A fairly popular brand among Chinese manufacturers, considered understandable to Western users and also associated with the famous American company Sonim. So the world has already seen, for example, devices labeled A1 (copy) or A2 (copy) and now the turn has come to A8.
The Land Rover A8 looks very similar to another successful newcomer to the rugged smartphone segment - the same design, compliance with the highest IP68 security standard and a very similar appearance, but the A8 is more powerful dual core processor with a clock frequency of 1.2 GHz, based on new platform from the famous Taiwanese chipmaker MediaTek. True, it has a smaller display and a less powerful camera. However, the advantages that exist are quite enough to draw attention to the smartphone.
Equipment and design
Package Included:
- Battery capacity 3000 mAh;
- Charger;
- Key for opening the battery compartment cover;
- USB cable;
- USB charging adapter external devices;
- Stereo headset;
- Protective film on the screen;
- User manual and other documentation.
Video: Land Rover A8 unboxing
The Land Rover A8 is very similar and has a design that can be described as discreet and suitable for use both in the city and beyond. The smartphone is made in the form of an octagonal candy bar.
The Land Rover A8 is very similar to the J3 (Ruggear RG960) and has a design that is discreet and suitable for use both in and outside the city
The dimensions of the A8 make it quite comfortable to hold in your hand. In terms of dimensions, it almost completely corresponds to s, which means that it is a little longer, wider and thinner than, say, but shorter, narrower and thicker than the already mentioned J3.
The arrangement of buttons and technological holes is very thoughtful and convenient and begins its history with the legendary. Among other things, there is also a Reset button to quickly reboot the device.
Land Rover A8 is available in a fairly large number of color options - there are green, gray, burgundy and even pink models. True, most of them do not reach the CIS market.
Video: Land Rover A8 design
Specifications
- Platform: MediaTek MT6572 Cortex-A7
- Number of cores: 2
- Processor frequency: 1.2 GHz
- RAM capacity: 512 MB
- ROM capacity: 4096 MB (expandable via microSDHC cards up to 32 GB)
- operating system: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
- Dimensions (mm): 71x135x20
- Weight (g): 226
- Display: 4 inches diagonal, TFT, 262 thousand colors
- Extension: 480x800
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Additionally: built-in independent GPS module, electronic compass, support for two SIM cards, flashlight.
Land Rover A8 runs on the MT6572W chipset, which is still new for the rugged smartphone segment - a budget new product from the popular SoC manufacturer, Taiwanese company MediaTek. This platform offers 2 cores with a clock frequency of 1.2 GHz, and the W marking means that the device has a WCDMA radio module. The new product makes the A8 quite productive, demonstrates good response speed and compares its characteristics with the same or, but costs Land Rover significantly less.
Land Rover A8 runs on the MT6572W chipset, which is still new for the segment of rugged smartphones - a budget new product from the popular SoC manufacturer Taiwanese company MediaTek
In addition, the smartphone has 512 MB of RAM and 4096 MB of permanent memory, the latter can easily be expanded by another 32 GB through support for microSDHC memory cards.
The device operates in 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE), 3G (WCDMA/HSPA 850/1900/2100) networks and has support for two SIM cards that can be combined - GSM+ GSM or GSM+3G.
Land Rover A8 is equipped with a 3000 mAh battery - above average in the class. This provides the device autonomous operation for 10 hours of continuous talk or 150 in standby mode. In addition, the A8 has a unique ability to charge external devices. This way, you can easily extend the life of your player while on a hike.
Land Rover has a 4-inch TFT display with WVGA resolution (480x800 pixels). The image quality is at a fairly high level.
Protection level
Land Rover A8 meets the highest international standard IP68 security - the smartphone is not only dust- and waterproof, but is also ready for prolonged immersion to a depth of more than 1 meter with continued full operation. In addition, the device has a very thoughtful design, which, in theory, should provide high level reliability.
And this is not surprising, because it is completely copied from (although Land Rover has lower quality materials): the device consists of three parts - the hardware filling is in the middle rubberized part, which is protected on both sides by ABS plastic panels. But, unlike the same J3, there are only 4 screws that connect these parts, and the brackets on the side faces perform a purely decorative function - they are plastic.
The A8 battery compartment cover is secured with 4 screws, and there are rubber seals inside the compartment itself. Connectors for SIM and microSDHC cards are located under the battery.
To protect the display, impact-resistant, scratch-resistant glass is used.
