Review: Lenovo A60+

The Lenovo A60+ replaced the A65 as the new entry-level smartphone in Lenovo’s line-up. The new model sports a better processor, fast graphics card, and a slimmer design. It also has a more affordable price coming in at Php4,999 which is Php500 less than the A65’s Php5,499 price tag. With the onslaught of new budget-friendly handsets from local brands, the real question now is if the A60+ can stand on its own against the likes of the Starmobile Astra (Php6,499) or the Cherry Mobile Flare (Php3,999), both of which pack dual-core processors.

Lenovo A60+ Spec Sheet

• 1GHz MediaTek MT6575 Processor
• 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM
• 144MB Internal Memory, Expandable up to 32GB via microSD
• 3.5-inch screen, 480×320 Resolution
• Dual SIM, Dual Standby
• Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread
• 2-megapixel rear-facing camera
• WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G, HSPA
• Built-in FM Radio with recording functions
• 1500 mAh battery

 

SEE ALSO: Unboxing the Lenovo A60+

 

Read on for our full review!

One of the best looking sub-5k smartphones

If there’s one thing going for the Lenovo A60+ when compared to the other budget-friendly handsets, it’s the fact that it’s a handsome gadget. I don’t know what Lenovo did with the backplate but it feels so solid as if it were also made from metal or glass but when you take it out it’s actually made from plastic (lol). I think it’s how they distributed the weight evenly at the sides that gives the illusion of more heft.

Lenovo also went for a classier and sleeker look with the A60+. The A65 had a chrome band around it. The A60+ is now all black which makes it waaaay cooler, lol. The physical buttons in the A65 (below the screen) have also been replaced with capacitive touch-based buttons. Here’s a photo of the two devices side-by-side:

Reminds me of the design transition of Apple from the iPhone 3Gs to the iPhone 4.

Processor is fast but Android Gingerbread slowing it down?

So how does the Lenovo A60+ do when it comes to software? According to the spec sheet, this handset runs with 256MB RAM and a 1GHz MediaTek Processor which is actually quite fast even if it’s not dual-core. It probably also has a pretty decent GPU since it can run some of the live wallpapers I love (Galaxy Pack, Planet Pack) while other entry-level devices can’t. However the real weakness of the Lenovo A60+ is what’s running in it. Despite being late 2012 already, the A60+ still runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread. This is the most frustrating thing about this device. It looks good but eventually the user experience can get frustrating because of the lag of Gingerbread.

Transitions and animations become sluggish especially if you have a lot of applications running in the background (and live wallpapers/widgets). Sometimes it takes a few seconds as well of waiting before an app you want to run will open.

When we talk about games, the Lenovo A60+ is really more for casual, low-graphics requirements titles. If you’re into games like Cut the Rope, Angry Birds, and Ski Safari then the A60+ is more than capable to handle your needs. It can run more complex games but there will be times when it will slow down a bit.

Over-all when it comes to software the Lenovo A60+ stumbles a bit mainly because it’s still running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. A few months ago this wouldn’t have mattered but with the fresh line of low cost Android smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich entering the market, Lenovo has to come up with a better entry-level device that runs Ice Cream Sandwich soon.

Excellent Dual SIM Implementation

Just like the other Lenovo models, the P700i and the S880, they nailed Dual SIM and Dual Standby for the Lenovo A60+. It’s very easy and intuitive to use. No need to press a button to “change” sim cards. Both numbers are active and can get messages. When you send messages you’ll be prompted to pick which number you will use to send your SMS.

Average Battery Life

Nothing really special with the battery life. Based on our tests it’s pretty much average. You will probably run out mid-day if you’re using a lot of apps and 3G but with moderated use you can last until early evening.

Not-so-good Camera

The Lenovo A60+ has a 2-megapixel shooter which is actually kind of a let-down. In good lighting it can actually take “okay” photos but for the most part you won’t use it too much. We’ll upload a couple of test shots tomorrow morning (it’s in a separate external hard drive that we left at the office).

Verdict

Here are the facts:

• The Lenovo A60+ has a brilliant and sleek design that puts most entry-level smartphones to shame
• It still runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and this causes performance issues
• 2-megapixel camera is a letdown
• Affordable at Php4,999

Unfortunately we can’t fully recommend it because of the software and the camera. There are just a lot of new alternatives right now in the market today that can provide much more at the same price or even less.