Lenovo A516 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Design and Build

The Lenovo A516 features a sleek and practical design. Constructed with dimensions of 132 x 66.7 x 9.9 mm and a weight of 146 g, the device is portable and easy to handle. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for everyday use, fitting comfortably in the hand or pocket. The phone supports dual Mini-SIM cards with dual stand-by capabilities, offering flexibility for users who need two numbers or use different carriers. Available in colors such as black, pink, and white, the A516 provides options for various style preferences.

Display Quality

Equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display, the Lenovo A516 provides decent viewing experience with its 480 x 854 pixel resolution, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 218 ppi. Though not high-definition, the screen promises satisfactory brightness and color reproduction for day-to-day tasks such as browsing and social media. The screen-to-body ratio of about 63.4% ensures a moderate viewing size without sacrificing portability.

Performance and Software

The device is powered by a Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, paired with the Mali-400 GPU. This setup ensures adequate performance for basic applications and light multitasking. The Lenovo A516 runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, which, though outdated by today’s standards, was optimized for smooth operation and functionality with the hardware specifications. The software offers standard Android features and access to a wide range of applications through Google Play Store.

Storage and Memory

The internal memory of the Lenovo A516 stands at 4GB, with 512 MB RAM, which limits the capacity for storing apps and media directly on the device. To counterbalance, it supports microSDHC cards, providing users with the option to expand storage and accommodate a larger selection of files such as photos, music, and apps.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera is a 5 MP shooter, enabling users to capture basic photos and video. Ranked modestly in today's market, this camera was fairly adequate at the time of its release for capturing everyday moments with features like panorama mode. The front VGA camera, albeit limited, allows for basic selfie and video calling functions.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Po 2000 mAh battery is one of the device’s strong suits, offering significant standby and talk time. The phone is capable of up to 552 hours of standby time and up to 30 hours of talk time on a 2G network, and 18 hours on 3G. This long-lasting battery performance ensures users can rely on their device throughout the day without frequent charging.

Connectivity and Additional Features

For connectivity, the Lenovo A516 supports GSM and HSPA networks with 3G capabilities for faster internet browsing. WiFi capabilities include 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot support. Users can connect to Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for wireless peripherals and features microUSB 2.0 ports for charging and data transfer. GPS is embedded for location-based services, with FM radio capabilities for entertainment needs. Absent of NFC and other high-end connectivity options, it rather focuses on essentials.

Audio and Sensors

Aside from cellular capabilities, audio functions are serviced by an onboard loudspeaker and 3.5mm audio jack for private listening experiences. Sensor technologies are basic but effective, including an accelerometer and proximity sensor, contributing to functionalities like orientation detection and call screen disabling when against the ear.

Price and Availability

Originally announced and released in the third quarter of 2013, the Lenovo A516 had a market price of approximately 110 EUR. As of today, it has been discontinued but may still be found in secondary markets or as refurbished units. Despite its modest specifications by current standards, it presents as an affordable option for basic communication needs.

Conclusion

The Lenovo A516 is a straightforward smartphone designed for the casual user with its easy-to-use interface and practical features. While some specifications might not meet today’s high-performance demands, its durability, battery life, and cost-efficiency make it noteworthy for users focusing on basic functionalities and needing a reliable means of communication.