Archos Diamond 2 Plus A Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction

The Archos Diamond 2 Plus is a smartphone that was launched in 2016 and has garnered a reputation for balancing affordability with a range of solid features. While it is now discontinued, the device was initially released as an option for consumers looking for a capable smartphone without breaking the bank. Below, we will delve into the various aspects of the device, exploring everything from its design to its performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Archos Diamond 2 Plus features a sleek and minimalist design with dimensions of 148.3 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm, making it comfortable to hold despite its 5.5-inch display. Weighing in at 193 grams, it is neither too light nor too heavy. The device is available in a classic black color, which gives it a sophisticated look.

The smartphone's body is designed to accommodate a hybrid dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), which provides flexibility to users who need to manage multiple phone numbers. The front of the device is guarded by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, known for its durability and resistance to scratches.

Display

The display is one of the prominent features of the Archos Diamond 2 Plus. It sports an IPS LCD with a 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution, amounting to a pixel density of approximately 401ppi. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 76.2%, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The Asahi Dragontrail Glass adds an additional layer of protection, ensuring longevity for the screen.

With a 5.5-inch size, the display provides a suitable balance for media consumption, app usage, and general navigation. The IPS technology ensures that colors are vibrant and viewing angles are adequately wide.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Archos Diamond 2 Plus is powered by the Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 chipset. This octa-core processor is divided into 4 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and another 4 cores at 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53. Coupled with the Mali-T860MP2 GPU, the phone handles everyday tasks efficiently, if not exceptionally.

In terms of memory, the device is fitted with 4GB of RAM, allowing for a decent multitasking experience. The internal storage stands at 64GB, which is expandable via the microSDXC slot in the hybrid SIM tray. This gives users considerable flexibility to store additional applications, photos, and videos without immediately worrying about running out of space.

Camera Capabilities

The Archos Diamond 2 Plus comes with a rear main camera of 20.7 MP, featuring an aperture of f/2.4 and phase detection autofocus (PDAF). Capable of capturing 1080p videos at 30fps, the camera also offers features like dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama, broadening the range of photographic possibilities for users.

The front camera, ideal for selfies and video calls, is 8 MP with an aperture of f/1.9 and a wide 22mm lens. It also supports HDR, enriching images with greater detail and color depth. The video capabilities of the selfie camera also match the rear, supporting 1080p resolution at 30fps.

Battery Life

Fueled by a non-removable Li-Ion 2950 mAh battery, the Archos Diamond 2 Plus delivers reasonable battery life. For 3G connectivity, the phone offers a stand-by time of up to 320 hours and talk time of up to 11 hours. While these specs may not stand out in today's market dominated by larger-capacity batteries, they were quite acceptable at the time of the device's release.

Software and User Interface

The device runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, offering a clean and straightforward interface. While it may not benefit from the latest Android features, the interface provides a user-friendly experience without the burden of excessive bloatware.

Connectivity and Networking

The Archos Diamond 2 Plus supports a wide range of networks, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with the capability to connect through multiple bands. It offers HSPA speeds of up to 42.2/11.5 Mbps and LTE Cat4 speeds of up to 150/50 Mbps. The dual-band Wi-Fi with a/b/g/n support and other connectivity options like Bluetooth 4.0 and USB Type-C 3.0 make it versatile for various network settings.

The device does not include NFC but does come with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for comprehensive positioning capabilities. Stereo FM radio with RDS and recording features are available, offering a retro touch for those who still enjoy listening to broadcast radio.

Sound and Multimedia

In terms of audio, the phone comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, allowing for standard earphone connectivity. This ensures users can easily listen to music, watch videos, and engage in calls without needing additional adapters.

Sensors and Security

To enhance user experience and security, the Archos Diamond 2 Plus comes equipped with a range of sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors aid in device navigation, gaming, and strengthening security through fingerprint recognition.

Conclusion

The Archos Diamond 2 Plus is a well-rounded device, offering a mix of features at a competitive price point (approximately 250 EUR at launch). While it no longer competes with newer models, its specifications such as a robust camera, a large and vibrant display, and decent performance characteristics made it a competitive choice at the time.

For those focused on affordability without sacrificing too much core functionality, the Archos Diamond 2 Plus stood out as an impressive offering from the French electronics company, illustrating their commitment to providing versatile tech solutions.