Comprehensive Review BQ Aquaris X Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The BQ Aquaris X boasts a sleek and modern design that aligns with the aesthetics of smartphones released in 2017. With dimensions measuring 146.5 x 72.7 x 7.9 mm, it is both slim and compact, making it easy to hold and carry. The device weighs just 153 grams, offering a lightweight feel without sacrificing any durable build quality. The phone's body is complemented by a front and back covered with Dinorex glass, adding a layer of protection against scratches and minor impacts. The phone is available in two elegant color choices: Mineral Black and Pearl Rose, catering to varied personal tastes.

Display

The Aquaris X features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD screen, which provides vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The display comes with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 424 ppi. This ensures that images and text are crisp and detailed, offering a great experience for watching videos and browsing the web. The 16:9 aspect ratio is well-suited for media consumption, even though newer smartphones have begun adopting taller aspect ratios.

Performance

Under the hood, the BQ Aquaris X is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 chipset, built on the 14 nm process. Featuring an octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 506 GPU, the device delivers smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming experiences. Coupled with 3GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking quite efficiently, ensuring that switching between apps remains fluid with minimal disruption.

Operating System

The device runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat, which, while not the latest software version, still provides a decent user experience with a number of useful features such as improved notifications, split-screen functionality, and enhanced battery optimization. Users appreciate the stock Android experience for its simplicity and speed, free from heavy manufacturer skins and bloatware.

Camera Capabilities

The BQ Aquaris X is equipped with a capable 16 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture, PDAF, and dual-LED dual-tone flash. The camera supports features such as auto-HDR and panorama, allowing users to capture vibrant photos with good dynamic range and clarity. It also supports video recording at 4K @30fps and 720p @120fps, catering to both standard and high-frame-rate video capturing. For selfie enthusiasts, the phone offers an 8 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture and LED flash, capable of recording videos at 1080p @60fps.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable 3100mAh Li-Ion battery, which is adequate for a full day of moderate usage. Additionally, the phone supports 18W wired fast charging via Quick Charge 3.0, allowing users to quickly recharge their device and minimize downtime.

Storage and Memory

With 32GB of internal storage, the Aquaris X offers a reasonable amount of space for apps, media, and other data. For users needing more storage, the phone supports expandable memory via microSDXC, though the slot is shared with the second SIM card slot, requiring users to choose between dual-SIM functionality or expanded storage. The inclusion of 3GB of RAM complements the storage, providing smoother multitasking and enhanced performance overall.

Connectivity

The Aquaris X supports a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct. It also features Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP, LE, and aptX, enabling consistent and high-quality wireless audio transmission. Positioning systems like GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO ensure accurate location tracking. The phone also includes NFC for seamless contactless transactions and an FM radio for traditional audio entertainment. The USB Type-C 2.0 port supports OTG for added peripheral compatibility.

Additional Features

This smartphone includes a fingerprint sensor on the rear for convenient and secure unlocking, along with other standard sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality across various applications.

Overall Verdict

The BQ Aquaris X, with its balanced approach towards design, performance, and features, caters well to users looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone without breaking the bank. While it may not stand out with cutting-edge specifications, it offers a solid experience with its good display, satisfactory camera performance, and commendable battery life. For the price point of approximately 290 EUR, it offers fair value, particularly for those who prioritize a simple UI and essential smartphone functionality.