Lenovo A690 Comprehensive Review and Pricing Insight

Introduction to Lenovo A690

The Lenovo A690 is a smartphone that was announced and released in January 2013. Although it has since been discontinued, its features and specifications give an insightful look into the technological advancements of its time. The device was designed as an affordable option for those seeking essential smartphone capabilities without the hefty price tag.

Body and Design

The Lenovo A690 has compact dimensions of 124 x 65 x 11 mm, weighing in at 134 grams. This relatively lightweight device is comfortable to hold and easy to carry. The design includes dual SIM functionality, allowing users to switch between two different numbers, which was a highly sought after feature especially for business users and travelers.

Display

Equipped with a 4.0-inch TFT display, the Lenovo A690 offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. While not groundbreaking, this display was respectable for its category at the time, offering clear and vibrant visuals for basic smartphone tasks.

Platform and Performance

The Lenovo A690 runs on the Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread operating system, which was standard for entry-level smartphones during its release. The device is powered by a Mediatek MT6575 chipset with a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU. Graphic processing is handled by a PowerVR SGX531 GPU. This combination provides sufficient performance for everyday tasks such as calling, messaging, and basic app usage.

Memory and Storage

With 512MB of RAM, the Lenovo A690's memory is minimal by today's standards but was common for its time. The device includes 512MB of internal storage, which is expandable via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. This expansion option allows users to add additional space for apps and media.

Camera

The device features a single 3.15 MP rear camera capable of capturing still images and recording video at 480p. While this cannot compete with modern smartphones, it provided sufficient quality for casual photography during its release period. The absence of a selfie camera reflects the device's focus on basic functionality over advanced features.

Audio and Connectivity

The Lenovo A690 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio needs. Connectivity options on the device include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth, GPS for navigation, and a FM radio. However, the device does not support NFC, limiting its use for contactless payments and data transfers.

Network and Communication

The smartphone supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with 2G GSM bands (900/1800/1900 MHz) and a 3G HSDPA band of 2100 MHz. It provides moderate speed connectivity suitable for basic mobile internet usage. The inclusion of dual SIM capability enhances the device's versatility for users managing multiple accounts.

Sensors

The Lenovo A690 comes with an accelerometer and a proximity sensor. These sensors aid in the automatic rotation of the screen and smart handling of phone calls by disabling the touch screen when placed close to the ear, respectively.

Battery Life

Fueled by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, the Lenovo A690 offers decent battery life for light users. Its limited power demand due to modest hardware specifications ensures longer periods between charges for basic usage patterns.

Price and Availability

The launch price of approximately 90 Euros made the Lenovo A690 an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, since its discontinuation, the phone’s availability is largely limited to second-hand markets.

Final Thoughts

The Lenovo A690 is an example of early-stage budget Android phones prioritizing essential functions over premium features. Its sturdy design, dual SIM capability, and reasonable performance make it a notable option for those seeking a basic smartphone experience during its time. Despite its discontinuation, the A690 provides an insightful look into the landscape of entry-level smartphones in the early 2010s.