Maxwest Astro X55 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Maxwest Astro X55 is a mid-range smartphone that was launched in early 2016. Despite being discontinued, it remains a point of interest for those exploring older Android devices. The device offers a range of features typical of smartphones during its release period, with a focus on providing adequate functionality in terms of processing, multimedia, and connectivity while being budget-friendly.

Design and Build

The Astro X55 sports a sleek design with dimensions of 150.5 x 76.3 x 7.8 mm and a weight of 174 grams. It features a plastic body with a dual SIM capability allowing users to manage two different numbers on a single handset. The phone is available in two attractive colors—Gold and White—which add to its aesthetic appeal. The design focuses on simplicity and comfort, ensuring ease of use even with one hand.

Display

The device comes equipped with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display that offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 72.6%, the display is sizeable enough for a decent multimedia experience. The pixel density of ~267 ppi offers clear visuals, though it might not match the sharpness of higher-end modern displays. This screen size and resolution were quite common for smartphones in this category at the time.

Performance

The Maxwest Astro X55 is powered by a Mediatek MT6580 chipset—a quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7. Coupled with a Mali-400MP2 GPU, this hardware configuration was typical for budget smartphones at the time. The device comes with 1GB of RAM, which may limit multitasking capabilities but should suffice for basic applications and day-to-day operations. The operating system running on the Astro X55 is Android 5.1 Lollipop, providing a user-friendly interface and access to various applications.

Storage

In terms of storage, the smartphone offers 8GB of internal storage, which might be considered limited by today's standards. However, it does come with a microSDHC slot that allows users to expand the storage, providing flexibility for those who require more space for apps, media, and other data.

Camera

The Maxwest Astro X55 features a single 8 MP rear camera with autofocus capabilities and an LED flash for improved photo quality in low-light conditions. It also supports 720p video recording. On the front, there is a 5 MP camera suitable for selfies and basic video calls. While it may not compete with contemporary camera phones, the Astro X55's camera setup is adequate for casual photography and social media sharing.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a removable Li-Ion 2200 mAh battery. This battery capacity is modest but was typical for smartphones in this segment during its release. Users can expect a standby time of up to 350 hours and a talk time of up to 14 hours, making it suitable for daily use without frequent charging. The removable nature of the battery can be a beneficial feature, allowing users to easily replace it if necessary.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Astro X55 supports GSM and HSPA technologies. It features basic connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for location services, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging. The device includes sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, broadening its utility a little further.

Additional Features

This smartphone also incorporates a stereo FM radio, which is a useful feature for users who enjoy listening to the radio on the go. However, it lacks NFC, which means it won't support certain modern functionalities like contactless payments. A 3.5mm headphone jack is included, providing convenience for users who prefer to use wired headphones.

Conclusion

The Maxwest Astro X55 offers a practical option for those seeking a simple and functional device. While it may fall short in comparison to modern smartphones in terms of performance and features, it serves well within its intended segment. Its classic design, basic camera capabilities, and adequate battery life make it a suitable choice for users with minimal smartphone demands, especially in markets where budget-friendly devices are popular.