Lenovo K8 Indepth Review Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Lenovo K8: An Affordable Smartphone Choice

Lenovo K8 is a smartphone that strikes a balance between affordability and essential smartphone features. Announced in September 2017 and released the following October, this device caters to users looking for a reliable and efficient smartphone without breaking the bank. It comes equipped with a range of features that cater to both basic and some advanced needs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Below is a detailed analysis of its key features and specifications.

Design and Build

The Lenovo K8 boasts a practical design with dimensions of 147.9 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm and a weight of 165 g, making it comfortable to hold and use. It features a plastic body with a removable back, offering access to its dual SIM slots, and a dedicated microSD card slot. Available in classic Black and elegant White/Gold, the Lenovo K8 integrates a modern aesthetic with durability and practical functionality.

Display

This device comes with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD touchscreen, offering decent color reproduction and viewing angles. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 68.4%, the display provides an acceptable viewing experience for general usage such as browsing, media consumption, and basic app usage. The pixel density of ~282 ppi ensures that texts and images appear sharp enough for everyday tasks.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Lenovo K8 is powered by the Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU with four cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.65 GHz. The Mali-T880MP2 GPU supports the device’s graphical performance. Paired with 3GB of RAM, this configuration allows for smooth multitasking and moderate gaming experiences. While it may not compete with high-end devices in terms of raw power, the K8 is more than capable of handling everyday apps and use cases effectively.

Software

Originally shipped with Android 7.1.1 Nougat, the Lenovo K8 is upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo. This upgrade enhances the device's performance, battery life, and user interface with features like notification dots, picture-in-picture mode, and more efficient background processes.

Camera

The Lenovo K8 sports a 13 MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus (PDAF), LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, allowing users to capture decent quality photos in various lighting conditions. It records video at 1080p@30fps, which suffices for casual video recording needs. On the front, the device features an 8 MP selfie camera with its own LED flash, making it suitable for selfies and video calls, even in low-light conditions.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery, the Lenovo K8 delivers impressive battery life. It provides up to 32 hours of talk time on 3G networks and a standby time of up to 456 hours, ensuring users can comfortably go about their day without needing frequent recharges. The substantial battery capacity is a significant plus for users who prioritize battery longevity in their smartphones.

Storage and Memory

The Lenovo K8 comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable via the dedicated microSDXC card slot, offering users the flexibility to increase storage capacity based on their needs. This expansion capability is particularly beneficial for those who consume a lot of media or use storage-intensive applications. Additionally, 3GB of RAM supports the device’s multitasking capabilities, providing a satisfactory performance level for the price point.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports 4G LTE on a variety of bands, ensuring wide compatibility with global mobile networks. It includes standard connectivity features like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, and FM Radio. However, it lacks NFC support, which might be a consideration for users who count on contactless payment systems. The device comes with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing an extra layer of security and convenience for unlocking the phone.

Price and Market Positioning

With a price tag of around 170 EUR, the Lenovo K8 is positioned as a budget-friendly smartphone, catering to users who seek basic functionality, reliable performance, and decent photography capabilities without spending a fortune. Its price-to-feature ratio makes it a competitive choice against other entry-level and mid-range smartphones in the market.

Conclusion

Lenovo K8 stands out as a value-focused smartphone that delivers essential features and reliable performance for its price. While it may not offer the cutting-edge specifications found in flagship models, it represents a solid choice for cost-conscious consumers looking for a dependable device that covers all basic smartphone needs. Whether it’s for everyday communication, browsing, or media consumption, the K8 proves to be a capable companion in the budget smartphone segment.