Wiko Highway Signs Comprehensive Review & Pricing Analysis

Network Technology

The Wiko Highway Signs supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, providing reliable connectivity for basic mobile tasks. The device operates on 2G and 3G bands, ensuring compatibility with different carrier networks. Supported 2G bands include GSM 850/900/1800/1900 on both SIM slots, allowing the user flexibility with dual SIM capability. For 3G connectivity, the device supports HSDPA 900/1900/2100, with data speeds up to HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, offering decent browsing and streaming capabilities for the time of its release.

Launch Details

Announced in September 2014 and released a month later in October, the Wiko Highway Signs quickly became an option for consumers looking for a dual SIM smartphone with affordable pricing. Despite being discontinued, this device represented Wiko's effort to cater to a specific market segment looking for a balanced device in terms of features and cost.

Body and Design

The Wiko Highway Signs boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 138 x 68 x 7.6 mm, embodying a slim profile that is comfortable to hold. It weighs only 124 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The device supports Dual SIM capabilities, offering slots for a Micro-SIM and a Nano-SIM, both providing dual standby functionalities. This feature is ideal for users who need to manage personal and work numbers on the same device without the inconvenience of carrying multiple phones.

Display Features

Equipped with a 4.7-inch IPS LCD screen, the Wiko Highway Signs delivers sharp and vibrant visuals. The display resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, with a 16:9 aspect ratio, results in a pixel density of approximately 312 ppi, ensuring clarity and detail in viewing experiences. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2, offering durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Platform and Performance

The device runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, which, although outdated by today's standards, provided a solid and user-friendly interface at the time of its release. Powering this smartphone is the Mediatek MT6592M chipset, built on a 28 nm process. Its Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU coupled with the Mali-450MP4 GPU provides a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, for more intensive applications and modern usage, the hardware may present limitations.

Memory and Storage

The Wiko Highway Signs comes with 1GB of RAM, providing basic multitasking functionalities, suited for users with moderate smartphone usage needs. For internal storage, the smartphone offers 8GB, which might be limiting considering today's storage requirements. However, the inclusion of a microSDHC card slot allows for expansion of storage capacity, ensuring users can store additional data, photos, and apps as needed.

Main and Selfie Cameras

The main camera of the Wiko Highway Signs is an 8 MP shooter featuring autofocus. It comes equipped with an LED flash, HDR, and panorama options, able to capture decent photos under favorable conditions. Video recording capabilities reach up to 720p at 30fps. On the front, a 5 MP camera caters to selfies and video calls, making it a practical feature despite lacking advanced camera technologies seen in more recent smartphone models.

Sound and Audio

The device includes stereo speakers, ensuring clear sound for calls and media playback. A standard 3.5mm jack is present, allowing users to connect a wide variety of headphones and audio accessories without needing adapters, a convenience sometimes missed in modern devices.

Communication Features

The smartphone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band and hotspot capabilities, providing options for wireless internet connections. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP is available for efficient file transfer and wireless audio streaming. Equipped with GPS, the device also aids in navigation and location-based services. Although NFC is not included, the presence of FM radio is a welcomed feature for users who prefer traditional media, and the microUSB 2.0, OTG support provides options for data transfer and peripheral connectivity.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Wiko Highway Signs is equipped with an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, providing a basic yet functional sensor suite for various applications and usability enhancements.

Battery Life

Powered by a 2000 mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery, the device offers up to 230 hours of standby time and talk time of up to 14 hours and 15 minutes on 2G networks, with a reduced talk time of up to 8 hours and 30 minutes on 3G. These specifications suggest a moderately adequate battery life for basic daily activities, although power users may find it necessary to charge more frequently.

Additional Information

The Wiko Highway Signs was available in a range of colors, namely White, Coral, Grey, Electric Blue, and Purple, allowing users to select a model that matched their personal style. Priced at approximately 200 EUR upon release, it offered a competitive option in its category. Regarding safety, the device's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) stood at 0.24 W/kg for the head and 0.37 W/kg for the body, aligning with international safety standards.