording at 1080p@30fps, adding to its media capabilities. On the front, the device sported a 2MP selfie camera for basic personal photography needs.

Audio and Sound

For audio, the phone had a built-in loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, providing connectivity for a range of audio devices. These features ensured users could enjoy music and videos conveniently without the need for adapters.

Communication and Additional Features

The Archos 50b Helium 4G was equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP functionality, and GPS for navigation. NFC and FM radio rounded out the communication features, providing further convenience and connectivity options for users.

Other sensors included were the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass, adding to the device's capability of providing a number of enhanced functionalities in relevant applications.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Po 2000 mAh battery. While this capacity may seem modest by today's standards, it sufficed for a day of moderate usage, considering the processing and display demands of the device.

Pricing and Market Position

When launched, the Archos 50b Helium 4G was priced at around 150 EUR, positioning it in the budget segment of the market. Its competitive pricing coupled with decent specifications made it a viable choice for users seeking affordability without having to compromise too much on functionality.

Conclusion

Overall, the Archos 50b Helium 4G offered a well-rounded package for its time, especially applauded for its 4G capabilities in a budget-friendly smartphone. Though it might not hold up against modern-day standards, it highlighted the progress available technology achieved within the budget space at the time of its release. While it has been discontinued, its existence reflects an important era in smartphone development, bridging the gap between basic phones and the more advanced offerings of today's market.