Looking for an affordable Android phone? The Lenovo A369i and A3900 were popular budget options. But which one offers the best value? This comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo A3900 is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor and improved chipset offer significantly better performance than the A369i's dual-core setup. While both are budget phones, the A3900 provides a smoother, more responsive user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, Q3. Released 2013, Q3 | 2015, May. Released 2015, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 124 x 64 x 11.7 mm (4.88 x 2.52 x 0.46 in) | 142.8 x 71.8 x 9 mm (5.62 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM/ Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~57.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6572 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6752 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-T760MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 2 MP |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | A-GPS only | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 288 h (2G) / Up to 288 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 8 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Pearl White, Silver |
| Models | A369i | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Lenovo A369i
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Basic calling and texting
- Slow performance
- Limited storage
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera quality in low light
Lenovo A3900
- Better performance than A369i
- More responsive multitasking
- Slightly better battery life
- More capable for light gaming
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Display quality is basic
- Camera is not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 4.5-5 inches with resolutions around 854x480 or 960x540. The A3900 *might* have slightly better color accuracy or brightness, but differences would be minimal. Expect adequate viewing angles but not exceptional image quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, probably around 5-8MP for both rear cameras and 2MP front cameras. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A3900's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the A3900 shines. The MT6752 octa-core processor is a substantial upgrade over the A369i's dual-core MT6572. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding apps on the A3900. The A369i will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
The A3900 likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 2300-2500 mAh) compared to the A369i (around 2000-2200 mAh). This, combined with its more efficient processor, should translate to slightly better battery life on the A3900, potentially lasting a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo A369i is best for users on the absolute tightest budget who primarily need basic calling and texting functionality. The Lenovo A3900 is ideal for those who want a slightly more capable phone for light gaming, social media, and everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo A369i still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and only need basic phone functionality. Otherwise, the A3900 offers significantly better value.
❓ Can I upgrade the storage on either phone?
Both phones likely support microSD card expansion, but the maximum capacity may be limited (typically up to 32GB).
