Price and specifications of Lenovo S560 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Network Capabilities

The Lenovo S560 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, allowing for sufficient connectivity options for users in 2G and 3G network coverage areas. The device is equipped with dual SIM capabilities, with one SIM slot supporting HSDPA 2100 for 3G connectivity. This ensures that users remain connected to the web, make voice calls, and send text messages across various regions with compatible networks. Despite the lack of support for the newer LTE networks, the use of HSPA ensures reasonably fast data speeds for the time of its release.

Launch and Availability

Announced in 2012, the Lenovo S560 quickly garnered attention for its balance of features and cost. However, it has since been discontinued, meaning it is no longer in production. Interested consumers might find it available through secondary markets or as refurbished units, but availability may be limited as the years go by following its initial release.

Design and Build

The Lenovo S560 is designed with a compact and fairly robust body, measuring 125 x 63 x 12.3 mm, which conveys a solid feel in the hand. Weighing in at 155 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and sturdiness. The phone supports dual Mini-SIM cards in a dual stand-by configuration, which can be attractive to users who need to manage multiple phone numbers or networks on a single device.

Display Specifications

Sporting a 4.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Lenovo S560 offers a decent viewing experience with its 480 x 800 pixel resolution. The pixel density of approximately 233 ppi delivers clear and sufficiently sharp visuals for standard usage. The display size and resolution make it suitable for casual web browsing, basic media consumption, and running apps that do not require high-resolution graphics.

Platform and Performance

Powering the Lenovo S560 is the Mediatek MT6577 chipset, built on a 40 nm process. This dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, paired with a PowerVR SGX531u GPU, was considered competent for the demands of the smartphone market at its time of release. Running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, users can enjoy an intuitive and user-friendly interface, albeit without the enhancements of newer Android versions. The 512MB RAM might seem modest by today's standards, but it was par for the course for budget devices when the phone launched. The performance was adequate for multitasking light to moderate usage, focusing on efficiency over raw processing power.

Memory and Storage

The device offers 4GB of internal storage, which can be expanded through a dedicated microSDHC slot. Although the internal storage may suffice for essential apps and a limited amount of media, users are likely to rely on expandable storage options for larger files and media libraries. This aligns well with the design philosophy at the time, which favored cost-effective solutions while providing users avenues for customization.

Camera Features

Equipped with a 5 MP autofocus main camera, the Lenovo S560 captures reasonable photos for casual use. Though not designed to compete with higher-end camera phones, it provides decent image quality for everyday snapshots and social media sharing. The device also includes a VGA front camera, catering to basic video calling and self-portraits. Video recording on the main camera maxes out at 480p, which reflects the limitations of hardware capabilities during its release window.

Audio and Multimedia

Emphasizing a good audio experience, the Lenovo S560 is enhanced by its stereo loudspeakers. This makes it an appealing option for users who consume media on their devices. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories, supporting personal listening through wired headphones or headsets.

Connectivity Options

The smartphone supports essential connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR, as well as GPS for location-based services. Additionally, the device offers FM radio with a built-in antenna, catering to users who enjoy terrestrial radio broadcasts. The microUSB 2.0 port facilitates charging and data transfer with compatible devices and accessories.

Sensors and Battery Life

Featuring sensors such as accelerometer, proximity, and compass, the Lenovo S560 provides foundational features for device interaction and navigation. The removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery delivers up to 250 hours of stand-by time and up to 8 hours of talk time. This level of capacity is suitable for a day’s moderate use, allowing users to engage with their devices throughout daily activities without frequent recharging.

Miscellaneous Features

The Lenovo S560 is available in a deep blue color, appealing to users seeking a device that breaks from conventional black or silver shades. Initially priced around 180 EUR, it was positioned as an affordable device offering reasonable functionality for its cost. While not cutting-edge, it provided a serviceable feature set and reliable performance for budget-conscious consumers at the time.

Conclusion

Though the Lenovo S560 may be considered dated by contemporary standards, it is a testament to the era of versatile and budget-friendly smartphones that sought to balance performance, features, and cost. While the hardware and software may no longer compete with modern devices, the phone will likely retain interest among retro technology enthusiasts or as a budget alternative for those with minimal needs.