Price and specifications of Lenovo A Plus advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Lenovo A Plus

The Lenovo A Plus, announced and released in September 2016, was designed as an affordable entry-level smartphone. With its balanced set of features for its price range, it targeted users who needed a basic device for everyday tasks. Although the device has since been discontinued, it remains a notable mention in Lenovo’s lineup, particularly for regions seeking budget-friendly smartphone solutions.

Design and Build

The Lenovo A Plus offers a compact and sturdy design, measuring 133 x 66 x 9.9 mm (5.24 x 2.60 x 0.39 in) and weighing 146 grams (5.15 oz). It was available in two color options: Onyx Black and Pearl White, which provided a minimalist and clean aesthetic. The device supports dual SIM functionality with Micro-SIM slots, allowing users to manage two numbers simultaneously, which is a feature enhancing its appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for dual network usage.

Display

The smartphone features a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of approximately 218 ppi. This display specification is common among entry-level devices, providing adequate clarity and color representation for basic multimedia consumption. The screen occupies around 63.6% of the front body, providing a modest viewing area that suits its compact form factor.

Performance

Equipped with a Mediatek MT6580 chipset built on a 28nm architecture, the Lenovo A Plus delivers performance through a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. The Mali-400MP2 GPU handles graphics processing tasks. While not designed for high-end gaming or intensive multitasking, this hardware configuration offers sufficient power for basic applications, social media browsing, and light gaming. The device is supported by 1GB of RAM, which aligns with its entry-level positioning, enabling it to handle fundamental tasks without significant lag.

Storage

The internal storage of the Lenovo A Plus stands at 8GB, with around 4GB usable for applications and user data after accounting for system files and pre-installed applications. For users requiring additional memory capacity, the smartphone offers a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing expansion to accommodate multimedia files, additional apps, and documents.

Camera

The Lenovo A Plus is outfitted with a 5 MP autofocus main camera paired with an LED flash, catering to basic photography needs. The camera is capable of capturing reasonable quality images in favorable lighting conditions, which is expected from devices in this category. In addition, it features a 2 MP front-facing camera suitable for video calls and casual selfies.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a removable Li-Po 2000 mAh battery. Given the device’s entry-level specs, the battery capacity is adequate for a full day’s worth of moderate usage, including calls, texting, and light internet surfing. The removable nature of the battery provides users the convenience of easily replacing it, extending the practical longevity of the handset.

Network and Connectivity

The Lenovo A Plus supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, delivering up to 21.1 Mbps download speeds on 3G networks. For local connectivity, it features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless peripherals, GPS for navigation, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The device also includes an FM radio, adding value for users who enjoy listening to local radio stations without the need for internet access.

Operating System

Running on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the Lenovo A Plus provides a user experience characterized by simplicity and ease of use. Although Lollipop is considered outdated by current standards, at the time of its release, it delivered essential Android functionalities, including access to the Play Store, Google services, and a host of compatible apps designed for the Android environment.

Additional Features

The smartphone is equipped with basic sensors, including an accelerometer, which supports motion detection applications. Although it lacks advanced features like NFC or a fingerprint scanner, its straightforward design and function align with its budget-user target demographic.

Price and Availability

Upon its release, the Lenovo A Plus was priced at approximately 70 EUR, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget or for users in emerging markets seeking a reliable device without the need for high-end specifications. Although the phone has been discontinued, it occasionally resurfaces in secondary markets for those still interested in its retro charm and functionality.

Conclusion

The Lenovo A Plus stands as a testament to Lenovo's commitment to providing versatile options across different price tiers. Its fundamental yet functional design and features made it a suitable choice for specific consumer segments, especially in regions where primary mobile usage centers around basic calling, texting, and light app use. While it may not compete with modern-day smartphones, its legacy in the realm of budget-friendly devices remains significant for the era it served.