Lenovo A680 Review: Affordable Dual-SIM Android Smartphone

Lenovo A680 (2014)

Product Overview: The Lenovo A680, released in May 2014, is an entry – level Android smartphone targeting budget – conscious users. It is equipped with a 5 – inch TFT display, a 1.3GHz quad – core MediaTek MT6582 chipset, 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage (expandable up to 32GB via microSDHC), a 5MP rear camera, a VGA front camera, a 2000mAh removable Li – Po battery, and basic connectivity options like Wi – Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and dual – SIM (GSM/HSPA) support. Running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, it has a plastic build, measures 145×73.5×10.8mm, and weighs 165g, with only an accelerometer as its main sensor.

Core Specifications

Component	Details
Model Name	Lenovo A680
Display	5.0 – inch TFT LCD, 480×854 pixels (16:9, ~196 ppi), 256K colors, 64.6% screen – to – body ratio, no touchscreen protection, non – removable glass
Processor & GPU	MediaTek MT6582 (28nm), quad – core 1.3 GHz Cortex – A7; Mali – 400MP2 GPU
Memory & Storage	1GB LPDDR2 RAM; 4GB internal storage (user – available ~2GB); microSDHC expandable up to 32GB (dedicated slot); no virtual RAM
Cameras	– Rear: 5MP, no flash, no autofocus, video recording up to 480p@30fps- Front: VGA (0.3MP), for video calls and basic selfies
Battery & Charging	Removable 2000mAh Li – Po; Talk time: up to 24h (3G), 13h (2G); Standby: up to 348h (3G), 312h (2G); microUSB 2.0 charging, no fast charging
Design & Build	145×73.5×10.8mm, 165g; Plastic chassis, removable back cover; capacitive touchscreen, physical home/back/menu keys; no fingerprint sensor
Network & Connectivity	2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900, dual – SIM); 3G (HSDPA 900/2100, HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps); Wi – Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi – Fi hotspot; Bluetooth 3.0; microUSB 2.0 (USB OTG); FM radio with recording; GPS with A – GPS; no NFC, 4G, or Wi – Fi Direct
Sensors	Accelerometer only; no gyroscope, proximity, or ambient light sensors
Software	Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean (no OS updates); Lenovo custom UI overlay; pre – installed basic apps (email, calendar, FM radio, etc.)
Audio	Mono loudspeaker; 3.5mm headphone jack; supports MP3, WAV, AAC, AMR, WMA audio formats

Key Feature Breakdown

1. Display & Performance

The 5 – inch TFT LCD with 480×854 resolution delivers basic visuals for web browsing, messaging, and video playback. The MediaTek MT6582 chipset and 1GB RAM handle daily tasks like social media and light apps smoothly but struggle with heavy multitasking or gaming. The 4GB internal storage is limited, but the microSDHC slot allows expanding storage by up to 32GB for media files.

2. Cameras

The 5MP rear camera takes basic photos and 480p videos, suitable for casual use but lacking flash and autofocus, which affects low – light performance. The VGA front camera is only for basic video calls and selfies, with no advanced features like HDR or beautification.

3. Battery & Design

The 2000mAh removable battery offers reliable all – day usage, with up to 24 hours of 3G talk time and 348 hours of 3G standby. The plastic build with a removable back cover makes battery replacement easy. The physical keys provide tactile feedback, and the device’s size and weight are manageable for one – handed use.

4. Software & Connectivity

Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean provides a simple, user – friendly interface with essential features. Dual – SIM support allows two numbers simultaneously, ideal for personal and work use. Wi – Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, and GPS enable basic connectivity, while FM radio and USB OTG add extra functionality for media and data transfer.

Market Position & Limitations

Market Position

Budget Dual – SIM Workhorse: Launched at ~₹3,990 (India) / ~$123, it competed with the Micromax Canvas A1 and Samsung Galaxy Star Pro, targeting first – time smartphone users and budget – conscious consumers who prioritized dual – SIM, basic performance, and expandable storage.
Entry – Level Connectivity Device: Offered essential features like 3G, Wi – Fi, and GPS at an affordable price, appealing to users in emerging markets seeking a reliable communication and media device.

Limitations

Slow Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0 and no 4G support result in slower data transfer and network speeds compared to newer devices.

Outdated Software: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean is no longer supported, lacking security patches and modern features like app permissions or Doze mode.

Basic Camera Setup: The absence of flash and autofocus on the rear camera limits its usability in low light.

No Advanced Sensors: Only an accelerometer is available, missing proximity and ambient light sensors for automatic screen dimming and call handling.