Overview

The verykool SL5011 Spark LTE is a budget-friendly smartphone that was released in February 2016. Despite being discontinued, it remains a notable device due to its affordability and features that were quite competitive at the time of its launch. This article delves into the specifics of what made the SL5011 Spark LTE a unique choice for consumers seeking reliable connectivity and functionality at a lower price point.

Design and Build

The verykool SL5011 Spark LTE has a compact and sleek design, measuring 143 x 71.1 x 7.5 mm and weighing 153 grams. Its slim form factor ensures it feels comfortable in the hand, while the choice of materials lends it a premium feel despite its budget status. The device supports either a Single SIM or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual standby), enhancing its utility for users who travel frequently or need multiple numbers.

Display

The phone features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 67.8%, which is adequate for a device in its class. The scratch-resistant glass provides a layer of protection against minor dings and scratches, thus maintaining the display's clarity and sharpness over time.

Performance

At the heart of the verykool SL5011 Spark LTE is the Mediatek MT6735P chipset, which is built on a 28 nm process. The quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU pairs with the Mali-T720MP2 GPU for graphics, ensuring a smooth experience for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and casual gaming. The device runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, which, while not the latest version, provides a stable and user-friendly interface that caters to most basic smartphone needs.

Memory and Storage

The SL5011 comes equipped with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. While the RAM may seem limited by today's standards, it was adequate for typical daily tasks at the time of release. For those needing more space, there is a dedicated microSDXC card slot in the single SIM model, allowing users to expand storage capacity to accommodate more apps, photos, and music as needed.

Camera Features

The device sports a 13 MP main camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It features dual-LED flash and panorama capability, which provides users the flexibility to capture vivid images in a range of lighting conditions. Video recording is supported at 720p@30fps. The front-facing camera is an 8 MP unit with an f/2.8 aperture and an LED flash, catering adequately to selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

A Li-Po 2200 mAh non-removable battery powers the SL5011. This capacity may ensure up to 264 hours on standby and approximately 8 hours of talk time on a 3G connection. Although not exceptional, careful usage could stretch the device through a day of moderate use, depending on the applications and features used.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The verykool SL5011 Spark LTE supports a broad range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with specific support for 4G bands 2, 4, 5, 7, and 17, thus offering a spectrum of high-speed connectivity options for users. It also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. While it lacks NFC, it covers the basic connectivity needs adequately.

Sensors and Audio

The device includes basic sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor. As for audio, it features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which has become a rare feature in modern smartphones, thus catering to users who prefer wired audio solutions.

Market Position and Conclusion

When launched, the verykool SL5011 Spark LTE was priced at about 160 EUR, aligning with its status as a cost-effective smartphone. Available in two color options, Black/Silver and White/Gold, it provided aesthetic choices for different customer preferences. Although discontinued, for its time, the SL5011 effectively balanced performance with affordability, making it an appealing choice for those needing essential smartphone functionality without a high price tag.