BenQ F3 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Guide

Introduction to BenQ F3

The BenQ F3, released in November 2013, is a smartphone from BenQ that seeks to offer a solid balance between functionality and affordability. Though the device has been discontinued, it made a mark with its stylish design and reliable performance for its time. The BenQ F3 was targeted at users seeking essential smartphone features without the need to break the bank.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the BenQ F3 measures 131.6 x 66.9 x 8.9 mm and weighs 119 grams. This makes it relatively lightweight and compact, fitting comfortably in the hand. The device is built with a plastic body, which was standard for mid-range devices during its time. It featured a micro-SIM only slot.

Display

The phone boasts a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display, offering bright and clear visuals. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 63.4%, the F3 provides a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 245 ppi. This screen specifications ensured good color reproduction and decent viewing angles.

Performance

Under the hood, the BenQ F3 is powered by the Mediatek MT6589 chipset, built on the 28 nm process. It houses a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU paired with the PowerVR SGX544 GPU. This combination, along with 1GB RAM, provided satisfactory performance for basic tasks and multitasking needs prevalent in 2013.

Storage

The device comes with 4GB of internal storage, which was considered minimal even at the time of its release. However, it includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot allowing users to expand storage to accommodate more media and applications.

Camera Capabilities

The BenQ F3 is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama features. It supports video recording as well. The front-facing 2 MP camera served its purpose for basic selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

A Li-Ion 2100 mAh removable battery powers the device, which was relatively standard for a mid-range smartphone in its era. Users could expect a full day of usage on a single charge with moderate use.

Software

Running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, the BenQ F3 provided a clean and simple user interface optimized for the hardware capabilities. The version of Android it runs is now considered outdated, but at the time, it allowed users access to a wide array of apps on the Google Play Store.

Connectivity

The device supports GSM / HSPA technology with 2G and 3G bands. In terms of speed, it delivers HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps connectivity. Additionally, it features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and a hotspot function, alongside Bluetooth capabilities and GPS. It includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sound Features

The BenQ F3 is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing users with options for audio output. Additionally, it includes an FM radio for enthusiasts who prefer traditional broadcasting.

Sensors

The smartphone includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors contribute to functionality like auto-rotation, map navigation, and gaming experiences.

Pricing and Availability

At launch, the BenQ F3 was approximately priced at 200 EUR, positioning it within reach for many budget-conscious consumers seeking a capable smartphone experience.

Conclusion

The BenQ F3, with its combination of features, design, and pricing, was a competitive choice for consumers during its time. Though it may no longer be available, its legacy emphasizes the importance of delivering essential smartphone functionality at an affordable price. The device catered effectively to its target audience's needs, providing hours of reliable service before the rapid advancement of smartphone technology rendered it obsolete.