Price and specifications of Wiko Pulp advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Wiko Pulp, released in November 2015, was a significant player in the mid-range smartphone market during its time. Manufactured by the French company Wiko, it aimed to offer a blend of reliable performance and affordability. Although discontinued, the device still holds relevance for those interested in classic smartphone designs and functionalities.

Design and Build

The Wiko Pulp features a sleek design typical of mid-2010s smartphones. It measures 143.9 x 72 x 8.5 mm and weighs 149 grams, making it compact and easy to handle. The device supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two numbers simultaneously, a feature appreciated by many for its convenience. With various color options like Black, White, Chocolate, Electric Blue, and Flashy Red, users had the flexibility to choose a style that suited their personality.

Display

The phone sports an IPS LCD display of 5.0 inches with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 66.5%, providing decent viewing angles and color reproduction. While not Full HD, the display’s 294 ppi density offers sufficient clarity for everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and media consumption.

Performance

At its core, the Wiko Pulp is powered by a Mediatek MT6592M chipset, accompanied by an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-450MP4 GPU. This setup ensures smooth performance for most standard applications and multitasking experiences. The device was available with 2GB of RAM, complemented by 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card, offering users flexibility in storage options.

Camera Capabilities

The Wiko Pulp boasts a 13-megapixel rear camera with autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities. This setup allows for capturing moments in decent quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. For video enthusiasts, the rear camera supports 1080p recording at 30fps. The front camera is a 5-megapixel unit, equipped with an LED flash, making it suitable for selfies and video calls under various lighting conditions.

Battery Life

Powering the Wiko Pulp is a 2500 mAh Li-Po battery. While not removable, it provides an adequate life expectancy, quoted to last up to 240 hours on standby for both 2G and 3G networks, and supporting up to 26 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 17 hours on 3G networks. This ensures that users can spend more time using the device without frequent recharges, especially in moderate usage scenarios.

Connectivity and Audio

The device offers standard connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 allows for easy pairing with other devices. While it lacks NFC functionality, it supports FM radio, a feature cherished by many. For audio, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo loudspeakers, catering to both personal and shared listening experiences.

Software

Running on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the Wiko Pulp delivers a simple, user-friendly interface. While it lacks some modern Android features, its operating system supports the major basic functionalities required for daily smartphone use.

Network and Communication

The Wiko Pulp is equipped with GSM and HSPA technologies, covering 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100). The device achieves a speed of HSPA 21.1/11.5 Mbps, ensuring reliable communication and internet browsing capabilities for most users during its era.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone includes a range of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enhancing its utility and functionality across various applications. Despite its lack of some modern specifications like fingerprint sensors, these sensors ensure the device remains competent for the tasks expected from a phone of its generation.

Conclusion

The Wiko Pulp, with its balanced specifications, affordable pricing, and practical design, represented a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market of its time. For users seeking a simple, reliable device packed with essential features, it was certainly a viable option. Although technology has advanced since its release, the Wiko Pulp remains an interesting device for those examining the evolution of smartphones.