QMobile Linq X100 Specs Prices Features & Drawbacks Uncovered

Overview of QMobile Linq X100

The QMobile Linq X100 was released in December 2014, marking a notable entry into the budget smartphone niche at that time. It was aimed at users looking for affordability paired with essential smartphone functionalities. Though it has been discontinued, the device serves as a snapshot of mid-2010s phone technology.

Design and Build

The QMobile Linq X100 is designed with practicality in mind. It sports dimensions of 128 x 64.3 x 9.5 mm, which makes it easy to hold and operate with one hand. Although the exact weight is unspecified, its compact size makes it quite portable. The device supports dual SIMs, which was and remains a valuable feature for users managing multiple numbers. The body of the Linq X100 was available in a classic black color.

Display

The smartphone features a 4.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, resulting in a 16:9 aspect ratio and approximately 218 pixels per inch. While not HD, this display size and resolution were quite standard for budget phones at the time, delivering adequate brightness and color reproduction for everyday tasks such as texting, browsing, and using social media.

Performance

Under the hood, the Linq X100 is powered by a 1.3 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A7 processor on a Mediatek MT6582 chipset. This configuration, along with the Mali-400MP2 GPU, was suitable for handling basic applications and multitasking to a limited extent. It features 1GB of RAM, which was quite common for entry-level smartphones, allowing it to manage lightweight applications efficiently.

Storage

The device provides 8GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSDHC card slot. While the built-in storage could fill up quickly with apps and media, the expansion capability alleviates this limitation, offering users flexibility to store additional content such as photos, music, and apps.

Camera Capabilities

The QMobile Linq X100 is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera featuring an LED flash, allowing for basic photography and video recording. While it does not compete with modern smartphone cameras, it was sufficient for capturing simple photos and moments during its time. Additionally, the device includes a VGA-quality front camera, catering to basic selfie and video call needs.

Battery Life

The smartphone houses a Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, which could provide a full day's usage under moderate activity. Given the low power requirements of the device's hardware, users could expect reliable performance throughout the day without frequent recharging.

Operating System and Software

QMobile Linq X100 runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, a version that was prominent during its release. Although it lacks some of the features of more recent Android iterations, it provides a relatively smooth user experience for the basic functions such as navigation, browsing, and playing multimedia content.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity-wise, the Linq X100 supports GSM and HSPA networks, suitable for 2G and 3G bands. Users can utilize Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for internet connection, and Bluetooth 4.0 for close-range data transfers. The device is also equipped with GPS for location services and supports FM radio, allowing for a versatile range of communication and media options. The absence of NFC is notable but expected within this price range. Charging and data transfers are facilitated through a microUSB 2.0 port.

Additional Features

Additional features include sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors help provide usability enhancements and a better overall user experience by enabling features related to device orientation and motion detection.

Conclusion

Although the QMobile Linq X100 is discontinued, it remains a notable model for its affordability and essential features for users not demanding high-performance specifications. It highlights the mid-tier, economical design philosophy that allowed more users to access smartphones at the time. For current users, the limitations in performance, app compatibility, and outdated Android OS are significant, but as a piece of technology history, it's an interesting look at early affordable smartphone capabilities.