Archos 50b Platinum The Ultimate Guide Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction

The Archos 50b Platinum is a smartphone that targets the budget-friendly market segment, offering essential smartphone capabilities with an aesthetically pleasing design. Released in September 2014, this device showcases a blend of practical performance and affordability. Below is a comprehensive exploration of its features and specifications.

Design and Build

The Archos 50b Platinum boasts a sleek design with an attractive black color. Its dimensions are 146.8 x 73 x 8.3 mm and it weighs 160 grams, which makes it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The device supports Dual SIM (Mini-SIM), which is a significant feature for users who need to manage two phone lines simultaneously.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Archos 50b Platinum provides vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 64.3%, with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels that results in about 220 PPI density. Although not the highest resolution on the market, it is suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing and using apps.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by a Mediatek MT6582 chipset, which utilizes a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and is paired with a Mali-400MP2 GPU. While this hardware setup is not designed for high-end gaming, it is competent enough to handle usual smartphone activities like calling, messaging, and social media applications with relative ease.

Memory and Storage

The Archos 50b Platinum comes with 512MB RAM and 4GB of internal storage. This amount of RAM limits multitasking capabilities, as it can be challenging to run several apps simultaneously in the background. However, the inclusion of a microSDHC card slot allows users to expand storage for personal media and applications, providing some relief to the limited internal storage.

Camera

The device is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of capturing 1080p video at 30fps. While not at the forefront of camera technology, it suffices for casual photography. The 2 MP front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls, although it may struggle in low-light conditions.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1900 mAh battery, the Archos 50b Platinum offers moderate battery life. The capacity is sufficient for a medium level of use throughout the day, given the device’s energy-efficient components. The removable battery is a positive aspect for users who prefer the option of swapping batteries for extended use.

Connectivity and Features

The smartphone supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, allowing for reasonable data connectivity speeds up to HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with capabilities such as Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA, a great bonus for media sharing and connectivity. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port. It also comes with a stereo FM radio and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Operating System

Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the Archos 50b Platinum benefits from the user-friendly interface and features of this operating system version. Although it lacks the latest functionalities found in newer Android versions, KitKat remains functional for basic app compatibility and general smartphone usage.

Sensors

The available sensors include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These provide basic navigation and user interaction functions that enhance the device’s usability.

Conclusion

The Archos 50b Platinum presents itself as a budget smartphone tailored to users seeking essential smartphone functionalities without high costs. While it does not compete with flagship models in terms of power and features, it offers practical performance for day-to-day tasks alongside useful features such as dual SIM support and expandable storage. The Archos 50b Platinum serves as a reminder that smartphones need not always be high-end to be adequately functional and appealing to a broad audience.