Panasonic Eluga I3 Specs Price Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Panasonic Eluga I3

The Panasonic Eluga I3, released in May 2016, marked a noteworthy addition to Panasonic's lineup of smartphones aimed at offering value-for-money devices. With a blend of decent hardware specifications, the device was aimed at catering to the needs of budget-conscious users who still demanded efficient performance and essential features from their smartphones.

Design and Display

The Panasonic Eluga I3 showcases a sleek design with dimensions measuring 151 x 77 x 8.2 mm. It features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display providing a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This size offers users ample screen real estate for browsing, watching videos, and playing games, making it a suitable option for media consumption. The design includes a modest screen-to-body ratio of approximately 71.7%, and it is available in colors like Rose Gold, Champagne Gold, and Marine Blue that cater to varied aesthetic preferences.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Eluga I3 is powered by a 1.3 GHz Quad-core processor, which was quite typical for mid-range smartphones during its time of release. It runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop with Panasonic's FitHome UI on top. While Android Lollipop is now considered outdated, at the time of release, it provided a stable and user-friendly experience. The FitHome UI was designed to enhance usability with unique interface elements for easier navigation.

Memory and Storage

The device comes equipped with 2GB of RAM, which is adequate for basic multitasking. It includes an internal storage capacity of 16GB, which can seem limiting for modern-day standards. However, the presence of a dedicated microSDHC card slot allows users to expand storage, ensuring they have space for additional apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts would find the Eluga I3's camera setup satisfactory for its class. The primary camera is a 13 MP shooter with autofocus capability and an LED flash, allowing users to capture decent photos even in low-light conditions. The phone can record videos at 1080p@30fps, which was competitive for budget smartphones then. The front-facing camera features a 5 MP lens, ideal for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

Battery performance is crucial for any mobile device. The Eluga I3 is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 2700 mAh battery. Although a bit modest in capacity, this battery size was sufficient to carry most users through a standard day of usage involving calling, messaging, and casual browsing. The removable nature of the battery can be advantageous for users wishing to carry spare batteries for extended trips away from charging facilities.

Connectivity and Network

The smartphone supports dual SIM functionality, which is beneficial for users needing to manage personal and business contacts simultaneously. Moreover, it offers connectivity options across 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, making it compatible with a multitude of network providers globally. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging.

Additional Features

Additional features include basic sensors like accelerometer and proximity sensors, enhancing the device's capability to provide automatic screen orientation adjustments and proximity-based screen off functions during calls. However, it lacks advanced sensors like a fingerprint scanner, which is now a common feature in modern smartphones. The inclusion of an FM radio caters to users who enjoy live radio broadcasts, providing entertainment without needing data connectivity.

Price and Availability

Originally priced at around 150 EUR, the Panasonic Eluga I3 positioned itself in the budget segment, offering a balance of features necessary for the average user without a heavy price tag. As of now, the device has been discontinued, reflecting the rapid pace of technological advancements in mobile devices that make older models quickly obsolete.

Conclusion

The Panasonic Eluga I3 was a competent performer in its class during its prime, appealing to users seeking a balance between performance and affordability. Its blend of a large display, expandable storage options, dual SIM capability, and decent camera and network features paved the way for it to cater to diverse user needs. Today, while more advanced devices have surpassed it, the Eluga I3 remains a testament to Panasonic's efforts in delivering affordable technology solutions to the market.