Display:480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density)
Camera:3.15 MP
Battery:
Released:Released 2013, January
The Lenovo A690: A Budget Android Device Released in 2013
The Lenovo A690 is a budget smartphone released in January 2013 by Chinese tech giant Lenovo. It may not boast the most advanced features or specs, but it has its own unique charm that made it a popular choice for users on a budget. This device is a great option for those who need a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
Design and Dimensions
The Lenovo A690 measures 124 x 65 x 11 mm (4.88 x 2.56 x 0.43 in) and weighs 134 g (4.73 oz), making it compact and easy to handle. Its dual SIM (Mini-SIM) feature allows users to easily switch between two different numbers on one device. The back of the phone has a sleek black finish, giving it a premium look despite its low price point.
Display and Platform
The A690 has a 4.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a 5:3 aspect ratio (~233 ppi density). Its screen-to-body ratio is about 56.5%, providing a decent screen size for browsing the internet or watching videos. This device runs on the Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) operating system, which may be considered outdated by today's standards, but it still gets the job done with its user-friendly interface.
Performance and Memory
Under the hood, the Lenovo A690 is powered by the Mediatek MT6575 chipset and a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU. These may not be the most powerful hardware, but they provide a smooth performance for basic tasks such as texting, calling, and light browsing. It also has a PowerVR SGX531 GPU, which may not be suitable for graphic-intensive games, but it can handle casual mobile games decently.
The device comes with 512MB of RAM and an internal storage of 512MB, with the option to expand the storage using a microSDHC card. This may not be enough for heavy users, but it is sufficient for storing essential apps and files.
Camera and Battery
The Lenovo A690 has a 3.15 MP rear camera and a 480p video recording capability. While this may not produce high-quality photos, it can still capture decent memories for social media posting. Unfortunately, it does not have a front-facing camera for selfies.
One of the notable features of this device is its removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. This means users can easily replace the battery when it starts to wear out, rather than replacing the entire phone. This is a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining the longevity of the device.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Lenovo A690 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has GPS and FM radio capabilities, making it suitable for those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts on-the-go. Unfortunately, it does not have NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.
The phone comes with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor. It also has a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio needs.
Price and Availability
The Lenovo A690 was released in January 2013 with a price tag of approximately 90 EUR. It may no longer be available on the market since it was discontinued, but secondhand units can still be found at a lower price. Despite its dated specs and features, it remains a popular choice for those looking for a budget smartphone.
Final Thoughts
Although the Lenovo A690 may not compete with the latest smartphones in the market, it still offers a valuable option for users on a budget. Its reliable performance, decent storage, and replaceable battery make it a practical choice for those who only need a basic device for communication and light use. So, if you are on the lookout for an affordable smartphone, the Lenovo A690 is definitely worth considering.
