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Comprehensive Review BQ Aquaris VS Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2018, March
Camera
12MP
Battery
3100mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Snapdragon 430
Screen
5.2"
Storage
32GB/64GB , microSDXC
Ram
3/4GB RAM
Operating System
Android 7.1.2, up to Android 8.0

Design and Build

The BQ Aquaris VS boasts a sleek and modern design with dimensions measuring 148.1 x 73 x 8.4 mm, making it comfortable to hold and user-friendly for daily tasks. The device weighs in at 165 grams, which provides a good balance between heft and portability. The use of Dinorex glass adds an extra layer of protection to the display, ensuring that it can withstand minor scratches and bumps in your daily routine. The phone features a hybrid dual SIM slot, allowing flexibility for users who need to balance work and personal communication needs.

Display

The BQ Aquaris VS features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi. While the resolution is not the highest in its class, it adequately delivers sharp and vivid images, making it suitable for a range of activities from browsing the internet to streaming videos. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 68.9%, providing a decent viewing area without making the device too bulky or cumbersome to manage.

Performance

Under the hood, the BQ Aquaris VS is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 chipset. This octa-core processor, clocked at 1.4 GHz, is capable of handling everyday tasks with relative ease. The Adreno 505 GPU complements this setup, offering respectable performance in graphical tasks and gaming. Available in two configurations, the device supports 3GB or 4GB of RAM and offers internal storage options of 32GB or 64GB, which can be expanded using a microSDXC card.

Camera Capabilities

The primary camera on the BQ Aquaris VS is a 12 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, PDAF, and pixel size of 1.25µm. It supports features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama, enabling users to capture a range of shots in different lighting conditions. The camera is capable of recording videos at 1080p at 30fps and at 480p at 120fps for slow-motion effects. On the front, there's an 8 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture and 1.12µm pixel size, also featuring an LED flash to enhance selfies taken in low-light environments. It supports video recording at 1080p at 30fps.

Battery and Charging

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 3100 mAh battery. The battery life is sufficient for a full day of use on a single charge for regular tasks such as calling, browsing, and multimedia consumption. Additionally, the BQ Aquaris VS supports 18W fast charging thanks to Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology, allowing users to quickly recharge their device and minimize downtime.

Network and Connectivity

The BQ Aquaris VS is equipped to handle various network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It supports 2G, 3G, and 4G bands with speeds capable of HSPA and LTE. Connectivity features are comprehensive, with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac for dual-band Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX for high-quality wireless audio streaming, NFC for contactless payments, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support for connecting external devices.

Operating System and Software

Initially launched with Android 7.1.2 Nougat, the BQ Aquaris VS received an upgrade to Android 8.0 Oreo. This ensures that users benefit from a clean, efficient operating system experience with access to the latest Android features and security updates. The device interface remains smooth and intuitive, with a focus on user accessibility.

Additional Features

This smartphone hosts a series of sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These enhance the functionality of the device in various applications, from navigation to security. The phone retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their preferred headphones without requiring an adapter. An FM radio is also included for those who enjoy listening to live broadcasts.

Conclusion

The BQ Aquaris VS presents itself as a well-rounded device with essential features catering to everyday smartphone users. Its combination of design, camera quality, and performance capabilities makes it a solid choice within its price range, approximately 190 EUR. While it may not boast high-end specifications, its focus on user-friendly features and solid performance is likely to appeal to a wide range of users looking for a reliable smartphone option.

Main Features of BQ Aquaris VS

  • Network Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE
  • Compact Design: Dimensions of 148.1 x 73 x 8.4 mm and Weight of 165 g
  • Hybrid Dual SIM Support
  • IPS LCD Display with Dinorex Glass Protection
  • Upgradeable Android OS: From Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 430, Octa-core CPU, and Adreno 505 GPU
  • Memory Options: 32GB with 3GB RAM or 64GB with 4GB RAM, Expandable via microSDXC
  • Main Camera: 12 MP with LED flash, HDR, and panorama features
  • Selfie Camera: 8 MP with LED flash
  • Full HD Video Recording at 1080p@30fps
  • Includes 3.5mm Audio Jack and FM Radio
  • Supports Wi-Fi (b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC
  • Equipped with GPS and GLONASS for Positioning
  • Fingerprint Sensor Rear-mounted for Enhanced Security
  • Battery with 3100 mAh Capacity and Quick Charge 3.0 Support (18W)

Disadvantages of BQ Aquaris VS

  • Older Operating System: Ships with Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) by default.
  • Screen Resolution: 720 x 1280 pixels, which might not be ideal for users seeking higher resolution displays.
  • Chipset: Uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 430, which is considered basic for more demanding tasks and apps.
  • MicroUSB Port: No USB Type-C, which is more modern and supports faster data transfer.
  • Non-removable Battery: Li-Po 3100 mAh battery is non-removable, limiting replacement options.
  • Hybrid SIM Slot: Shared with microSDXC, limiting the ability to use two SIM cards and a microSD card simultaneously.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 3, 7, 20
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2018, February
Status Available. Released 2018, March
Body
Dimensions 148.1 x 73 x 8.4 mm (5.83 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)
Weight 165 g (5.82 oz)
SIM Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Protection Dinorex glass
Platform
OS Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU Adreno 505
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 12 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps, 480p@120fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Features LED flash
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX
Positioning GPS, GLONASS
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 3100 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired, QC3
Misc
Colors Mist Gold
Price About 190 EUR

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