Unveiling Plum Compass LTE Features Pricing and Performance Review

Overview

The Plum Compass LTE is a distinctive smartphone that made its entry into the market in November 2017 and was officially released in January 2018. Despite being discontinued now, the device holds significant importance for its budget-friendly offerings at the time of its launch. This article provides an in-depth look at the Plum Compass LTE, covering aspects from its hardware to its network compatibility, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its features and capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

The Plum Compass LTE offers robust network support, making it versatile for various connectivity needs. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring a broad range of frequency bands that cater to different regions and carrier requirements. Specifically, it operates on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), 3G bands (HSDPA 850/1900/2100), and 4G bands (2, 4, 5, 7, 17). Its speed capabilities are commendable, with HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, offering a reliable internet browsing and data streaming experience.

Design and Build

The design of the Plum Compass LTE focuses on practicality and comfort. It features dimensions of 150 x 71.6 x 9.3 mm and weighs approximately 146 grams. This lightweight design makes it easy to handle and operate with one hand. The phone accommodates dual Micro-SIM cards with a dual stand-by feature, enhancing its utility for users who manage multiple numbers.

Display

The Plum Compass LTE is equipped with a 5.0-inch TN TFT display, offering a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 64.1%. The display resolution stands at 480 x 854 pixels with a pixel density of ~196 ppi, which, while not high-definition by modern standards, was typical for budget smartphones around its release period. This display is suitable for basic media consumption and general app usage.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the Plum Compass LTE is powered by a Mediatek MT6737M chipset, which is built on the 28 nm process technology. It features a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-400 GPU. While not meant for high-end gaming or intensive tasks, this configuration is adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and multimedia playback. The device runs on Android 7.0 (Nougat), providing a user-friendly interface with access to a plethora of apps via the Google Play Store.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, paired with 1GB of RAM. This storage capacity accommodates basic app installations and some media files, but for users needing more space, the phone supports microSDHC cards, allowing for expandable storage to increase capacity for apps, photos, and music.

Camera

The Plum Compass LTE features an 8 MP rear camera equipped with an LED flash, enabling it to capture photos in various lighting conditions. It supports video recording at 720p at 30fps, providing decent quality for general video needs. The front-facing camera has a 5 MP sensor, catering to video calls and selfies, though it lacks advanced features found in higher-end models.

Audio and Communications

The audio setup includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, which allows compatibility with a wide range of headphones and earbuds. Communication features are broad, with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct for wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for peripherals, and GPS for navigation. Additionally, it includes FM radio, a feature not always present in modern smartphones, catering to users who listen to radio broadcasts.

Sensors and Features

The Plum Compass LTE is equipped with basic sensors, including an accelerometer, which is essential for screen auto-rotation and motion-based functions in games and apps. However, it lacks more advanced sensors like gyroscopes or fingerprint readers, reflecting its focus on fundamental smartphone capabilities.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a 2100 mAh removable Li-Ion battery. It offers a standby time of up to 200 hours on 3G networks and a talk time of up to 5 hours on 3G. While the battery life may require more frequent charging compared to newer models, the removable aspect provides the flexibility to carry a spare battery, offering extended usage without the need to find a power outlet.

Colors and Miscellaneous

The Plum Compass LTE was made available in a variety of colors, including Black, Gray, Gold, Rose Gold, and White. This range allows users to select a model that best fits their personal style or preference. Despite its discontinuation, its availability in multiple colors and competitive price point helped it stand out in the market segment it targeted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Plum Compass LTE offered a well-rounded package for budget-conscious consumers in search of a simple yet functional smartphone. Its mix of basic yet effective features made it suitable for users who required a device for standard communication and media tasks without the complexities or costs associated with higher-tier smartphones. While it may not hold appeal to tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge technology, its historical presence in the market reflects an era where affordability was a crucial factor in mobile technology adoption.