Lenovo Phab Plus Complete Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview and Introduction to Lenovo Phab Plus

The Lenovo Phab Plus, launched in September 2015 and released in October of the same year, is a unique device that aims to bridge the gap between smartphones and tablets. With its large 6.8-inch display, it offers the expansive screen real estate typical of a tablet, combined with the functionalities and portability of a smartphone. Although discontinued, this device is still discussed for its attempt to cater to users looking for both media consumption and productivity in a single device.

Design and Build

The Lenovo Phab Plus features a sturdy and sleek design, characterized by its dimensions of 186.6 x 96.6 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 229 grams. It's constructed with a solid frame that gives it a premium feel. The device supports Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM/Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), providing flexibility in communication. With color options such as Gunmetal Grey, Titanium Silver, and Champagne Gold, the Phab Plus appeals to a variety of users seeking both functionality and style.

Display

A standout feature of the Phab Plus is its 6.8-inch IPS LCD display, with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 16:9 ratio. This results in a pixel density of approximately 324 ppi. The large display is ideal for media consumption, reading, and browsing, providing vivid colors and sharp images. The screen-to-body ratio of about 70.7% ensures that while the display is large, it remains manageable for everyday use.

Performance and Hardware

The device is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset, constructed with a 28 nm process. It boasts an octa-core CPU setup, consisting of 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The GPU is an Adreno 405, which adequately handles graphic-intensive tasks. With 2GB of RAM, the Phab Plus can manage multitasking and everyday applications with relative ease.

Storage

Internally, the device comes with 32GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSDXC card, though this uses the shared SIM slot. This flexibility allows users to increase storage capacity according to their needs, making it suitable for storing photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out of space.

Camera Capabilities

The Lenovo Phab Plus is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus capabilities. It includes features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama, enhancing the photography experience by allowing diverse modes. The main camera can record videos in 1080p at 30fps. A front-facing 5 MP camera is also present for selfies and video calls, supporting everyday photography needs comfortably.

Battery Life

The device contains a non-removable Li-Po 3500 mAh battery. According to Lenovo, the Phab Plus can achieve a stand-by time of up to 480 hours and a talk time of up to 24 hours on a 3G connection. This is particularly beneficial for users who require a device that can last through a full day of use without needing frequent recharging.

Network and Connectivity

With support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, the Lenovo Phab Plus ensures wide-ranging connectivity. It includes support for various bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G, HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 for 3G, and several 4G bands such as 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41. Also, it achieves data speeds of up to LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, assuring users of a robust and versatile network experience.

Operating System and Software

The Phab Plus operates on Android 5.0 (Lollipop), which was a competent OS at the time of its release, providing a smooth user interface and access to the Google Play Store's wide range of applications. The user experience is further improved by Lenovo's enhancements and pre-installed apps, designed to expand the device's functionality.

Sound and Multimedia

The device maintains traditional features such as a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio solutions. Additionally, it houses a loudspeaker for media playback without external devices. While not specifically designed for audiophiles, the Phab Plus offers decent audio output for everyday use and media consumption.

Additional Features

It incorporates various sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhance user interaction and experience. Communication features are bolstered by support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and GPS with GLONASS. However, it lacks NFC, which might be a limitation for users who utilize mobile payment solutions. The inclusion of FM radio is a nod to traditional media forms, while the microUSB 2.0 interface allows for data transfer and charging.

Price and Availability

During its availability, the Lenovo Phab Plus was priced at around 250 EUR, making it a mid-range device accessible to a broad audience. Although discontinued, the Phab Plus can sometimes still be found on secondary markets, particularly for users interested in budget-friendly phablets with a large display.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Phab Plus set out to blur the lines between phones and tablets, catering to users who need entertainment and productivity features in one device. While no longer in production, its combination of a sizable screen, sound design, and reasonable performance ensures it remains a unique option for users looking for an affordable phablet experience with a large display.