BenQ A3 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The BenQ A3, released in November 2013, showcased a minimalist design typical of mid-range smartphones of its time. The device measures 133.9 x 66 x 10 mm and weighs 135 grams, making it quite manageable in the hand. The phone's body supports a Mini-SIM card, a common feature before the transition to smaller SIM card formats. Available in black and white, the BenQ A3 appealed to users looking for a simple, no-frills aesthetic. Its build quality, while utilitarian, ensured the durability needed from daily handling.

Display

The device features an IPS LCD display of 4.5 inches, which, while modest by today's standards, was quite typical in its era. The resolution stands at 540 x 960 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi. This display size and quality was well-suited for users who desired a balance between a compact design and an adequate amount of screen real estate for reading emails, browsing the internet, or enjoying multimedia content.

Performance

Under the hood, the BenQ A3 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8225Q Snapdragon S4 Play chipset with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU. Though entry-level, this configuration provided sufficient computing power for basic smartphone activities such as managing social media accounts, light gaming, and running standard Android applications. Paired with an Adreno 203 GPU, the device was also capable of handling multimedia tasks, although more graphically intensive applications might have been challenging.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone is equipped with 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, a configuration that aligns with other devices in its category. While the internal memory might seem limited, a dedicated microSDHC slot allows users to expand storage capacity, which is essential for those wishing to store more apps, photos, and videos. The RAM, while just adequate for the device's operation, provides a seamless experience in executing basic tasks and applications.

Camera

The BenQ A3 features a single 8 MP rear camera equipped with autofocus and an LED flash, allowing users to capture decent images in well-lit conditions. Though rudimentary, the shooting options provided a starting point for those interested in smartphone photography. The device also supports video recording, enabling users to capture memorable moments in motion. For selfies and video calls, a 2 MP front-facing camera is available, which, while not particularly exceptional, served its purpose at the time of the phone's release.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. Despite being on the lower end by modern standards, this battery capacity sufficed for a day's worth of moderate use given the hardware's efficiency and power consumption. The ability to remove the battery allowed users to replace it when performance degraded over time, extending the device's useful life.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The BenQ A3 supported GSM and HSPA network technologies, providing reliable cellular connectivity for calls and internet access. Internet browsing is facilitated at speeds up to HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps. The phone comes equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities, ensuring versatile wireless connectivity options. The inclusion of Bluetooth and GPS expanded the device's functionality, although it lacked NFC support. A stereo FM radio and 3.5mm headphone jack provide additional options for entertainment and music.

Sensors and Other Miscellaneous Features

The device includes sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enabling interactive features and apps that are dependent on motion and orientation detection. The BenQ A3's price point of approximately 150 EUR made it accessible to a wide range of consumers, appealing particularly to those seeking a reliable and straightforward Android smartphone experience.

Conclusion

The BenQ A3 was a decent offering for its time, balancing essential smartphone features with a budget-conscious price. While it may not stack up against modern devices in terms of raw power and screen quality, it provided a sufficient user experience for everyday tasks. Its simplicity, affordability, and functionality made it an attractive option for many users during its availability period.