Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, mid-range devices often struggle to stand out. However, the Lenovo IdeaPhone S890 manages to carve out its own niche in this competitive market. As a tech enthusiast who has spent considerable time with this device, I'm eager to share an in-depth review that goes beyond surface-level impressions. This analysis will delve into the S890's strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition in the context of 2013's smartphone landscape.
Design and Build Quality: Punching Above Its Weight
The moment you hold the Lenovo IdeaPhone S890, it's clear that Lenovo has invested significant effort into the device's physical design. Despite its predominantly plastic construction, the S890 exudes a premium feel that belies its mid-range status. Weighing in at 176 grams, it strikes a balance between substantiality and manageable heft.
The phone's aesthetic is clean and modern, with gently rounded corners that not only enhance its visual appeal but also improve ergonomics. Available in white or blue, the S890 features an elegant chrome trim that encircles the device, adding a touch of sophistication. This attention to detail extends to the speaker grilles and camera lens, which are also accented with chrome, creating a cohesive design language.
One particularly thoughtful element is the notification LED, discreetly integrated near the top speaker. This subtle feature proves incredibly useful for at-a-glance information without being visually intrusive. Below the display, you'll find capacitive touch keys, which respond with satisfying haptic feedback and contribute to the phone's sleek facade.
While the overall design is praiseworthy, it's not without minor ergonomic considerations. The power button's placement at the top of the device can be a stretch for one-handed operation, especially given the phone's 5-inch form factor. However, Lenovo has cleverly mitigated this issue by including a flip cover that automatically wakes the screen when opened, reducing the need to reach for the power button frequently.
Display Technology: Balancing Quality and Cost
The S890's 5-inch IPS display boasts a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. While this falls short of the Full HD displays found in flagship devices of the era, it represents a marked improvement over many competitors in its price bracket. The use of IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology ensures good viewing angles and color reproduction, critical factors for a satisfying visual experience.
In practical use, the display proves to be a capable performer. Colors are reasonably vibrant, and the touch input is responsive, making navigation and typing a smooth experience. The pixel density, while not class-leading, is sufficient for comfortable reading and media consumption without obvious pixelation at normal viewing distances.
However, it's important to note the display's limitations. Sunlight legibility is adequate but not exceptional, which may be a consideration for users who frequently use their devices outdoors. Additionally, when compared side-by-side with higher resolution displays, the S890's lower pixel density becomes more apparent, particularly when viewing high-detail images or small text.
Despite these drawbacks, the display strikes a reasonable balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. For most users engaging in everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and video watching, the S890's screen will prove more than satisfactory.
Camera Capabilities: Adequate for Casual Photography
The Lenovo S890 comes equipped with an 8-megapixel main camera and a VGA front-facing camera. While these specifications were respectable for a mid-range device in 2013, it's important to set realistic expectations regarding camera performance.
In well-lit conditions, the main camera is capable of capturing sharp images with good color reproduction. Lenovo has included a variety of shooting modes to enhance versatility, including panorama, smile shot, and HDR (High Dynamic Range). One standout feature is the 100-shot burst mode, which proves useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or ensuring you don't miss a crucial moment.
Video recording capabilities are somewhat limited, with a maximum resolution of 720p and the use of the older 3GP format. While functional for casual video capture, it falls short of the Full HD recording offered by some contemporaries.
Low-light performance is where the camera's limitations become more apparent. Images taken in dimly lit environments tend to exhibit noticeable noise and loss of detail. This is not uncommon for smartphones in this category but is worth considering for users who frequently take photos in challenging lighting conditions.
The front-facing VGA camera is basic but functional for video calls and occasional selfies. However, the low resolution means that images lack detail and sharpness, especially when compared to the higher-resolution front cameras that were beginning to appear in competing devices.
While the S890's camera setup isn't groundbreaking, it performs adequately for social media sharing and capturing everyday moments. Users seeking more advanced photography features or superior low-light performance may need to look at higher-end devices or dedicated point-and-shoot cameras.
Software Experience: A Heavily Customized Android Journey
The Lenovo S890 runs on Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, overlaid with Lenovo's custom skin. This approach to software customization is a double-edged sword, offering unique features while potentially alienating users who prefer a more stock Android experience.
Lenovo's customizations are extensive, fundamentally altering the look and feel of the Android operating system. For users coming from other Android devices, this can create a significant learning curve. However, it also brings several noteworthy features to the table.
The custom UI offers robust theming options, allowing users to personalize their device with different visual styles, animations, and icon packs. This level of customization can be appealing to those who enjoy tailoring their smartphone's appearance to their tastes.
Lenovo has also included several pre-installed applications that add genuine value. The file manager, backup utility, and power-saving tool are particularly useful additions that enhance the overall functionality of the device. The "Scene" feature is another standout, enabling users to save different configurations for work, home, or travel scenarios, streamlining the process of adjusting settings for various environments.
