BQ Mobile

BQ Mobile Silk: Pros and Cons

Android OS v8.1 Go Edition (Oreo)
Mediatek MT6739WW
PowerVR GE8100
1 GB / 8 GB
5.45 inch (720 x 1440 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

BQ Mobile announced the launch of the Silk smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.45 inch IPS display, Mediatek MT6739WW SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Silk series was launched with Android OS v8.1 Go Edition (Oreo) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This phone features a high resolution 720 x 1440 px IPS display. The size of screen is 5.45 inch. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus). Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BQ Mobile Silk smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

BQ Mobile Silk / 1

BQ Mobile Silk specifications

BrandBQ Mobile
NameSilk
ModelBQ-5520L
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6 oz
Dimensions5.87 x 2.83 x 0.36 inch
Colorsbrown, gray, pink, violet
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of BQ Mobile Silk is about 6 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v8.1 Go Edition (Oreo)
SoCMediatek MT6739WW
CPUQuad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUPowerVR GE8100

The BQ Mobile Silk comes with Android OS v8.1 Go Edition (Oreo) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. PowerVR GPUs have a reputation for being power-efficient and delivering strong performance.

BQ Mobile Silk / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.45 inch
Resolution720 x 1440 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5.45 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5.45 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The Silk has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

BQ Mobile Silk / 2

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Silk comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Silk smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 2500 mAh

The Li-Po 2500 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Silk smartphone has an accelerometer. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this BQ Mobile phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
Add BQ Mobile Silk to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
Phone42.com / Smartphones / BQ Mobile / BQ Mobile Silk