Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Lenovo A1000 and A2010 were popular budget options. But which one offers the better value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo A2010 generally edges out the A1000 thanks to its more modern chipset (MT6735M) and Cortex-A53 cores, offering better overall performance and efficiency. While both are budget devices, the A2010 provides a slightly smoother experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 3, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, September 01. Released 2015, September 01 | 2015, August. Released 2015, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 124.5 x 64 x 10.6 mm (4.90 x 2.52 x 0.42 in) | 131.5 x 66.5 x 9.9 mm (5.18 x 2.62 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 132 g (4.66 oz) | 137 g (4.83 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~57.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC7731 | Mediatek MT6735M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Pearl White | Black, Pearl White |
| Models | A1000 | A2010-a, A2010-l |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Lenovo A1000
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Basic functionality
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera quality
Lenovo A2010
- Better performance than A1000
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly better camera (potentially)
- Still very affordable
- Basic display
- Limited storage
- Camera still not great
- Battery life could be better
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 4.5-5 inches with resolutions around 854x480 or 960x540. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The A2010 *might* have slightly better color reproduction due to its newer chipset, but the difference would be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices will be basic. Expect 5-8MP rear cameras and likely 2-5MP front cameras. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be poor on both. The A2010's newer chipset *could* offer slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the A2010 shines. The Mediatek MT6735M with Cortex-A53 cores is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Spreadtrum SC7731 with Cortex-A7 cores. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the A2010. The A1000 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have batteries in the 2000-2300mAh range. Battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the A2010's more efficient chipset should provide slightly better endurance.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo A1000 is a good choice for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. The Lenovo A2010 is better suited for those needing a bit more performance for everyday tasks and occasional gaming, even on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo A1000 still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and need a very basic phone for calls and texts. Otherwise, the A2010 offers a better experience for a small price difference.
❓ What Android version did these phones ship with?
Both likely shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat or Android 5.1 Lollipop. Updates were limited, so don't expect newer versions.