Archos Diamond Gamma Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Archos Diamond Gamma

The Archos Diamond Gamma is a smartphone released in July 2017 and represents a collaboration between Archos and ZTE's sub-brand Nubia. Despite being discontinued, it still holds relevance for its specifications and value during its time of release. A device aimed at the budget-conscious consumer, it managed to combine several appealing features with a modern design.

Network and Connectivity

The Archos Diamond Gamma supports a variety of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, catering to a wide range of connectivity options that ensure users remain connected almost anywhere in the world. It supports 2G bands like GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots, 3G bands including HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100, and 4G LTE bands 1, 3, 7, and 20. With speeds reaching up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, the device aimed to provide reasonable internet browsing and streaming experiences.

Design and Build

The Diamond Gamma features a Hybrid Dual SIM setup, allowing users to either use two SIM cards simultaneously or expand the storage via a microSD card. While specific dimensions and weight are not detailed, the phone is known for its solid build and modern aesthetics for its price range, with a sleek black color option offering a sophisticated look.

Display Features

The phone comes with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, providing reasonable picture clarity and color reproduction. Though not Full HD, the display size and quality were considered satisfactory for general multimedia consumption and daily usage tasks at the time of its release.

Performance and Platform

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 chipset, the Diamond Gamma features an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Adreno 505 GPU. This configuration was efficient for average daily tasks, enabling acceptable performance for browsing, social media interaction, and lightweight gaming. The device runs on Android 7 (Nougat) with the Nubia UI 4, offering a customized user interface experience to enhance functionality and user engagement.

Memory and Storage

This device comes equipped with 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a shared SIM slot using a microSDXC card. This allows users flexibility in storage options, whether for additional apps, photos, or videos, accommodating digital hoarders to some extent despite its budget market positioning.

Camera Specifications

The Archos Diamond Gamma's camera setup includes a 13 MP main camera with an f/2.2 aperture and PDAF, supported by features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. It captures video at 1080p@30fps, offering satisfactory quality for video recording. The 5 MP front camera with an f/2.4 aperture caters to basic selfie needs and video calls, delivering standard performance relative to its price bracket.

Sound and Audio

The phone is equipped with a loudspeaker and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering versatility for various audio needs whether through headphones or via the built-in speaker output. The availability of the headphone jack is particularly noteworthy as newer models have moved away from including this feature, making it a beneficial addition for audio enthusiasts.

Communication Features

For wireless connectivity, the Diamond Gamma supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards and offers Wi-Fi Direct capabilities. Bluetooth technology is at version 4.2 with support for A2DP and LE for diverse device connections. The device also includes GPS for positioning services, though it lacks NFC and radio options, focusing instead on essential connectivity features that benefit everyday users. It's equipped with a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, allowing for direct attachment of USB devices.

Sensors and Additional Features

The smartphone includes a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for enhanced security and user convenience, along with other standard sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor that facilitate a seamless user experience across various applications and scenarios.

Battery Life and Charging

Featuring a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, the Archos Diamond Gamma aimed to balance performance and longevity, offering a full day of average use on a single charge for most users. Despite newer models featuring fast charging, the Diamond Gamma sticks to standard charging practices of its time.

Price and Value

Priced at approximately 200 EUR during its launch, the Archos Diamond Gamma was marketed as an affordable option, aiming to capture a segment of users seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Its price-to-performance ratio, alongside its comprehensive feature offering, positioned it as a valuable choice in its category.

Conclusion

Though discontinued, the Archos Diamond Gamma represents an interesting slice of smartphone history, embodying the balance of cost and features common in 2017's market. It is emblematic of the era's technology, providing a foundational smartphone experience with certain modern touches, such as a large HD display, reasonable processing power, and essential connectivity features, all wrapped up in a sleek package.