Looking for an affordable Android phone? The Lenovo A516 and A328 were popular budget options. But which one offers the better value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo A328 is the clear winner thanks to its quad-core processor, offering significantly better performance than the A516's dual-core chip. While both are budget devices, the A328 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 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, Q3. Released 2013, Q3 | 2014, Q3. Released 2014, Q3 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 132 x 66.7 x 9.9 mm (5.20 x 2.63 x 0.39 in) | 132 x 68.5 x 11 mm (5.20 x 2.70 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 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 (~61.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | 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 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@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) | Up to 240 h (2G) / Up to 228 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 30 h (2G) / Up to 18 h (3G) | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink, White | Black, White |
| Models | - | A328 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Lenovo A516
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Basic functionality
- Slow performance
- Limited storage
- Outdated chipset
- Low-resolution display
Lenovo A328
- Better performance (quad-core)
- More responsive
- Slightly better multitasking
- Potentially better battery life
- Still a budget phone
- Limited storage
- Basic camera quality
- Outdated design
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, budget-friendly 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 A328 *might* have a slightly better panel, but differences would be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – probably 5-8MP rear cameras and 2MP front cameras on both devices. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A328's slightly more powerful processor *could* lead to marginally better image processing.
Performance
This is where the A328 shines. The quad-core MT6582M processor provides a substantial performance boost over the A516's dual-core MT6572. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the A328. The A516 will likely struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have batteries in the 2000-2300mAh range. Battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the A328's more efficient processor *might* offer slightly better endurance.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo A516 is best suited for users with extremely basic needs – primarily calls, texts, and very light app usage. The Lenovo A328 is a better choice for anyone who wants a slightly more responsive phone for social media, browsing, and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?
Given their age, finding these phones new is unlikely. Used, they are only worth considering if you need a very basic phone for calls and texts and are on an extremely tight budget. Newer, more capable budget phones are readily available.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones originally shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat. However, updates were limited, and they likely run a heavily customized version of Android. Don't expect to run the latest Android versions.
