QMobile Noir i9 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of QMobile Noir i9

The QMobile Noir i9, launched in May 2014, is a device that was designed to cater to the budget-conscious consumer looking for a smartphone with a reasonable mix of features. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a device worth exploring, especially for those interested in the evolution of smartphones over the years.

Design and Build

The QMobile Noir i9 presents a balanced design with its dimensions measuring 146 x 74 x 9.3 mm and a weight of 167 g. Although it may feel slightly bulky by today's standards, at the time of its release, it was considered quite manageable. It sports a traditional design with a physical build that resonated well with users looking for a durable and user-friendly device.

Moreover, the device supports dual SIM functionality, providing versatility for users needing multiple SIMs for personal and professional use simultaneously.

Display

The 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen was one of the standout features of the Noir i9. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, it offered a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi, ensuring that users enjoyed a sharp and clear viewing experience. The screen-to-body ratio was around 63.8%, which was typical for smartphones of that era.

Overall, the display provided vibrant colors and sufficient brightness, making it suitable for media consumption and daily tasks.

Hardware Performance

Under the hood, the QMobile Noir i9 is powered by the Mediatek MT6582 chipset. The quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, coupled with the Mali-400MP2 GPU, provided reasonable performance for basic tasks such as web browsing, social media, and casual gaming.

The device came with 1GB RAM and 4GB of internal storage. While the internal storage might seem low, the presence of a microSDHC slot allowed users to expand the storage according to their needs, alleviating space concerns.

Camera Capabilities

The Noir i9 features an 8 MP autofocus rear camera, equipped with an LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. This setup was quite competent for capturing everyday moments with acceptable detail and color reproduction, although low-light performance was predictably limited.

The device also includes a 2 MP front camera, which was adequate for basic video calls and casual selfies.

Regarding video capabilities, the rear camera could record videos at 1080p@30fps, which was a significant feature in budget smartphones at the time.

Software and User Experience

Initially running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the QMobile Noir i9 could be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat. This provided users the flexibility to enjoy more up-to-date software enhancements and security updates for improved usability.

The user interface was straightforward and catered well to both beginners and experienced Android users, offering a seamless experience for daily tasks and application management.

Battery Life

Equipped with a Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, the Noir i9 offered a respectable battery life, capable of delivering up to 16 hours of talk time on 2G and up to 10 hours 30 minutes on 3G networks. For standby, the device could last up to 260 hours on both 2G and 3G networks.

The battery efficiency, combined with the power management inherent in Android, provided users with a reliable daily driver without frequent charging interruptions.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports several connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for navigation, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support. However, it lacks NFC but does include an FM radio, which was a valued feature for many users at the time.

In terms of sensors, the Noir i9 includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, facilitating various functionalities and enhancing user experience.

Market Reception and Pricing

At its release, the QMobile Noir i9 was priced at approximately 130 EUR, making it an accessible choice for many users in emerging markets. It was a testament to QMobile's strategy of delivering affordable yet feature-rich smartphones, a formula that garnered them a significant share in certain regions.

The device's discontinuation marks its journey into the history of smartphones, yet it remains an example of the advances in mobile technology and the needs of consumers during its time.

Conclusion

Overall, the QMobile Noir i9 served as a worthy option for users seeking a dependable, entry-level smartphone experience. While it may not stand up against modern flagship devices, its contribution to making smartphones accessible cannot be overstated. For tech enthusiasts and historians, it represents a snapshot of the evolving mobile landscape of the early 2010s.