The old adage goes that you get what you pay for; in most cases it is right on the money. If a product’s price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Translation — most inexpensive products are inexpensive AND cheap. So what about the sub-$160 VeryKool JUNO QUATRO s5511? Is it just inexpensive or inexpensive AND cheap?
The JUNO QUATRO s5511 is a large device. With a 5.5″ qHD IPS LCD capacitive touch display and an ultra slim 3mm bezel, it is pretty much all screen. And while the specs aren’t bleeding edge — after all, this phone IS under $160 — they aren’t all that unimpressive either. I mean, for under $160 you get a phone with 4G HSPA connectivity, Android 4.4, a respectable 1.3GHz quad-core CPU, 4GB ROM, 1MB RAM, an 8MP rear camera, and a 2MP front camera. The phone even serves up 720p HD recording and has a dual-SIM. On paper it looks pretty amazing in its own right. And when you take price into consideration, it looks like it just might be as mythical a beast as the unicorn. The difference here is that this actually DOES exist.
“Just like the s5510 but with double the processing power and increased memory capacity, the s5511 Juno Quatro is a masterful all-in-one device solution! Featuring an impressively large 5.5-inch qHD IPS LCD capacitive touch display and an ultra slim 3mm bezel, the Juno Quatro pushes the limits of design and performance providing an optimal viewing experience. Equipped with 4G HSPA connectivity, Android 4.4, a blazing fast 1.3GHz quad-core CPU, 4GB ROM, 1MB RAM, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, and 720 HD recording, the Juno Quatro is an ergonomic and contemporary device that offers extraordinary performance and design.”
FEATURES:
- 4G Ready: 4G HSPA (21 Mbps DL, 5.76 Mbps UL)
- Android 4.4 KitKat: The s5511 Juno Quatro runs on the popular Android 4.4 KitKat!
- 1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor: The s5511 Juno Quatro allows fast multitasking thanks to its 1.2GHz Quad-Core processor.
- Dual SIM Card Support: Manage work and personal phone lines in one device keeping you organized!
- Connectivity: Connect a wireless headset via Bluetooth 4.0 and save data plan bandwidth via Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi Hotspots!
- 5.5” qHD IPS LCD Screen: Enjoy the large 5.5” display for the sharpest and clearest viewing experience!
Included with the VeryKool JUNO QUATRO s5511 were:
• A swappable back cover so you can easily change the look.
• A wall adapter and USB to microUSB charging cable
• A pair of earbuds. As you might expect, they suck.
So let me start with what I like about this phone.
I love that it has a large 5.5 inch screen; that means it can function as both your phone and your tablet if you want to travel light.
I also love the fact that it is a dual SIM phone. I’ve never used one or had the need for the dual SIM, but I can see the usefulness of it if you are traveling or have accounts with two different cellular companies. It offers a decent amount of storage expansion (more on that in a minute) and lets you add additional storage using a microSD card, that’s another benefit. Then there is the fact that you can swap out the back and have the phone change appearances in just a few seconds. All in all, it has relatively high specifications for under $160, and the fact that it is unlocked makes it even more attractive. It is such a nice package at such an affordable price that I feel bad saying anything negative about it, but there are issues that I have found with this device.
So what are the negatives about the JUNO QUATRO s5511?
First of all, one of the places they cut corners to keep the price of the VeryKool JUNO QUATRO s5511 down was with regard to the amount of internal storage they include; it is almost non-existent. That means you will definitely want to have a microSD card on hand if you want this phone to be usable for more than the bare minimum.
Then there is the build quality. The VeryKool JUNO QUATRO s5511 doesn’t feel like a cheap piece of crap that will fall apart within a few weeks of purchase, but it also doesn’t feel like a luxury item either. That’s no surprise given it’s cost, though. The other big issue is the screen. It is decent, but it’s not what I’m used to, because it doesn’t have the sharpness and the clarity of the iPhone 6 Plus or one of the leading Android devices currently available. I also don’t find the screen to be nearly as responsive to touch as I’m used to; it is responsive, but it takes more force to get your finger to register.
Then there is the 8mp camera. I’ll let you decide for yourself what you think about the camera by sharing the following simple shots. These are images taken with my iPhone 6 Plus.
These are photos taken with the VeryKool JUNO QUATRO S5511. You decide.
The speaker is also an issue. It sits on the back. When exposed it sounds good, not great but good. But because of the location of the speaker things get terribly muddled when you place the phone on the table. That is, of course, not a great design decision.
All of that noted, I didn’t find there to be significant issues when using the device nor did I find it difficult to use. Far from it. Because it ships with as close as you will find two stock Android, without having a device that is intentionally serving up stock, it doesn’t have the amount of clutter seen on any other Android devices.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- 4G HSPA +, 3G Dual Band, 2G Quad Band, GSM + GPRS, BAND 4G HSPA + (21 Mbps DL, 5.76 Mbps UL), 3G 850/1900, 2G 850/900/1800/1900
- OS Android 4.4 KitKat
- CPU 1.3GHz Quad-Core CPU
- SIZE 150.40 x 77.20 x 8.50 mm
- WEIGHT 157 grams
- BATTERY 2,300 mAh Li-Ion
- Talk time: Up to 7 hours on 3G
- Standby time: Up to 240 hours (10 days)
- SCREEN 5.5″ qHD IPS-LCD Capacitive Touch (540 x 960 Pixels, 200 ppi)
- CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Hotspots, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Tethering
- CAMERA 8MP rear camera and 2MP front camera
- DATA Internet, SMS, MMS, e-mail (POP3, IMAP), and push e-mail
- MEMORY 1GB ROM, 4GB internal storage, external (T-Flash) up to 32GB
- MULTIMEDIA MP3, FM, audio recorder and video, radio and conference function
- EXTRAS GPS with A-GPS, G-sensor, loudspeaker, 3.5mm audio jack, Ambient light, Gravity, and Proximity sensors, LED Torch
ACCESSORIES
- microUSB Data Cable
- Stereo Headset
- Travel Adapter
So what’s my bottom line here? This isn’t the phone I would run out and buy were my iPhone 6 Plus to be stolen tomorrow. But if you are looking for an inexpensive, unlocked, dual SIM Android device with a plentiful screen, then you can’t beat what this offers for the price. Realizing you are buying a budget device when you choose this will make you happy. Go into it expecting that you will get something at the high-end of the current market and you will likely be disappointed. If you are a frequent traveler and don’t want to risk losing or destroying your phone, or you are looking for an inexpensive but highly functional android phone for your kids, this is an excellent option. Still, I can’t get past the awkwardly stupidly lame name for the product line. Very cool with a K is just dumb. Learn more here.