A Comprehensive Guide to BQ Aquaris X5 Plus Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of BQ Aquaris X5 Plus

The BQ Aquaris X5 Plus, launched in July 2016, quickly garnered attention for its balance of features and affordability. Though now discontinued, its impact on mid-range smartphones can still be felt. With a solid design, capable performance, and impressive battery life, the X5 Plus was a compelling option for those seeking value without compromising on essential smartphone capabilities.

Body and Design

With dimensions of 145 x 70 x 7.7 mm and a weight of 145 g, the Aquaris X5 Plus offered a sleek form factor that was both easy to handle and aesthetically pleasing. It supported dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), providing flexibility for users who needed separate numbers for work and personal use. The design language of the X5 Plus was simple yet elegant, available in attractive colors such as Black and White/Rose Gold.

Display

The device came equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, boasting a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This resulted in a sharp 441 ppi pixel density providing clear and vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 67.9%, ensuring a good viewing experience for multimedia consumption. Additionally, the screen was protected by Dinorex glass, offering a layer of defense against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Aquaris X5 Plus was powered by the Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 chipset built on the 28 nm process. The octa-core CPU comprised 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 cores for high-performing tasks and 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 cores for energy-efficient processing. The Adreno 510 GPU handled graphical tasks, making the phone capable of running demanding applications and games with reasonable efficiency. Available in two variations, 16GB of internal storage with 2GB RAM, and a more powerful 32GB storage with 3GB RAM, the phone was suitable for different user needs. Moreover, it supported microSDXC cards, allowing storage expansion for those who required more space.

Software

Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, the device was upgradeable to Android 7.1.1 Nougat. This progression in the OS provided users with enhanced features and improved security, ensuring a modern smartphone experience.

Camera Capabilities

The photography capabilities of the X5 Plus were quite commendable. It featured a 16 MP main camera with an aperture of f/2.0, providing decent low-light performance. The camera supported phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and was equipped with a dual-LED dual-tone flash for enhanced photo quality in various lighting conditions. It also offered video capabilities at 4K resolution at 30fps, a feature that attracted video enthusiasts. The front-facing camera was 8 MP, suitable for selfies and video calls, along with an aperture of f/2.0.

Battery and Power Efficiency

The device housed a non-removable Li-Po 3200 mAh battery. This capacity was more than sufficient for a full day of moderate use, thanks to its power-efficient hardware and software optimizations. The battery life was one of the standout features of the device, often cited in reviews as remarkable for its category.

Connectivity

For connectivity, the Aquaris X5 Plus included a comprehensive suite of options: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS and GALILEO for positioning, and NFC for contactless payments. It also came with an FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 with OTG support, providing a well-rounded set of communication tools for everyday use.

Additional Features

The phone was equipped with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing a quick and secure way to unlock the device. Other sensors included an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and a compass, enhancing the overall utility of the smartphone.

Market Position and Impact

Priced around 300 EUR at launch, the BQ Aquaris X5 Plus occupied the middle ground between budget and premium smartphones. It delivered performance and features commonly found in more expensive models, serving as an excellent choice for cost-conscious consumers. Its blend of aesthetics, performance, and functionality has made it a notable entry in BQ's lineup and has influenced the design of subsequent models in the series.