Archos Diamond S Indepth Review Specs & Pricing

Introduction to Archos Diamond S

The Archos Diamond S, released in November 2015, was a smartphone that aimed to deliver a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. Although it has been discontinued, it made a significant mark with its inaugural features and design elements within a competitive market segment. Equipped with a range of specifications typical for its release era, the device provided a solid user experience backed by a well-rounded set of hardware and software features.

Design and Build

The Archos Diamond S features a sleek and modern design. Measuring 145 x 71.5 x 6.5 mm and weighing just 118 g, the device is lightweight and comfortable to hold, appealing to users who prefer slim and portable devices. The use of quality materials and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the front provides durability and an elegant finish while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic with its black color option. The dual SIM functionality adds to its practicality for users managing multiple numbers.

Display Characteristics

The smartphone is equipped with a Super AMOLED display, which contributes to vivid colors and deep blacks. With a size of 5.0 inches and a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 66.5%, it offers a decent viewing area for multimedia content. The resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi ensure that images and text appear sharp and clear. This makes the Diamond S suitable for media consumption and daily tasks.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Archos Diamond S is powered by the Mediatek MT6753 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. Its octa-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, paired with a Mali-T720MP3 GPU, can handle everyday applications and multitasking needs without significant hitches. Supported by 2GB of RAM, it provides a performance level that caters well to users who require reliability for standard smartphone use cases. The device comes with 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSDXC, allowing for additional storage space for apps, photos, and media files.

Software and User Interface

The Archos Diamond S runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, a version that was quite popular for its user-friendly interface and improved performance over its predecessors. This operating system version includes features like better notifications, enhanced battery management, and improved security settings. Although support for newer Android updates isn't assured, the installed OS offers a satisfactory experience with access to a wide range of applications available on the Google Play Store.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts would appreciate the 16 MP rear camera on the Archos Diamond S. Equipped with a 1/2.8" sensor size and 1.12µm pixel size, it is designed to capture detailed images with good quality under favorable lighting conditions. The camera also supports Full HD video recording at 1080p@30fps. On the front, an 8 MP camera is available for selfies and video calls, providing adequate picture quality for social media use and communication.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2300 mAh battery. While not the largest capacity by modern standards, it delivers reasonable performance for daily use. Users can expect to go through a typical day of moderate usage involving calls, messages, and light app usage without major concerns about running out of power too quickly.

Connectivity and Sensors

In terms of connectivity, the Archos Diamond S supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, providing good network compatibility for different regions. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with LE support, GPS, and FM radio covers the basic connectivity needs for most users. However, it lacks NFC, which means that certain features, like contactless payments, aren't supported. The microUSB 2.0 port with OTG allows for flexible connections with other USB devices.

The phone is equipped with sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, adding functionality and improving user interaction with apps that utilize these features.

Conclusion

The Archos Diamond S, although now discontinued, represented a solid offering in its time, balancing performance with affordability. Its design, combined with adequate hardware performance, served the needs of many users who were searching for a cost-effective and reliable device. While it may not compete with modern smartphones, the Archos Diamond S occupies a place in the history of mid-range mobile devices as an option that delivered satisfactory mobile computing experiences at its release point.