Looking for an affordable Android phone? The Lenovo A369i and A526 were popular budget options. But which one is the better choice? This comprehensive comparison dives into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo A526 clearly wins thanks to its quad-core processor, offering significantly better performance than the A369i's dual-core chip. While both are budget devices, the A526 provides a smoother user experience and better multitasking capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, Q3. Released 2013, Q3 | 2014, April. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 124 x 64 x 11.7 mm (4.88 x 2.52 x 0.46 in) | 132 x 67.6 x 11.1 mm (5.20 x 2.66 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 145 g (5.11 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 (~57.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~62.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6572 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6582M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 480p | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| | 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 | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | - |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 288 h (2G) / Up to 288 h (3G) | Up to 396 h (2G) / Up to 300 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 8 h (3G) | Up to 5 h (2G) / Up to 3 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Blue |
| Models | A369i | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo A369i
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Basic functionality
- Slow performance
- Limited storage
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera quality
Lenovo A526
- Better performance than A369i
- Slightly better battery life
- More responsive user experience
- Still very affordable
- Low-resolution display
- Average camera quality
- Limited storage
- Plastic build quality
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 A526 *might* have a slightly better panel, but differences would be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely have basic 5-8MP rear cameras and potentially front-facing cameras of 2-3MP. Image quality will be average in good lighting conditions, with noticeable noise in low light. The A526 *might* have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, but don't expect miracles.
Performance
This is where the A526 shines. The quad-core MT6582M offers a substantial performance advantage over the A369i's dual-core MT6572. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the A526. The A369i will likely struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
The A526 likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 2000-2300 mAh) compared to the A369i (around 1900-2100 mAh). This, combined with its more efficient chipset, should translate to slightly better battery life on the A526.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo A369i is suitable for users with very basic needs – calls, texts, and occasional light app usage. The Lenovo A526 is a better choice for anyone who wants a slightly faster phone for social media, browsing, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version did these phones ship with?
Both the Lenovo A369i and A526 likely shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat. Updates were limited, so don't expect newer versions.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add storage for photos, videos, and apps.
