Key features:
* Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
* 3G with HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 2Mbps
* Android OS v1.6 with Acer UI 3.0
* 3.5" capacitive touchscreen of WVGA resolution
* Qualcomm Snapdragon 8250 768 MHz CPU, 256 MB RAM
* 5 megapixel autofocus camera with video recording
* Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and GPS receiver
* Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate and turn-to-mute
* Digital compass
* Standard miniUSB port for charging and data
* Stereo Bluetooth (A2DP)
* microSD card slot with support for up to 16GB cards (2GB one included)
* Standard 3.5mm audio jack
* Direct access to the official Android Market
Main disadvantages:
* Camera lacks flash or lens cover, has outdated features
* No smart dialing, no voice dialing, no video calling
* No web Flash support
* Acer UI 3.0 offers only minor changes to the original interface
* Somewhat limited 3rd party software availability
* No DivX or XviD video support or a third-party application to play that
* Poor MP4 playback performance - any videos over QVGA res are barely watchable
* No proper file manager out of the box
* No TV-out port
* No FM radio
Acer did a good job of the Liquid. A novice in phones, the company deservedly stands next to makers with obviously better track record like HTC and Samsung. The Liquid surely isn't the heavily customized device HTC would usually offer, but the hot looks and reasonable price tag leave no room for complaints.
Android-powered devices have long made their case and they all look alike on the inside. But design is the distinctive feature and Acer did well to make the best of it. The result is quite obvious - a beautiful and stylish smartphone that will stand out among its rivals. The Android OS runs smoothly inside thanks to the powerful Snapdragon core and looks great on the excellent high-resolution display.
Back to what we just said though, Android phones do look and act the same. In the end, they all share a set of limitations that are inherent to the very OS. The Acer Liquid is no exception and is equally handicapped in terms of DivX / XviD incompatibility, lack of Flash support in the web browser and poor video recording.
While the competition has been busy addressing some of those issues, Acer perhaps could not have been expected to sort them all out in their debut. But they at least tried to offset some of those disadvantages with features never seen before in a first-gen Android phone: a Snapdragon CPU and a WVGA screen.
HTC Hero is perhaps the ultimate first-generation Android. Released half a year ago, the Hero now has nearly the same price tag as the Liquid. It boasts the advanced Sense UI, multi-touch gestures and native Flash support over the Liquid. But it can't match the processing speed or the screen resolution of the Acer Android. These two are probably the best lookers in the bunch too.
The Samsung I7500 Galaxy, I5700 Galaxy Spica and HTC Magic come slightly cheaper. They all have similar specs, except the CPU - the Spica uses a faster 800MHz processor. The I7500 has an AMOLED capacitive touchscreen but it's nowhere near the Liquid's resolution. The Acer Liquid surely beats them in terms of performance, but if you are looking for a cheaper option within the same class - you may want to check these three out.
The scope and timing of the Acer Liquid make it a midpoint in the Android evolution. It won't stand comparison with the likes of the Nexus One of course but having the same processor and screen resolution as the top droids must be quite a morale booster.
It's easy to say Acer had better luck with Android. But luck or whatever you would call it, we did like the Liquid. It's a pretty close match for most of the first-gen Androids out there and brings some top-tier goodies as well. It looks hot and won't charge a fortune. Sounds like a good deal.
Labels: Android , Other mobile phone brands
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