Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Lenovo A516 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 edges out the A516 thanks to its quad-core processor and Cortex-A53 architecture, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and smoother multitasking. While both are budget phones, the A2010 provides a more modern and responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 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 | 2013, Q3. Released 2013, Q3 | 2015, August. Released 2015, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 132 x 66.7 x 9.9 mm (5.20 x 2.63 x 0.39 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 | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 137 g (4.83 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~63.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6572 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6735M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, 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, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 552 h (2G) / Up to 552 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 30 h (2G) / Up to 18 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink, White | Black, Pearl White |
| Models | - | A2010-a, A2010-l |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Lenovo A516
- Very affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Compact size
- Slow performance
- Outdated processor
- Limited storage
- Poor camera quality
Lenovo A2010
- Better performance than A516
- More efficient processor
- Slightly better battery life
- More modern architecture
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Basic display quality
- Limited storage
- Average camera
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 4.5-5 inches with resolutions around 854 x 480 or 960 x 540. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The A2010 *might* have a slightly newer display technology, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – probably 5-8MP rear cameras and 2MP front cameras on both devices. Image quality will be adequate for basic snapshots in good lighting, but don't expect stellar results. Low-light performance will be poor on both.
Performance
This is where the A2010 shines. The A516's dual-core Cortex-A7 processor is significantly slower than the A2010's quad-core Cortex-A53. Expect the A2010 to handle apps and multitasking with greater ease, reducing lag and improving overall responsiveness. The A516 will struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
The A2010 likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 2300-2500 mAh) compared to the A516 (around 2000-2200 mAh). This, combined with its more efficient processor, should translate to slightly better battery life on the A2010.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo A516 is suitable for users with extremely basic needs – calls, texts, and very light app usage. The Lenovo A2010 is a better choice for anyone wanting a slightly more responsive phone for social media, browsing, and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What year were these phones released?
The Lenovo A516 was released around 2015, while the Lenovo A2010 was released around 2016. This explains the performance difference.
❓ Can I upgrade the storage on either phone?
Both phones likely support microSD card expansion, but the maximum supported capacity may vary. Check the specific model's specifications for details.
