QMobile Noir i7 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of QMobile Noir i7

The QMobile Noir i7, launched in September 2014, was a noteworthy addition to the budget smartphone market at the time. It offered users an affordable yet functional smartphone experience. Despite its discontinuation, the device remains a subject of interest due to its balanced specifications and performance capabilities at its price point. With a blend of efficient processing power, modest camera capabilities, and a design suitable for everyday users, the Noir i7 served its purpose well within its market segment.

Design and Build

The QMobile Noir i7 showcased a sleek design with dimensions of 137 x 68 x 8.8 mm, which made it quite ergonomic for single-handed use. While the weight of the device wasn't specified, its construction provided a sturdy yet lightweight feel due to its plastic build. The device supported Dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two different SIM cards conveniently.

Display

Featuring a 4.5-inch IPS LCD, the Noir i7 offered a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This translated to a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi, ensuring that users experienced clear and vibrant visuals. Although not on par with more modern high-definition screens, the display quality was adequate for the price point and typical daily usage such as browsing, social media, and media consumption.

Performance

The performance of the QMobile Noir i7 was driven by a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU paired with a Mali-400MP2 GPU. The chipset used was the MediaTek MT6582M, built on a 28 nm process. This combination provided efficient performance for basic smartphone tasks, including web browsing, social media applications, and casual gaming. With 1GB of RAM, multitasking was possible but limited, particularly with resource-intensive applications.

Storage

With 8GB of internal storage, users had a reasonable amount of space for apps, media, and other data. For those needing more storage, the device supported microSDHC cards to expand storage capacity, a feature that is essential for those looking to maximize usage without running into storage limitations frequently.

Camera Capabilities

The Noir i7 came with a 5 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording 720p video at 30fps. While it wasn't built for professional-grade photography, it sufficed for everyday snapping and social media sharing. The 2 MP front camera was modest but allowed for basic video calling and selfies.

Battery Life

Powered by a Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, the Noir i7 provided adequate battery life for standard daily activities such as calling, texting, and light browsing. Battery performance was average for its class, demanding daily charging for moderate to heavy users.

Connectivity Features

In terms of connectivity, the device supported GSM and HSPA networks, offering 2G and 3G band support. Wi-Fi capabilities included 802.11 b/g/n, with the option to create a hotspot. The inclusion of Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 ensured that users remained connected and could transfer data conveniently.

Software and User Interface

The Noir i7 originally ran Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, upgradable to Android 4.4 KitKat. This offered a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of applications from the Google Play Store. However, as with many devices in this category, software updates beyond this point were unavailable, limiting access to newer features introduced in subsequent Android versions.

Additional Features

Additional features of the QMobile Noir i7 included a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for audio connectivity and an accelerometer sensor, which was standard for smartphones of that era to allow orientation-based usability.

Price and Market Position

Priced at approximately 120 EUR during its time of release, the device targeted budget-conscious consumers seeking essential smartphone functionality without high costs. It was available in a classic black color, appealing to users preferring understated aesthetics.

Conclusion

In summary, the QMobile Noir i7 was a competent device in its time, offering a fairly balanced set of features tailored for everyday use. While it did not boast high-end specifications, its affordability and functionality met the needs of many users seeking an entry-level smartphone experience. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a relevant example of affordable technology catering to the basic requirements of the mass market sector.