Archos introduces line of affordable Android phones
It seems Archos has gotten a bit bored in the ultra-affordable tablet space. The manufacturer has announced that it will be providing three new low-cost Android phone options for those who don’t need a big name or don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a decent smartphone.
Kicking things off is the 3.5 inch Archos 35 Carbon. This device is reminiscent of the G1 days with its HVGA resolution, 4GB of internal storage, 1GHz Qualcomm processor, and dual VGA cameras. It’s price tag of $99 makes us forgive the paltry feature-set, of course, and we’re happy that it will at least come out of the box sporting Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Next up is the $219 Archos 50 Platinum (below). This 5-inch device tops out at qHD for resolution, but has a better set of internals with a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm 8225 processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and an 8 megapixel 720p HD rear camera with a 2 megapixel front camera. It’ll run the more modern Jelly Bean 4.1.2, in case you were wondering (and worried).
Finally, the 5.3-inch Archos 53 Platinum (below) brings a modest boost for $250. It’s a tad bigger than the 50 Platinum, though it shares the same specs in almost every other area (battery being the only other component separating the two). These devices will be targeted to those in Europe at the end of May, though unlike its tablet line we would be surprised to see the phones launch in the US. If they do, expect them to be available unlocked (because you really don’t need to sign new two-year contracts at these highly affordable prices).
