Polaroid

Polaroid Link A5: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.4 (KitKat)
Mediatek MT8312
Mali-400 MP1
512 MB / 8 GB
5 inch (480 x 854 px)
5 MP, 2560 x 1920 px

Polaroid announced the launch of the Link A5 smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch IPS display, Mediatek MT8312 SoC, and 512 MB of RAM. It comes with Android OS v4.4 (KitKat) out of the box, and a Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery. This phone features a high resolution 480 x 854 px IPS display. The size of screen is 5 inch. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (5 MP, 2560 x 1920 px). Is this phone worth its price? Hopefully, it will become clear by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Polaroid Link A5 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.

Polaroid Link A5 / 1

Polaroid Link A5 specifications

BrandPolaroid
NameLink A5
ModelA5
Release date2015

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight3.21 oz
Dimensions5.86 x 2.91 x 0.35 inch
Colorsblack, blue, pink, white
SIM typeMini SIM, Micro SIM

The weight of Polaroid Link A5 is about 3.21 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. A micro SIM is a smaller version of the standard SIM card used in mobile devices.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.4 (KitKat)
SoCMediatek MT8312
CPUDual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUMali-400 MP1

The Polaroid Link A5 comes with Android OS v4.4 (KitKat) 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 Mediatek MT8312 CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Many mobile devices use ARM Mali GPUs. They are well known for their good performance and power efficiency.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5 inch
Resolution480 x 854 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Polaroid Link A5 / 1

Memory, storage

RAM512 MB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

512 MB 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 Link A5 has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera5 MP, 2560 x 1920 px
FlashLED
Selfie cameraVGA

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Link A5 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
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radiono
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Link A5 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. 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 1700 mAh

The Li-Ion 1700 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 Link A5 smartphone has an accelerometer. 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 Polaroid 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
  • lack of autofocus
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Polaroid Link A5 to your comparison

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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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