Android

The Icon Q5.5 wants to be "your travel super phone" for $199

posted by Florin T. / Mar 19, 2015, 6:34 PM

Icon Q, a little known New York-based company, today announced its very first smartphone: an affordable handset called Q5.5.

The Icon Q5.5 (or is it Icon Q Q5.5?) is presented as "your travel super phone", because it's unlocked, it supports two SIM cards, and doesn't cost a fortune.

You can buy the Q5.5 in the US for $199.99, directly from Icon Q (see the first source link below). The new handset runs Android 4.4 KitKat, and sports a 5.5-inch display with 720 x 1280 pixels (not the sharpest resolution for a screen that large, but this is an affordable device after all). The Q5.5 is powered by an octa-core MediaTek MTK6592M processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, further offering 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of expandable storage space, and a 2100 mAh battery. Other features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, a 13 MP rear camera with LED flash, and a 5 MP front-facing camera.

The Icon Q5.5 is compatible with "all 3G GSM networks" in the US, but won't work on Verizon and Sprint. You can check out the smartphone in the photos (and video) below. What do you think, is the handset worth $199?

The Icon Q5.5

View more + 4 images

source: Icon Q via Phone Scoop

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16 Comments

1. Fallen1

Posts: 288; Member since: Nov 14, 2014

I think its best selling point is the dual sim card slots. So the price tag is very reasonable IMO

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 6:49 PM 0

2. wkm001

Posts: 145; Member since: Feb 04, 2014

It looks like a very capable phone. Would I buy it over a $180 Moto G, probably not.

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 8:12 PM 1

3. true1984

Posts: 869; Member since: May 23, 2012

nope, my travel phone is a z3 compact

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 8:14 PM 2

7. DeusExCellula

Posts: 1390; Member since: Oct 05, 2014

"affordable" unless dropping $450+ on a travel phone is a viable option

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 9:06 PM 0

9. SuperMaoriBro

Posts: 533; Member since: Jun 23, 2012

this is the exact purpose I bought a Z3C. small, phenominal battery life, decent camera, and dedicated camera shutter button and lanyard are great for those times I hand my phone to someone to take a picture (so many people dont how to use on screen buttons). And Lanyard and waterproofing means I can be at the top of the Eiffel tower in the rain without fear or water damage or dropping it.

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 9:25 PM 1

4. Edward_bly

Posts: 278; Member since: Dec 11, 2013

Bigger battery would be a plus.

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 8:30 PM 0

5. dimas

Posts: 3380; Member since: Jul 22, 2014

I saw a Chinese branded phone like this with exact design and dimensions a year ago. I just don't remember the name.

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 8:44 PM 0

6. kaikuheadhunterz

Posts: 1157; Member since: Jul 18, 2013

The Redmi Note seems like a better deal

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 8:56 PM 0

8. DirtyDan23

Posts: 280; Member since: Aug 12, 2014

Nifty

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 9:24 PM 0

10. Neo_Huang

Posts: 1067; Member since: Dec 06, 2013

For that price you might as well get the Asus Zenfone 2.

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 10:23 PM 0

11. EcoCare

Posts: 444; Member since: Jul 30, 2014

Travel phone should translate to multiple days battery life (hint : BLU Studio Energy).

posted on Mar 19, 2015, 11:34 PM 1

14. Doakie

Posts: 2478; Member since: May 06, 2009

HELL YES!! I was just about to bring up the BLU Studio Energy. Its a great phone.

posted on Mar 20, 2015, 11:42 AM 0

12. Donbenie

Posts: 260; Member since: Aug 04, 2013

Seriously,a 5.5 incher with 2100mAh battery?not exactly a winning combination..

posted on Mar 20, 2015, 12:47 AM 0

16. Nabil111

Posts: 105; Member since: Apr 14, 2014

Must've found all these parts for super cheap somewhere. That's how its got a 5.5" 720p display and a small battery w/ a 13mp camera.

posted on Mar 20, 2015, 7:02 PM 0

13. alannyny

Posts: 30; Member since: Jun 27, 2012

If 3G-compatible means no 4G/LTE, that's the dealbreaker for me. Especially when traveling. And I'd prefer it if it were 4.7 inches. Otherwise, sounds great.