On Friday, before the big CES 2014 rush, Acer launched the Liquid Z5 series, the follow up to Acer's popular Liquid Z Series of phones. The new Liquid Z5 is a compact solution with a 5-inch screen, designed for budget conscious consumers and first-time smartphone adopters who want to browse the Internet, take pictures and shoot some video.
"The Liquid Z5 features an amazing 5-inch screen with 16:9 aspect ratio to enhance movies and video viewing. Despite the large screen size, the Liquid Z5 is thin and easy to carry with its 8.8 mm thin profile and rounded edge," reads the company press release.
Powered by Android 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean," the phone packs a dual-core processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, 4 GB of internal storage, Wi-Fi connectivity, integrated GPS and a 5MP camera on the back. This camera is reportedly a "bucket of innovations," as it supports BSI technology, which enables more light on the sensor than traditional FSI. That means better low-light sensitivity.
"It comes with a 5 elements f2.4 lens, instead of traditional 4 elements, to make pictures even sharper; the 1.4umx1.4um pixel size offers a better quality and less graining while in low light environments," explains the press release. "Lastly, the IR filter reflects infrared delivering of more realistic photos and the HDR solution creates high dynamic rage images combining a higher contrast and more vivid details in one single shot."
Acer's new Liquid Z5 phone also provides four different Quick Mode profiles to make the device easier to use. For example, the Basic Mode is for younger callers with fixed call and text functions. The Keypad Mode is for people who primarily use voice and need their keypad right away. Other Modes include "Senior" and "Classic."
The Acer Liquid Z5 will be available in Essential White and Gentle Grey colors in France, Benelux, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine and UK starting from mid-January at a suggested price of €169 ($230 USD).
