Icemobile

Icemobile Apollo 3G: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
Mediatek MT6515
PowerVR SGX531U
512 MB / 512 MB
2.6 inch (480 x 320 px)
2 MP, 1600 x 1200 px

Icemobile announced the launch of the Apollo 3G smartphone in 2014. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 2.6 inch TFT display, Mediatek MT6515 SoC, and 512 MB of RAM. The Apollo 3G comes with Android OS v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) pre-installed. This phone uses a 2.6 inch TFT display. This phone has only one rear-camera (2 MP, 1600 x 1200 px) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Icemobile Apollo 3G 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.

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Icemobile Apollo 3G specifications

BrandIcemobile
NameApollo 3G
ModelA3G
Release date2014

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight3.53 oz
Dimensions4.35 x 2.54 x 0.49 inch
Colorsblack, blue, green, pink, red, white
SIM typeMini SIM

The weight of the Icemobile Apollo 3G is still considered to be lightweight and portable.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
SoCMediatek MT6515
CPU1 GHz Cortex-A9
GPUPowerVR SGX531U

The Icemobile Apollo 3G comes with Android OS v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is free to the public. This Mediatek MT6515 CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs.

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Display type, size, resolution

Display typeTFT
Screen size2.6 inch
Resolution480 x 320 px
Multitouch supportyes

This 2.6 inch smartphone comes with a TFT display. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM512 MB
Internal storage512 MB
Memory card slotmicroSD

512 MB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Apollo 3G (512 MB) by using a compatible microSD card.

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Cameras, flash

Main camera2 MP, 1600 x 1200 px
FlashLED
Selfie cameraVGA

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 Apollo 3G does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv3.1
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, 3G networks are much slower. The Apollo 3G supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Apollo 3G smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Apollo 3G has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. 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-Ion 1200 mAh

The Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). 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 Icemobile 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

  • TFT display
  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • lack of autofocus
  • no 4G support
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
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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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