Unveiling BQ Aquaris M45 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The BQ Aquaris M4.5 showcases a compact and sleek design, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. Measuring at 131.8 x 63.5 x 8.8 mm and weighing just 115 grams, it is lightweight and portable. The device features a plastic body available in two classic colors: Black and White. This ensures a minimalist, clean look that appeals to users who value simplicity and elegance in their smartphone designs.

Display

The smartphone comes with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD screen, providing users with clear and bright visuals. The display offers a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 245 pixels per inch. This is sufficient for regular use, producing vivid images and sharp text. The screen is also protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, which adds a layer of durability by resisting scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the BQ Aquaris M4.5 is powered by the Mediatek MT6735M chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. This combination ensures decent performance for daily tasks such as browsing the internet, using social media apps, and running basic applications. The GPU, Mali-T720MP2, handles graphics processing, allowing for smooth playback of videos and simple games.

In terms of memory and storage, the device comes in variants of 1GB or 2GB RAM, with internal storage options of 8GB or 16GB. Additionally, it supports microSDXC cards, allowing users to expand storage as needed, which is beneficial for those who need extra space for apps, photos, or music.

Camera Capabilities

The BQ Aquaris M4.5 is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring an f/2.0 aperture and autofocus, making it suitable for capturing good quality photos in well-lit conditions. The camera includes features such as dual-LED flash, panorama, and HDR, allowing for better low-light performance and wide-angle shots. It also supports 720p video recording at 30fps, providing decent video quality for capturing everyday moments.

For selfies, the device offers a 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture and an LED flash. This setup is adequate for video calls and taking self-portraits, especially in low-light conditions where the flash can be quite beneficial.

Battery Life

One of the notable features of the BQ Aquaris M4.5 is its non-removable 2470 mAh Li-Po battery. Although the capacity might seem modest by today’s standards, the efficient hardware and relatively small screen size allow the device to offer satisfactory battery performance. Users can expect a full day of usage on a single charge, depending on their activity level and usage patterns.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports a wide array of connectivity options. It allows for GSM, HSPA, and LTE technology, ensuring that users can connect to 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, providing fast data speeds and reliable voice quality. The dual SIM slots (Micro-SIM) encourage flexibility for users managing more than one phone number or separating work and personal lines.

Wi-Fi support includes 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, making it easy to connect to wireless networks or share your mobile internet with others. Bluetooth 4.0 facilitates wireless connectivity to peripherals and headphones, while GPS ensures precise location tracking. A notable addition is the FM Radio, which adds to its media versatility. However, the device lacks NFC support, which is a downside for users who rely on contactless payments.

Software

The BQ Aquaris M4.5 runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. While this operating system version is somewhat outdated, it provides a stable and user-friendly interface. One of the advantages of stock Android is its minimal bloatware, resulting in a smooth user experience. Users familiar with Android’s navigation will find this version intuitive and easy to use, though they might miss out on some of the newer features and security enhancements offered in subsequent Android updates.

Additional Features

Besides the standard features, the device comes with several sensors including an accelerometer, a gyro, a proximity sensor, and a compass. These sensors contribute to an enhanced user experience by enabling various applications and functionalities, from auto-rotate and gaming responsiveness to navigation aids.

Price and Availability

When it was released in 2015, the BQ Aquaris M4.5 was considered to be competitively priced at around 180 EUR. However, as of now, it has been discontinued. Originally targeted at users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone without compromising too much on performance and essential features, it stood as a strong contender in its category during its time of availability.

Conclusion

The BQ Aquaris M4.5 offers a balanced mix of features, making it suitable for users who need a reliable and straightforward smartphone experience. While it may not boast cutting-edge specifications or the latest Android version, it provides a solid performance for basic needs. Its compact design, decent camera functionality, and adequate battery life make it a noteworthy choice for users prioritizing simplicity and affordability in their mobile devices.