BQ

BQ Aquaris VS Plus: Pros and Cons

Android OS v7.1.2 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937
Adreno 505
4 GB / 64 GB
5.5 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus

BQ announced the launch of the Aquaris VS Plus smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v7.1.2 (Nougat) operating system. The IPS display of this phone has wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction and better contrast and black levels. This phone has only one rear-camera (12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BQ Aquaris VS Plus 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 Aquaris VS Plus / 1

BQ Aquaris VS Plus specifications

BrandBQ
NameAquaris VS Plus
ModelAQUVSP
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.46 oz
Dimensions6 x 3.02 x 0.33 inch
Colorsblack, gold
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the BQ Aquaris VS Plus is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

BQ Aquaris VS Plus / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.1.2 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 505

The BQ Aquaris VS Plus comes with Android OS v7.1.2 (Nougat) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

BQ Aquaris VS Plus / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The BQ Aquaris VS Plus comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. You can expand the internal storage of the Aquaris VS Plus (64 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera8 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Aquaris VS Plus 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/ac
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
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. This BQ phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Aquaris VS Plus smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The Aquaris VS Plus has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3400 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3400 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Aquaris VS Plus does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM, Fast charging, Quick Charge

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Aquaris VS Plus smartphone has an accelerometer. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Aquaris VS Plus smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this BQ 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

  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
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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.
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