Vodafone Smart E8 The Complete Guide to Features Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of the Vodafone Smart E8

The Vodafone Smart E8, announced in June 2017 and released in July 2017, is a budget-friendly smartphone aimed at users who require the essentials of a smartphone without the high price tag. Although discontinued now, the Smart E8 was positioned to capture the market segment looking for affordability combined with the reliability of a recognized carrier-branded device.

Design and Build

The design of the Vodafone Smart E8 is straightforward and functional. The device measures 145.6 x 72.1 x 9.2 mm and weighs approximately 169 grams. Its build, composed of plastic, is durable enough to withstand everyday minor impacts, an essential feature for an entry-level smartphone. The phone's design is symmetrical and modest, aligning with its budget category. It hosts a standard black finish, labeled as Slate Blue, which appeals to users seeking a basic look.

Display

The Smart E8 comes with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD. Although the resolution is 480 x 854 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio (~196 ppi density), which might appear outdated in today's standards, it serves its purpose for ordinary visual tasks. It adequately displays the UI, images, and videos for daily use, though high-definition content may not render as finely detailed as on more premium devices.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Smart E8 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 304 GPU. It comes with 1GB of RAM, suitable for basic use such as browsing, using social media, and light apps. While multitasking and handling heavy applications might challenge its performance capabilities, the device efficiently manages standard single tasks.

The 8GB internal storage can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot, offering more flexibility for storing apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Features

Equipped with a 5 MP rear camera, the Smart E8 includes an LED flash to aid photography in low-light conditions. It supports standard video recording capabilities, providing users with an essential tool for taking pictures and videos. On the front, a 2 MP selfie camera is available, functional for video calls and simple selfies.

Battery and Power Management

The device houses a 2200 mAh removable Li-Ion battery. Given the Smart E8's entry-level hardware specifications, the battery life is decent, lasting a full day with modest usage such as messaging, calling, and light internet browsing. The removable nature of the battery is a plus for users who prefer the option to carry extra batteries or to replace the battery if performance degrades over time.

Connectivity and Network

The Vodafone Smart E8 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, ensuring good connectivity for basic network needs. It operates on various bands making it versatile in different coverage areas. The device offers standard communication features, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC capabilities. A microUSB port is present for charging and data transfer, coupled with a 3.5mm audio jack.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 7.1 (Nougat), the Smart E8 provides a straightforward user experience with no frills. Nougat's design and usability were well-received for their efficiency and improved features over previous versions, contributing positively to this device’s performance. While it might not support the latest apps requiring advanced software capabilities, it handles fundamental Android experiences smoothly.

Sensors and Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the Vodafone Smart E8 is equipped with basic sensors such as the accelerometer and proximity sensor. These are sufficient for standard user requirements such as orientation detection and phone automation related to call handling.

Price and Market Positioning

Priced around 80 EUR at the time of its release, the Vodafone Smart E8 was positioned as a suitable option for users seeking affordability more than anything. It presents an adequate blend of features for basic smartphone use without overwhelming the user with advanced capabilities and high costs.

Conclusion

The Vodafone Smart E8, while no longer available, remains an exemplar of budget smartphone design intended for users with undemanding needs. Its value proposition was clear: offer essential smartphone capabilities at an affordable price without compromising on the essential functionalities of a mobile device. In summary, for users prioritizing cost-effectiveness over high-end features, the Vodaphone Smart E8 was a commendable choice in its time.