Orange San Diego Detailed Specs Pricing & ProsCons Explored

Overview of Orange San Diego

The Orange San Diego, initially released in 2012, marked a significant moment in mobile technology as it was among the first devices to be powered by an Intel processor. Targeted primarily at the European market and launched under the Orange network, the device also went by the name Intel AZ210. While it has been discontinued, the legacy of the Orange San Diego is noteworthy both for its technical specifications and its role in illustrating the potential of Intel's mobile processors.

Design and Build

The Orange San Diego boasts a sleek design. Its dimensions are 123 x 63 x 10 mm (4.84 x 2.48 x 0.39 in), which made it relatively compact by 2012 standards. Weighing in at 117 grams, it was lightweight, enhancing its portability and user comfort. The device features a micro-SIM slot, which was the emerging standard at that time.

Display

Equipped with a 4.0-inch TFT display, the Orange San Diego offers a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels. This translates to a screen-to-body ratio of around 58.1%, and a pixel density of approximately 297 pixels per inch (ppi), providing clear and relatively sharp visuals. While the TFT technology is less advanced compared to modern OLEDs, it was quite common and provided decent color reproduction for its time.

Performance and Platform

At the heart of the Orange San Diego is the Intel Atom Z2460 processor, known for its single-core 1.6 GHz CPU. While single-core processors have largely been phased out, the San Diego's performance back in 2012 was considered efficient, especially with its PowerVR SGX540 GPU, which handled graphics processing. Initially launched with Android 2.3.7 (Gingerbread), users had the option to upgrade to Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), enhancing user experience with more features and an improved interface.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 16GB of internal storage, with around 12GB available for user use, and it is paired with 1GB of RAM. However, the lack of a card slot for expandable storage meant users had to manage their space efficiently, particularly given the increasing size of apps and media files during that period.

Camera Capabilities

The Orange San Diego is fitted with an 8 MP autofocus main camera featuring an LED flash, enabling users to capture reasonably good quality photos and videos at 1080p at 30 frames per second. While it lacked advanced features seen on modern smartphones, for the time, it met the expectations for capturing everyday moments. It also includes a front-facing camera sufficient for video calls.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone offers a standard loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a staple feature in devices of that era, which allowed users to enjoy media either publicly or privately.

Connectivity

Connectivity options included support for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and microUSB 2.0. The inclusion of GPS and A-GPS facilitated location-based services, and the phone also supported NFC, which was still an emerging technology at the time. A notable omission was the FM radio, a feature appreciated by some users back then.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery which claims standby time of up to 336 hours and talk time of up to 8 hours. The ability to remove and replace the battery was a crucial feature appreciated by many users, allowing them to carry spare batteries for extended use.

Sensors and Additional Features

For additional user interaction, the Orange San Diego is equipped with sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance user interaction with apps and adjust phone functionalities based on user movements and environmental conditions.

Pricing and Availability

When first released, the device retailed for approximately 190 euros. Considering the specifications and brand value, it positioned itself as a cost-effective option for consumers looking for reasonably good performance without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In sum, the Orange San Diego represented a key turning point in the industry with its usage of Intel’s processor technology in a smartphone context. While it has since been succeeded by far more advanced models, its role in broadening the choice of processors beyond ARM-based systems remains significant. In the evolving landscape of mobile devices, the San Diego serves as an early example of the experimentation and rapid technological advancements that continue to drive the industry today.