BenQ F5 Comprehensive Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to BenQ F5

The BenQ F5, launched in September 2014, represents a snapshot of mid-range smartphone technology from the era. Combining affordability with practical features, this device was aimed at users seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. Although it is now discontinued, understanding its specifications and performance capabilities provides insight into the smartphone landscape of the mid-2010s.

Design and Build

The BenQ F5 has a sleek design, with dimensions measuring 143 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm and a weight of 135 grams. It is crafted to offer both style and comfort, fitting comfortably in the hand. The phone's body incorporates straightforward and functional aesthetics, available in classic black and white colors, making it appeal to a wide range of users who prefer a minimalistic look.

Display

This smartphone features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi, ensuring that images and texts are relatively sharp and clear. The screen size and resolution were adequate for daily activities such as browsing the web, watching videos, and playing basic games.

Performance

At the heart of the BenQ F5 is the Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset, which is built on a 28 nm architecture. It includes a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. This configuration delivers enough power for handling standard tasks and applications, although it may struggle with more demanding apps or multitasking due to its limitations.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. For users requiring additional space, the BenQ F5 offers a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing for storage expansion. This ensures users can store more apps, photos, and media without worrying about running out of space.

Camera

The main camera on the BenQ F5 is a 13 MP sensor featuring autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama functionalities. It allows for capturing decent quality photos in well-lit conditions. Video recording is also supported, although the specifics of video resolution are not detailed. The front camera is a 2 MP sensor, sufficient for basic selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a non-removable 2520 mAh Li-Ion battery. According to specifications, it offers up to 550 hours of standby time on 3G networks and up to 24 hours of talk time. These figures imply that the BenQ F5 provides a robust battery life suitable for day-long use without recharging.

Connectivity

Connectivity options for the BenQ F5 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and microUSB 2.0 support. Notably, it also includes NFC, allowing for mobile payments and easy pairing with other NFC-enabled devices. The presence of FM radio offers a traditional entertainment option for users who enjoy listening to broadcast radio stations.

Network Compatibility

The BenQ F5 supports a range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with specific band coverage for each. It provides LTE Cat4 connectivity, enabling download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps. This makes it capable of handling high-speed data requirements for streaming and browsing efficiently.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with several sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance user experience by enabling various functionalities like screen rotation, augmented reality apps, and more. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of headphones, an important feature for those who enjoy listening to music.

Operating System

Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the BenQ F5 offers access to a wide array of apps via the Google Play Store, though users may face limitations with app compatibility over time as Android versions have advanced significantly since its release.

Price and Market Position

At launch, the BenQ F5 was priced at approximately 100 EUR, positioning it as a competitive option within the budget-conscious segment of the market. Its affordability combined with a decent feature set made it an attractive choice for many users during its availability.

Conclusion

While the BenQ F5 is no longer on the market, its features reflect the evolution of smartphone technology during the mid-2010s. It catered to users seeking functionality, simplicity, and value for money. Although it may not compete with modern smartphones, examining its specifications and design provides insight into past technological benchmarks and user preferences.