Unveiling BQ Aquaris X5 Specs Price Pros & Cons

Introduction to BQ Aquaris X5

The BQ Aquaris X5 is a smartphone that was released in 2015 by the Spanish manufacturer BQ. It gained attention for its balanced specifications and affordable pricing. Despite being discontinued, it remains a topic of interest for those exploring classic Android devices. This article delves into the specifications and features of the BQ Aquaris X5 in detail, offering insights into its design, performance, and usability.

Design and Build Quality

The BQ Aquaris X5 offers an elegant design with a body measuring 144.4 x 70.5 x 7.5 mm and a weight of 148 grams. The slim profile and lightweight construction make it comfortable to hold and easy to carry. The device is available in three colors: Black, White, and Rose Gold, appealing to a variety of aesthetic preferences. Equipped with dual SIM functionality, the phone supports Nano-SIM cards in a dual standby mode.

Display

Featuring a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, the BQ Aquaris X5 provides a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 67.7%, offering a pleasant visual experience with decent color representation and clarity. The display is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, ensuring resilience against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the BQ Aquaris X5 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8916T Snapdragon 412 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It houses a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 306 GPU. These specifications provide satisfactory performance for everyday tasks, including browsing, social media, and moderate gaming. The device comes with two RAM options: 2GB and 3GB, paired with either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded through a microSDHC card slot.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the BQ Aquaris X5 features a 13 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. It supports autofocus and is equipped with dual-LED flash, panorama, and HDR modes, allowing for versatile photography options. The rear camera is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps. On the front, there is a 5 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture and LED flash, facilitating decent selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and the BQ Aquaris X5 delivers with its non-removable Li-Po 2900 mAh battery. This capacity ensures a full day's usage under moderate conditions, which includes browsing, calling, and media consumption. While not the largest battery by today's standards, it adequately supports the device's performance needs.

Connectivity and Network

BQ Aquaris X5 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, making it compatible with various network bands: 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), 3G bands (HSDPA 900/2100), and 4G bands (LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 20). The device offers ample connectivity options, like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS with GLONASS. Additionally, it supports FM radio, microUSB 2.0 with OTG capabilities, but lacks NFC support.

Software

Initially launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop, the BQ Aquaris X5 can be upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat, extending its longevity and usability. This upgradability provides access to improved features and security updates, enhancing the overall user experience.

Audio and Additional Features

The BQ Aquaris X5 is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, maintaining versatility in audio options. The device also hosts essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enriching the interactive experience for gaming and utilities.

Pricing and Availability

At launch, the BQ Aquaris X5 was priced at approximately 230 EUR. Its discontinuation means it is primarily accessible through second-hand markets or from specific retailers holding older stock. Despite being surpassed by more advanced technology, it serves as an economically friendly option for users seeking basic smartphone functionality.

Conclusion

The BQ Aquaris X5 encapsulates a balance of performance, design, and price, making it a memorable product in the lineup of mid-range smartphones during its release period. It offers essential functionalities without overwhelming users with excessive features, appealing to those seeking simplicity and efficiency. As technology progresses, devices like the Aquaris X5 serve as reminders of the rapid evolution within the smartphone industry.