Unveiling Lenovo A706 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Explored

Introduction to Lenovo A706

Released in 2013, the Lenovo A706 was a budget-friendly smartphone designed for users seeking essential smartphone functionalities without breaking the bank. At the time, it catered to a demographic that needed a reliable phone with decent performance metrics and a decent multimedia experience. Let us explore the various aspects of the Lenovo A706, including its design, hardware, software, and more.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo A706 is designed with simplicity and user-friendliness in mind. With dimensions measuring 136 x 69 x 10.4 mm and weighing only 130 grams, it manages to provide a comfortable feel when held. The phone’s build makes use of plastic materials, which were common in budget devices at the time. Available in classic colors like Black and White/Grey, it aimed to appeal to a broad range of consumers. Furthermore, it supports dual SIM functionality using Mini-SIM slots, allowing users to benefit from two phone lines simultaneously.

Display

Featuring a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display, the Lenovo A706 provides a balanced mix of size for usability and portability. Despite being only 480 x 854 pixels in resolution, the screen has an acceptable ~218 pixels per inch (ppi) density. This ensures that while it may not deliver sharp imagery seen in higher-end models, it still is quite adequate for daily usage such as browsing the internet or watching videos.

Performance and Hardware

The heart of the Lenovo A706 lies in its Qualcomm MSM8225Q Snapdragon S4 Play chipset, accompanied by a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU. Paired with an Adreno 203 GPU, the device offers enough processing power to handle basic tasks and casual applications. However, due to its budget nature, potential buyers should not expect top-tier performance, especially when handling high-demand applications or multitasking.

Internally, the phone comes with 4GB of storage, which can be expanded thanks to the dedicated microSDHC slot. This slot is crucial considering the need for additional storage due to many modern apps' size. Additionally, 1GB of RAM, while enough for its time, runs the basic functionalities without much lag.

Camera Features

The Lenovo A706 is equipped with a single 5 MP autofocus (AF) rear camera, supplemented with an LED flash. This setup is capable of capturing standard photographs suitable for casual use. While it may not compete with the higher-end models of its time, it serves its purpose for the price point. On the front, there’s a VGA camera, ideal for basic video calls, even though selfie enthusiasts might find it lacking.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Po 2000 mAh battery, an advantage for users wanting to swap batteries on the go. It boasts a stand-by time of up to 230 hours on 2G networks and 180 hours on 3G. Talk time can reach up to 16 hours and 14 hours on 2G and 3G networks respectively, allowing for extended periods of use during the day.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Lenovo A706 offers a straightforward user experience typical of Android devices during its release period. Out-of-the-box, it includes standard Android features, Google services, and access to the Google Play Store for app downloads. However, users should be aware of its dated software, especially given that newer applications might not be compatible or optimally perform on this platform.

Connectivity Options

The Lenovo A706 covers basic connectivity needs with its support for GSM/HSPA technologies, facilitating mobile internet on 2G and 3G networks with speeds up to 7.2/5.76 Mbps. Moreover, its comms suite includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, FM Radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port. Unfortunately, it lacks NFC support, limiting some wireless communication functionalities prevalent in later mobile technologies.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound-wise, the Lenovo A706 features a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for standard audio output. The quality remains in line with its budget segment, sufficient for media consumption and voice calls.

Additional Features

Incorporating sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, the Lenovo A706 is equipped to handle basic motion-detection tasks and screen orientation adjustments. This complements its array of features targeted at providing a good user experience within the segment.

Pricing and Market Relevance

Upon release, the Lenovo A706 was priced at approximately 150 EUR, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers or those looking to experience a basic yet functional smartphone. However, with its status now discontinued, it primarily serves as a reference point for smartphone evolution in Lenovo's lineup and the budget smartphone market.

Conclusion

In summary, the Lenovo A706 delivers just the right combination of features for users seeking basic smartphone capabilities with the flexibility offered by dual SIMs. While it lacks the modern features available in today's smartphones, at its time, it represented a reliable choice for consumers in need of essential functionalities. Its legacy remains evident in its impact and relevance during its era of prominence.