Its computers are well known here, but did you know that China tech company Lenovo also sells Android smartphones here?
While its laptops are available in shops around the island, Lenovo smartphones are available here only online via Lazada Singapore.
Following in the footsteps of Xiaomi, it seems, lets Lenovo offer these devices at competitive prices. Its latest, the A7000, is an entry-level device priced at just $229.
This puts the 5.5-inch smartphone at just $60 more than the 4.7-inch Redmi 2 ($169), but $50 cheaper than the 5-inch Mi 4i ($279).
Naturally, its specifications fit in between those of the two Xiaomi devices. It lacks a full high-definition screen, which is telling when you are trying to read off the display.
The A7000 uses the lesser-known Mediatek processor, instead of the more popular Qualcomm one, but its basic performance is decent and the difference in chipset is not apparent.
The A7000 is a dual-SIM device that is supposed to come with Dolby Atmos audio, though I find this claim questionable.
Dolby Atmos refers to a new audio experience in which the sound travels from a series of speakers to mimic sound emanating from a designated spot or moving object. An audio track has to be rendered for this, and the combination of speakers completes the projection.
But on a smartphone, there is usually only one speaker, and the A7000's lone rear speaker sounds like any other smartphone speaker. In fact, it lacks bass when compared with another device that did not have Dolby Atmos.
The design of the phone is rather simple, with three touch buttons under the screen, power and volume controls on the right edge, and a removable back cover.
The camera is a disappointment. The 8MP rear camera takes images that display patches of colour which become obvious when you zoom in.
Even at this price, the A7000 should have a decent camera that users can rely on.
If you want a large phone at a very low price, the A7000 is an option.
TECH SPECS
Price: $229
Processor: 1.5GHz Mediatek octa-core
Display: 5.5 inches, 720 x 1,280 pixels (267 ppi pixel density)
Memory: 8GB (microSD expandable up to 32GB), 2GB RAM
Operating system: Android 5.0 Lollipop
Camera: 8MP (rear, 3,264 x 2,448 pixels), LED flash, 5MP (front)
Battery: 2,900mAh (removable)
RATING
Features 2/5
Design 2/5
Performance 3/5
Value for money 3/5
Battery life 3/5
Overall 2/5
sherwinl@sph.com.sg
This article was first published on June 10, 2015.
Get a copy of Digital Life, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.