Vodafone Smart N8 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction

The Vodafone Smart N8, announced and released in June 2017, represented an affordable smartphone option in Vodafone's lineup. Despite being discontinued, it remains notable for users looking for budget devices with satisfactory performance benchmarks for everyday tasks. In this article, we will explore the Vodafone Smart N8 in detail, covering its network capabilities, design, display, performance, camera features, connectivity options, and additional features. We will also provide a conclusion on its overall value during its release period.

Network Capabilities

The Vodafone Smart N8 is equipped with GSM, HSPA, and LTE technology, which ensures a broad range of wireless connectivity options. The device supports multiple 2G bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and offers 3G bands under HSDPA. While it supports an unspecified LTE band configuration, its potential to connect to 4G networks elevates its status as an accessible budget-friendly smartphone during its time. Moreover, with HSPA speeds of up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 providing download speeds of 150 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps, users were able to enjoy a relatively fast and stable internet experience.

Design and Build

Measuring 144.5 x 71.9 x 8.6 mm and weighing around 151 grams, the Vodafone Smart N8 strikes a balance between portability and screen size. Its slim profile at 8.6 mm and reasonable weight make it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The device sports a classic design often seen in budget smartphones, available in graphite and gold color variants. It utilizes a nano-SIM card and has a non-removable Li-Ion 2400 mAh battery, which although modest by today's standards, was sufficient for managing basic tasks back in 2017.

Display

The Smart N8 features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. While not a Full HD display, it provides adequately sharp and vibrant visuals for a budget phone, making it suitable for media consumption, web browsing, and normal app usage. The screen-to-body ratio is around 66.3%, which provides a sufficiently large viewing area without increasing the device's overall size significantly.

Performance

Under the hood, the Vodafone Smart N8 is powered by a MediaTek MT6737 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This configuration, coupled with a Mali-T720MP2 GPU, ensures basic multitasking capabilities along with smooth app performance for non-intensive applications. The device comes with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, with an option for expansion via microSDHC, making it flexible enough for users who require additional space for applications and media.

Camera Features

The rear camera of the Smart N8 is a single 13 MP unit with autofocus capability and supported by an LED flash for low-light conditions. It includes HDR features which enhance image capture quality by improving dynamic range. The camera is capable of recording videos at 720p@30fps, which is aligned with typical expectations from budget-friendly devices. On the front, the phone has a 5 MP selfie camera, which is simple yet capable enough for video calls and casual photography.

Connectivity Options

The Vodafone Smart N8 is featured with various connectivity options. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for pairing with accessories, and GPS for navigation and location services. Additionally, the device supports NFC for contactless connectivity and transactions, as well as an FM radio for audio entertainment. It uses a microUSB 2.0 for wired data transfer and charging, which was standard for budget devices during its release.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with essential sensors that enhance its functionality. A rear-mounted fingerprint sensor provides a layer of biometric security, while proximity and accelerometer sensors contribute to the smooth operation of the device by adjusting the display during calls and orientation for various apps respectively. These features enhanced the overall usability and appeal of the phone within its price segment.

Battery and Price

The non-removable 2400 mAh battery of the Vodafone Smart N8 was designed to meet daily usage needs, supporting several hours of active screen usage through typical activities such as browsing, media streaming, and calls. Considering the phone's hardware and software efficiencies, the battery life aligns with user expectations for a budget smartphone. Upon release, the Smart N8 was priced around 100 EUR, making it an attractive option for users seeking functional devices within a limited budget.

Conclusion

Though the Vodafone Smart N8 has been discontinued, it remains a noteworthy mention in the context of budget devices released around 2017. It provided a well-rounded package for users looking for essential smartphone functionalities without breaking the bank. With adequate processing power, reasonable camera capabilities, and solid connectivity, it stood as a competitor in the low-cost segment. Its combination of features, alongside a competitive price, offers a look into the evolving priorities in mobile technology catering to cost-conscious consumers.