One of the best parts about being a technology fan is the fact that as time goes on, technology tends to get cheaper and cheaper. You can buy today for a hundred which was selling a few years ago for 5 times the price. However, as our ‘normal’ hardware gets better, so do our standards. A lot of companies are beginning to offer amazing budget options, but none so like Archos. With their Archos 55 Platinum, you can get a whole smartphone for under £80!
In our review, we explore how well it works, and if it is worth your hard earned cash.
Specs
-
CPU SC7731 Quad-core @ 1.2GHz, RAM 1 GB
- Internal Storage: 8GB – Expandable via SD Card
- Dual SIM (1 micro SIM, 1 Mini SIM)
- 5.5″ IPS Screen, 1280 x 720
- Android 5.1
- 3G
- 13MP Rear Camera, 2MP Front Camera
- 2400 mAh battery
In the box
- ARCHOS 55 Platinum
- USB charger
- USB cable
- Battery
- Hands-free kit
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Booklet
So, what is missing?
Surely, you can’t package a whole smart phone in this size? Well, Archos are here to prove you wrong. However, a quick look at the specs, and we notice the following:
- RAM, most mediocre phones ship with at least 2GB, and flagships give you 3 or 4.
- Internal Storage – 8GB, is just not enough.
- No 4G
- A pretty ordinary camera
What do you still get?
So, what do you still get? For £80, quite a lot:
- A 1.2GHz, Quad Core Processor
- Dual SIM capabilities
- Micro SD Card
- Full HD Display
Look and Feel
The phone, for a phone of this size, feels surprisingly light. Some may find the build to be a bit plasticy, but at this kind of weight, it really isn’t worth complaining about. Yeah, there is a distinct lack of premium materials, but for this amount, this phone looks and feels rather good.
Performance
Before I move on, I must tell you that in the couple of weeks I have had this to play with, I have already had a system update. We are still on Android 5.1, but it is good to know that Archos are still pushing updates to their consumers.
But what about the nitty gritty performance? Well, for the specs you have in this phone, it would be unfair to expect anything amazing. However, if your main focus is social media, browsing and checking emails (apart from the occasional phone call and text), then you don’t really need to worry much. This phone ticks those boxes perfectly well.
Where it does lack is giving you the little bit extra. The camera is a bit ordinary, the speaker a bit tinny, and it comes with a bit of bloatware as well, i.e. a few games from GameLoft.
Overall though, with its dual SIM capabilities and 3G connectivity, this is a pretty good phone, and will work as a great device as a spare or second phone, or something to keep with you while you travel.
More information
More information can be found on the Archos website:
http://www.archos.com/ch/products/smartphones/platinum/archos_55platinum/description.html
It is available for £79.99 via their website, or through various online retailers such as Amazon.
Verdict
At a price tag of under £80, I feel a bit bad being fussy. I think the Archos 55 Platinum is a great effort in giving you a 100% smartphone at a fraction of the price.
Not a bad phone but tech support useless (all they tell you to do whatever the problem is reset to factory settings – even a faulty battery!!) When you phone (France) they say there is nothing they can do nor do they supply parts. “Send it to us and we will look at it and return it to and it will take 3 weeks !”. So I am stuck with a battery that has to be charged at least twice a day ‘on standby’. SO 4 out of 10 RJV.
Perhaps this phone needs to come with an extra battery that can be charged
while the other is being used ?
GREAT UNTILL I TRIED TO DOWNLOAD AND PLAY MUSIC, PHONE JUST WON’T HAVE IT
Battery life is a major problem, I seem to have to be charging it constantly, was told by sales person would last two days. False information. Also access to storing information to SD card not sure how to do this, my last phone was easy
I have one of theeese phones and it will not reset at all
Good phone exellent picture quality, good value for the money if only i could reser it .as theese phones do nit want to be reset if they get full up ect
Hello
I want to ask a q about Archos android phones….
When you want to delete a message on WhatsApp., what is the procedure please?
And is it a 2-step procedure on all of yr androids, or are there models that can delete a message in one procedure?
I would be grateful for a reply soonest.
Thanking you in advance,
Dr Carole Smith
Hi Carole, I don’t use one at the moment but generally it is exactly how Android phones work so I doubt it will be any different.