QMobile Noir X500 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction

The QMobile Noir X500 is a smartphone that was launched in November 2014, offering a package that combined affordability with essential features for the everyday user. Aiming to cater to budget-conscious consumers, it provided basic smartphone functionalities with a focus on simplicity and usability. Although discontinued, the device still has a place in discussions about efficient use of technology at an affordable price point.

Network Capabilities

The QMobile Noir X500 supported GSM and HSPA network technologies, making it suitable for users who needed basic mobile connectivity. It supported 2G bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM 1 and SIM 2, and 3G bands featured HSDPA 900/2100. With a speed capability of up to HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, it offered adequate speeds for basic mobile internet usage and communication purposes.

Design and Build

The physical design of the QMobile Noir X500 was fairly standard for its time, featuring dimensions of 137.8 x 68 x 8.8 mm. While the weight of the device wasn't readily available, the design was compact and easy to handle. Its dual SIM capability was a significant feature for users wanting to manage two numbers simultaneously. The simplicity in design made it an attractive choice for those looking for a straightforward user interface without additional complexities.

Display

The smartphone featured a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. It had a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 65%, which was quite common at the time. With a pixel density of ~312 ppi, the screen was capable of delivering sufficient clarity for everyday activities like browsing, texting, and watching standard definition videos. The display size and quality made it convenient for users who required a phone for basic media consumption and digital communication.

Performance and Platform

The QMobile Noir X500 was powered by a Mediatek MT6582 chipset, produced using the 28 nm manufacturing process. It contained a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. Though not designed for heavy gaming or resource-intensive applications, these specs were sufficient for general smartphone tasks such as calling, messaging, and using social media apps. It ran on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, which provided an adequate user experience with access to the Google Play Store and its myriad of apps.

Memory and Storage

The device was equipped with 1GB of RAM, which was typical for entry-level smartphones during that period. Internal storage was 8GB, but it supported expandable storage through a microSDHC card. This flexibility allowed users to store more photos, apps, and multimedia files than the internal memory permitted.

Camera Features

The QMobile Noir X500 came with a single 8 MP autofocus rear camera that was accompanied by an LED flash, enabling decent photo capturing in well-lit conditions. The camera was suitable for daytime photography, social media sharing, and basic video capture. For selfies and video calls, the device included a 2 MP front-facing camera, presenting basic functionality for users interested in video communication and self-photography.

Sound and Connectivity

The device featured a standard loudspeaker as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating users who enjoy listening to music and multimedia through wired headphones. In terms of connectivity, it supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, which allowed users to connect to wireless internet networks and create hotspots for sharing connectivity. The phone had Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging purposes. However, no NFC support was available on the QMobile Noir X500.

Additional Features

The smartphone included an accelerometer sensor, which was a standard feature for detecting the orientation of the phone. It also came with an FM radio for users who enjoyed listening to radio stations on-the-go.

Battery Life

Battery life on the QMobile Noir X500 was backed by a Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, which provided adequate power for a day's usage under moderate use conditions. Although it may not support extensive usage demands like modern smartphones, it was sufficient for users primarily engaged in calling, texting, and occasional internet use.

Miscellaneous

The smartphone was typically available in black, providing a classic and professional appearance. With a price point of approximately 100 EUR at launch, the Noir X500 was an affordable option for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone that provided essential functionalities without the frills of high-end devices.

Conclusion

Overall, the QMobile Noir X500 served as a bridge for those transitioning from basic mobile phones to smartphones. It provided essential features at an affordable price, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a notable example of accessible technology that met the needs of its target market without excessive cost or complexity.