altek Leo Preview
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This is our preview based on a prototype unit, expect the review soon.
Introduction and Design:
The first Android phone from Altek, one of the largest OEM/ODM camera makers for companies like Kodak, Olympus and HP, is predictably a cameraphone. And we use the word in its literal meaning – the altek Leo reminds more of a small point-and-shoot camera, rather than a smartphone.
Yet that's exactly what the Leo is – a cell phone running Android that happens to have a 14MP autofocus camera with AF-assist light, Xenon flash, and 3x optical zoom lens. During our preview the first impression from the prototype's design was that it is quite thick for the modern smartphone standards at 0.61” (15.5mm), but not that heavy at 4.94oz (140g).
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The altek Leo reminds more of a small point-and-shoot camera, rather than a smartphone | ||
Naturally, the thickness is mostly due to the optical zoom mechanism of the lens above the 14MP sensor. It protrudes each time the camera or camcorder apps are started, or when you press the dedicated camera button on the right side of the phone (or should we say at the top of the camera). There you can also find the shutter key, optical zoom wheel, and the volume rocker. The top hosts the power/lock button, and underneath is the microUSB port (or should we say left and right sides of the camera, we are confused now). The phone's sides are covered with a silver plastic band.
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altek Leo's thickness is mostly due to the optical zoom mechanism | ||
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You can compare the altek Leo with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.
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altek Leo (L) next to Canon SD870 IS (R) | ||
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altek Leo (R) and Canon SD870 IS (L) | ||
Underneath the display are four physical Android navigation buttons tucked in a row, which are easy to spot and press. The screen side is made of glossy black plastic, whereas the flip side is still plastic, but matte with a brushed metal look, and also serves as a battery cover.
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The 3.2” capacitive touchscreen | Android navigation buttons |
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Back | |||
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The sides of the altek Leo | ||
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altek Leo
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6 Comments
1. rayjones09 posted on 01 Apr 2011, 22:48 1 0
Forget that the N8 doesn't run Android, Symbian is just fine.
2. mereko (unregistered) posted on 19 Apr 2011, 09:17 0 0
Sold my N8 because of Symbian. It made using the phone too frustrating.
3. Ashton (unregistered) posted on 22 Apr 2011, 23:50 0 0
they should made a comparison of picture quality taken between the N8 and Altek Leo''
my bet is on N8,
5. rocky7st posted on 09 Jul 2011, 03:49 0 0
If you aren't too fussed about the thickness then this phone really is that dream phone. With 14MP and 3x optical zoom you finally have a phone that can replace the standard digital cameras. I'm still yet to put the camera through it's paces but the optical zoom works nicely.
Phone wise, I haven't found any problems with it apart from the small ROM size. I managed to get Android Markets and the google apps which was one of the things putting me off the phone. Running apps and navigating around the phone is quite smooth with no noticeable lag.
6. falisar (unregistered) posted on 15 Jul 2011, 10:17 0 0
Hi rocky7st
I'm thinking of getting one from eBay for 263€, where did you get yours? More importantly where did you get the missing Android Markets and Google Apps from? According to other reviews, the user interface is a little laggy and the display inaccurate, is that true for your device? Does it support internet tethering or personal hotspot? I would be very thankful for a reply, thank you
falisar
7. LordBonztie posted on 11 Dec 2011, 21:45 0 0
To recap, if you needed to take two devices before on your vacation or event – your cell phone and a small camera, with the altek Leo you need one. The same can be said for the Nokia N8, "however, but it doesn't run Android"
phone racism? :))
