Lenovo offered some compelling budget phones in their time, and the A7000 Turbo and K8 Note are prime examples. Both aimed to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they took different approaches. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo K8 Note is the clear winner. Its deca-core processor, faster charging, and generally improved specs offer a noticeably smoother and more modern experience compared to the A7000 Turbo, despite both being budget-friendly options.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, January. Released 2016, January | 2017, August. Released 2017, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 152.6 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.01 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 154.5 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.08 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| | - | Splash Resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 | Deca-core 2.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6752 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6797D Helio X23 (20 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T760MP2 | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| OS | Android 5 (Lollipop), Vibe UI 2 | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.7, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 378 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 25 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2900 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Black | Fine Gold, Venom Black |
| Models | - | K8 Note, XT1902-3 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Lenovo A7000 Turbo
- Large display
- Decent audio quality
- Affordable price
- Slower performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slower charging
- Less refined camera
Lenovo K8 Note
- Faster processor
- Better camera
- Faster charging (15W)
- More modern design
- Improved performance
- Still a budget phone (compromises exist)
- HD resolution display
Display Comparison
The Lenovo A7000 Turbo features a 5.5-inch IPS display, while the K8 Note boasts a slightly larger 5.5-inch IPS display. Both offer HD resolution (720p). While both are adequate, the K8 Note's slightly improved color reproduction and brightness give it a marginal edge. Viewing angles are similar on both.
Camera Comparison
The K8 Note generally offers better camera performance. It typically features a 13MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) for faster focusing, and a front-facing camera for selfies. The A7000 Turbo also has a 13MP rear camera, but its autofocus is slower. Image quality is generally better on the K8 Note, with more detail and better low-light performance.
Performance
This is where the K8 Note shines. The MT6797D Helio X23 deca-core processor is significantly faster than the A7000 Turbo's MT6752 octa-core. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the K8 Note. The A7000 Turbo can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 3000mAh battery. However, the K8 Note's more efficient processor and 15W fast charging give it an advantage. While battery life is comparable under moderate use, the K8 Note charges significantly faster.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo A7000 Turbo is a good choice for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize a large screen and decent audio. The Lenovo K8 Note is ideal for those seeking better performance, a more modern design, and faster charging without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo A7000 Turbo still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a large screen for media consumption. Otherwise, the K8 Note offers significantly better value.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Lenovo K8 Note, thanks to its more powerful deca-core processor, provides a much smoother gaming experience.