One of the more unique software additions is the Lotus Widget, which presents app shortcuts in a visually distinctive flower-like arrangement. While its usefulness may vary depending on personal preference, it exemplifies Lenovo's commitment to offering novel interface elements.
The enhanced notification bar with quick settings toggles is another welcome addition, improving ease of access to frequently used functions. Lenovo has also opted for the TouchPal Keyboard, which offers swipe input and extensive theming options, potentially enhancing the typing experience for many users.
However, the heavily modified interface may be polarizing. Android purists might find the departure from stock design jarring, and the added features come at the cost of increased system overhead. This can potentially impact performance and may delay the rollout of Android updates compared to devices running closer-to-stock versions of the OS.
Performance and Battery Life: Reliable Daily Computing
At the heart of the Lenovo S890 lies a 1.2GHz dual-core MediaTek processor paired with 1GB of RAM. While these specifications may seem modest by today's standards, they were competitive in the mid-range segment of 2013. In practical use, this hardware configuration delivers a smooth experience for everyday tasks.
Navigation through the UI is generally responsive, with app switching and menu transitions executing without noticeable lag. The device handles light to moderate multitasking well, allowing users to juggle several applications without significant slowdowns. However, it's important to note that the S890 is not designed for intensive gaming or heavy computational tasks. Users looking to run the latest 3D games or perform resource-intensive operations may find the performance lacking.
Storage is one area where the S890 shows its budget-conscious nature. The 4GB of internal storage is quite limiting by modern standards, necessitating the use of a microSD card for most users. This expandable storage option is crucial for anyone planning to install a significant number of apps or store media files on the device.
Battery life is a strong suit for the S890, thanks to its 2,250 mAh capacity battery. In typical usage scenarios, the device easily lasts through a full day, which is commendable for a phone with a 5-inch display. Lenovo's inclusion of power-saving modes further extends battery life, allowing users to squeeze extra hours of usage when needed.
The combination of adequate performance for daily tasks and strong battery life positions the S890 as a reliable companion for users who prioritize longevity over raw processing power.
Connectivity and Practical Considerations
In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo S890 covers the essentials while omitting some of the more advanced features that were beginning to appear in higher-end smartphones of its time. The dual-SIM functionality is a standout feature, allowing users to manage two phone numbers on a single device. However, it's worth noting that only one SIM slot supports 3G connectivity, which may limit its utility for some users.
The device includes standard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and A-GPS capabilities, ensuring basic connectivity needs are met. The absence of NFC (Near Field Communication) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) support is noticeable, especially as these technologies were gaining traction in 2013. While not deal-breakers for most users, their absence may impact those looking to future-proof their device or take advantage of emerging contactless payment systems.
Value Proposition and Market Position
At its launch price of around $390 (₹20,899), the Lenovo S890 positioned itself in a highly competitive segment of the smartphone market. This pricing strategy placed it in direct competition with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Grand and the Micromax Canvas HD A116.
The Samsung Galaxy Grand, while similarly priced, offered some advantages in terms of brand recognition and ecosystem integration. It featured a lower resolution screen but boasted better connectivity options and more advanced camera features. The Micromax Canvas HD A116, on the other hand, presented a compelling alternative at a significantly lower price point, featuring a quad-core processor and a higher resolution display.
In this context, the S890's strengths lie in its build quality, battery life, and the reputation of the Lenovo brand. For users who prioritize these aspects and appreciate the extensive software customization offered by Lenovo's UI, the S890 represents a solid choice. However, spec-focused buyers or those seeking the absolute best value for money might find more appealing options elsewhere in the market.
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Mid-Range Option
The Lenovo IdeaPhone S890 emerges as a capable mid-range smartphone that excels in build quality and offers a good overall user experience. While it may not lead the pack in terms of raw specifications, it provides a balanced package that will satisfy the needs of many users.
Its strengths in design, battery life, and software customization make it an attractive option for those who value these aspects. The dual-SIM functionality adds versatility for users juggling personal and professional lines, while the reliable performance ensures it can handle day-to-day tasks with ease.
However, potential buyers should weigh these advantages against the device's limitations, such as the modest camera performance, limited internal storage, and the heavily customized Android experience that may not appeal to all users.
Ultimately, the Lenovo S890 is best suited for:
- Users who prioritize build quality and battery life
- Those who enjoy extensive software customization
- Lenovo brand loyalists looking for a mid-range smartphone
- Users who need dual-SIM functionality
It may be less ideal for:
- Mobile photography enthusiasts seeking advanced camera features
- Heavy gamers or power users demanding top-tier performance
- Those who prefer a stock Android experience
In the fast-paced world of smartphone technology, the Lenovo S890 represents a thoughtful attempt to balance features, performance, and value. While it may not be the perfect choice for everyone, it offers a compelling package for users whose needs align with its strengths. As with any technology purchase, potential buyers should carefully consider their priorities and compare the S890 with contemporary alternatives to ensure it meets their specific requirements.
