Symphony

Symphony R40: Pros and Cons

Android OS v9.0 (Pie) Go Edition
Spreadtrum SC7731E
Mali-T820 MP1
1 GB / 8 GB
5.45 inch (720 x 1440 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

Symphony announced the launch of the R40 smartphone in 2019. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.45 inch IPS display, Spreadtrum SC7731E SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The R40 series was launched with Android OS v9.0 (Pie) Go Edition pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 5.45 inch phone comes with a high resolution IPS display (720 x 1440 px). 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 Symphony R40 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.

Symphony R40 / 1

Symphony R40 specifications

BrandSymphony
NameR40
ModelR40
Release date2019

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.29 oz
Dimensions5.83 x 2.81 x 0.36 inch
Colorsblue, gold, red
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of Symphony R40 is about 5.29 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 v9.0 (Pie) Go Edition
SoCSpreadtrum SC7731E
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUMali-T820 MP1

The Symphony R40 comes with Android OS v9.0 (Pie) Go Edition out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. 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 size5.45 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.

Symphony R40 / 1

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The R40 has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera5 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of R40 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

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

The 3G is obsolete now, because most phones can use 4G and 5G networks. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The R40 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 4000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of R40 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, fingerprint, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The R40 phone has a fingerprint scanner. 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 Symphony 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 4G support
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
Add Symphony R40 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.
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