Acer, a name more commonly associated with laptops and PCs, is making a surprising return to the smartphone market. The company has unveiled two new devices, the Acerpure Acerone Liquid S162E4 and the Acerpure Acerone Liquid S272E4, slated for launch on March 25th. However, these new entries are firmly planted in the budget segment, featuring specifications that raise questions about their target audience.
Entry-Level Specs Define the New Acerpure Acerone Line
Both devices share a focus on affordability, which is evident in their use of older chipsets. Specifically, the Acerpure Acerone Liquid S162E4 features a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display with a waterdrop notch, where a 5MP selfie camera is housed. Moreover, the device is powered by the six-year-old MediaTek Helio P35 chipset, which is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
Additionally, it includes a 16MP rear camera, a 5,000mAh battery, a USB-C port, and runs on Android 14. Other notable features include FM Radio, Bluetooth support, and a hybrid dual nano SIM slot. As for design, the device will be available in Blue and incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
The Acerpure Acerone Liquid S272E4 features a slightly larger 6.74-inch HD+ LCD display, also with a waterdrop notch and a 5MP front camera. However, it opts for an even older chipset, the MediaTek MT6765X, more commonly known as the Helio G36. This chipset, despite being “only” two years old, offers even less processing power. The rear camera system features a 20MP main sensor. Like its sibling, it comes with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 5,000mAh battery, and Android 14.
Questions Surround Acer’s Smartphone Strategy
The use of dated chipsets raises questions about the performance and target audience of these devices. With specifications that are clearly entry-level, the focus appears to be on price. Adding to the intrigue is the uncertainty surrounding the actual manufacturing of these phones. These might be licensed products made by an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM). They likely use the Acer brand name to gain market recognition.
Launch and Further Details
The Acerpure Acerone Liquid S162E4 and S272E4 are set to launch on Amazon on 25th March. The official launch is expected to provide more clarity on pricing, availability, and the specifics of Acer’s smartphone strategy.
