Display:540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density)
Camera:8 MP, AF
Battery:
Released:Released 2013, November
The A3 - A Budget-Friendly Smartphone From BenQ
The Release of the A3
In November 2013, tech enthusiasts were introduced to the A3 - a budget-friendly smartphone from the company BenQ. This device was released with the aim of providing a quality smartphone experience at an affordable price point. While BenQ may not be as well-known in the smartphone market compared to other brands, the A3 proved to be a solid contender in its class.
The Design and Display
Weighing in at 135g with a thickness of 10mm, the A3 has a solid build that feels comfortable in hand. It comes in two classic colors - black and white, giving users a simple yet sleek design option. With a 4.5 inch IPS LCD display and a screen-to-body ratio of 63.2%, the A3 offers a decent viewing experience for watching videos or browsing the web. The resolution of 540 x 960 pixels and 16:9 aspect ratio may not be as high as newer smartphones, but it still provides clear and vibrant visuals with a pixel density of 245 ppi.
The Operating System and Performance
The A3 was released with Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) as its operating system. This may seem outdated now, but at the time of release, it was a popular choice among budget smartphones. Powering the A3 is a Qualcomm MSM8225Q Snapdragon S4 Play chipset and a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU, giving it smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks. Although the Adreno 203 GPU may not be able to handle heavy gaming, it still allows for decent gameplay for casual gamers.
Storage and Camera
The A3 comes with 4GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM, which may seem low in today's standards. However, it does have a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand their storage up to 32GB. As for the camera, the A3 boasts an 8MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, and a 2MP front camera for selfies and video calls. While these may not be top-of-the-line specs, they still produce decent quality images and videos.
The Battery and Other Features
The A3 is equipped with a removable 2000mAh Li-Ion battery, which may not seem like much but can last through a full day's use. It also has a few added features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. One notable feature that the A3 lacks is NFC technology, which may be a downside for those who rely on it for contactless payments.
The Verdict
The BenQ A3 was released as a budget-friendly smartphone, and it remains so even in today's market. Although it may not have all the latest features and specs, it still offers a decent smartphone experience at an affordable price point. With its solid build, decent display, and reliable performance, the A3 is a great option for those looking for a basic smartphone without breaking the bank.