Comprehensive Review of NIU Niutek 45D Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of NIU Niutek 4.5D

The NIU Niutek 4.5D, announced in December 2013 and released in January 2014, is a smartphone that attempted to address the needs of the lower-midrange market segment. Despite being discontinued, the device provides interesting insights into the mobile technology design and user expectations of the early 2010s. With a balance of basic features and distinctive elements, this phone offers a snapshot of technological advancement during that period.

Design and Build

The device measures 137.6 x 68 x 10.4 mm and weighs 139 grams, which was considered compact and lightweight at its release. Its design accommodates a dual SIM (Mini-SIM), which was particularly appealing for users requiring separate lines for personal and work use. The build is typical of smartphones from its era, focusing on functionality with minimal design elements. The black color variant contributed to a professional and minimalistic aesthetic.

Display

The NIU Niutek 4.5D features a 4.5-inch TFT display that supports 256K colors, offering a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 59.6%. The resolution stands at 480 x 854 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9, providing a pixel density of about 218 ppi. Although modest by today's standards, the display was adequate for browsing, basic media consumption, and navigation during its time.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 5 MP main camera, the phone allows for basic photography tasks. The inclusion of LED flash and panorama mode supports enhanced shooting in varying lighting conditions. The camera is also capable of capturing video at 720p at 30fps, which was a reasonable specification for casual video recording at the time. A 1.3 MP front-facing camera caters to selfies and video calls, reflecting the less selfie-centric design focus of early 2010s smartphones.

Performance and Hardware

The Niutek 4.5D operates on an Android 4.2 Jelly Bean platform, powered by a Mediatek MT6572 chipset with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and Mali-400 GPU. While the 256MB RAM and 512MB of internal storage may seem limited, there's an option for expansion via a microSDHC card, making the device more adaptable to the user's storage needs. These specifications align with the entry-level segment of that era, designed for fundamental smartphone use.

Connectivity and Network Features

The phone supports GSM / HSPA network technologies, with compatibility for 2G and 3G bands. It offers a dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP support. While NFC is not included, it features GPS for navigation and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Additionally, the inclusion of stereo FM radio adds to the diverse range of connectivity options available to users.

Battery Life and Power Management

The device is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery. The manufacturer's specifications suggest a standby time of up to 640 hours on 2G networks and up to 420 hours on 3G. Talk time is rated up to 16 hours on 2G and 9 hours on 3G. These battery performance specs were competitive at its release, highlighting an efficient power management system given the hardware constraints.

Sound and Audio

Audio features include a loudspeaker and a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, maintaining user-friendly compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals. The sound output is designed to meet basic multimedia and communication needs, with reasonable clarity and volume levels for everyday use.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with essential sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These sensors support fundamental interaction and functionality, such as auto-rotation and call management. While advanced sensors are absent, the existing features suffice for the core applications of its intended user base.

Conclusion

The NIU Niutek 4.5D served as a reliable option in the lower-midrange smartphone market of its time, delivering essential features at an affordable price point. Its design, technology, and features reflected the standards and user expectations of the early 2010s, providing value through its dual SIM capability, basic smartphone functionalities, and efficient power management. Despite its discontinuation, the device remains a relevant example of the era's mobile technology, illustrating the progress and evolution experienced in subsequent years.