Archos 80 Helium 4G Full Specs Pricing & Review

Introduction to Archos 80 Helium 4G

The Archos 80 Helium 4G is a product of technological advances and innovative design, targeting consumers looking for a combination of performance, functionality, and affordability. Released in April 2014, this tablet offers 4G LTE capabilities, making it a suitable choice for users needing faster internet speeds and broader network coverage at the time of its release.

Display and Design

The Archos 80 Helium 4G features an 8.0-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels. The display offers vivid colors and good viewing angles, ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading documents. Although the pixel density (~160 ppi) is not among the highest, it still provides a decent display experience for everyday use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the device is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset with a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. This combination, paired with 1GB of RAM, provides smooth performance for basic tasks and moderate multitasking. The hardware may not support heavy gaming or intensive applications, but it is apt for users who need a reliable device for daily tasks.

Connectivity and Network

The network capabilities are one of the standout features of the Archos 80 Helium 4G. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, providing extensive connectivity options. The device operates on various bands, including 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), 3G (HSDPA 900/2100), and 4G (Bands 1, 3, 7, 20). The LTE Cat4 modem provides download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, with upload speeds up to 50 Mbps, ensuring fast and reliable internet access for browsing and streaming.

Camera Features

This tablet is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash feature, supporting video recording at 1080p@30fps. It can capture still images and videos decently, suitable for casual photography. The front camera has a 2 MP lens, allowing for video calls and selfie shots, although it may not perform well in low-light conditions.

Battery and Power Management

Powering the tablet is a Li-Ion 3500 mAh removable battery, which provides adequate usage time for standard activities like browsing, social media, and using applications. The possibility of removal is advantageous for users who prefer having the option to replace their battery when its performance degrades.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage of the Archos 80 Helium 4G is 8GB, which might feel limited considering modern standards, but it's expandable via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. This expansion capability allows users to increase storage to accommodate more applications, media files, and documents, making the tablet viable for extended use without constantly managing storage space.

Operating System and User Interface

The device runs on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, offering a user-friendly interface and access to a wide array of applications through Google Play Store. While this version of Android is somewhat outdated by modern standards, it provides essential features and enough flexibility for users less concentrated on the latest software trends.

Build and Aesthetic

The Archos 80 Helium 4G comes in an elegant White/Silver color combo, appealing to users who appreciate sleek and understated design. Although there are no specific details on its dimensions and weight, the tablet is reasonably portable, fitting comfortably in hand or bag for on-the-go usage.

Other Features

Additional features of this device include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a loudspeaker for media playback, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. For communication, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, offering Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, and DLNA capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR support ensures easy connectivity with various peripherals. Although equipped with GPS for positioning, the device lacks NFC and radio functionality.

Market Position and Conclusion

Originally priced around 280 EUR, the Archos 80 Helium 4G positioned itself as an affordable, connectivity-focused device in the tablet market. Although it has been discontinued, its features were competitive for its time, appealing to cost-conscious users needing dependable internet access and basic functionalities. While it may not cater to power users or those demanding the latest hardware, it served well as an entry-level tablet for general purposes.