In general, Land Rover’s level of security is not the highest in the segment, but quite decent, and, given the cost of the A8, it can even be called optimal. But you should be careful, models with IP67 protection level have also begun to be found on the CIS market.
Software and interface
Land Rover A8 running on Android based 4.1, respectively, its interface, like that of other devices on this OS, is simple and intuitive.
The smartphone is equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi modules and provides access to 3G Internet.
Of all the “travel kit” traditional for rugged smartphones, the manufacturer reports only an electronic compass.
Navigation
Land Rover A8 is equipped with a full-fledged GPS module supporting A-GPS technology, which reduces startup time after a long break. The large 4-inch display allows you to use your smartphone as a car navigator.
The RUGGED online store offers not only the phone, but also the opportunity to order a full pre-sale service, including a microSDHC memory card with a choice of 8, 16 or 32 GB, on which the entire package is already installed necessary programs, including navigation software Navitel Navigator latest version with maps of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and other CIS countries.
Camera
The Land Rover A8 has two cameras - a main 5-megapixel and a front 0.3-megapixel. There is an autofocus function and a powerful LED flash. The quality of the resulting material is average, as are the characteristics themselves: most of the other representatives of the class have a camera with the same resolution.
We have all heard about Land Rover more than once. Every time we see a beautiful SUV that many people dream of. In addition, the car company has been on the market for a long time and has achieved enormous success in its niche. For almost 70 years, the British have been creating masterpieces of the automotive industry. But what does Land Rover - a telephone - have to do with it? He collected few reviews, but still became popular in a narrow circle.
Peculiarity
If these phones have become so popular, perhaps they have some special feature. At first glance, the device does not look flawless, stylish or expensive. When you look at the models of this line, you remember the phones of 2006. Back then, you could also find huge push-button devices with elaborate shapes and unusual colors.
So why can these models attract attention now? After all, now on the market huge amount beautiful and sophisticated smartphones. It turns out that the Land Rover phone manufacturer has created a truly indestructible gadget.
So, main feature smartphone is its security. Each phone of the company is not only shock-resistant, it is also waterproof and designed for use by real extreme sports enthusiasts. Besides, shockproof phone Land Rover is also a powerful gadget. Some models have up to 8 processor cores, as well as a well-designed system.
Diversity
Of course, phones of this brand cannot boast of a huge variety of models. However, among them there are real flagships that are popular. For example, the Land Rover X8 phone or two powerful models - A8 and A9.
There are also budget models among the expensive ones. For example, a Land Rover S6 can be bought for only 4-5 thousand rubles. Also, in addition to the fact that the company represents long-forgotten push-button phones, Land Rover has taken aim at returning the previously popular “clamshells”, or flips. So this includes the popular X9 model.
Indestructible
The first in our review will be a device that has eight cores for its filling. The Land Rover X8 phone was met with quite skepticism. Before this, users were introduced to the A9 model, which promised everyone 8 cores, but testing showed that there were half as many of them.
Therefore, when the Chinese again loudly announced eight cores, no one expected that the promises would come true. But it so happened that the company did not deceive. The device really runs on 8 cores and lives up to its name.
Appearance
Talking about appearance X8 model, it turns out to affect almost all devices of this Chinese company. The fact is that the style can be seen in all models. This one also turned out to be stylish, original and quite versatile. Of course, such a huge thing cannot be put in a woman’s handbag. And not because it won’t fit - it’s just that it will be completely out of place there.
But this phone belongs in the glove compartment, on the dashboard or in men's jeans. Moreover, it looks quite good with both casual wear and business suits. He again received a black and yellow color scheme. Of course, it seems too pretentious to some, but the overall impression is quite pleasant.
Protection at the highest level
Like any other smartphone from this company, the Land Rover (phone) received the best safety reviews. According to the documentation, it is moisture and dust resistant. It works under water much longer than the current flagships from Sony. The smartphone is certified, and in addition to the IP68 standard, it has military protection MIL-STD 810G. Thanks to it, he is not afraid of shocks, will survive falls, temperature changes, various pressure changes, vibrations and even interaction with chemicals.
Of course, the company's style is confirmed by the materials. The phone uses durable, impact-resistant plastic, which, together with rubber inserts, protects the device. There are rubberized ribbed elements on the side. Thus, the smartphone is comfortable and safe to hold in your hands.
Structurally, the phone consists of three parts, like its previous brother. Panels are attached to the hardware front and back, which are held in place by 12 screws. The battery cannot be removed, but it is possible to get to the compartment with the SIM and memory card. For safety and water resistance, the headphone and charging jacks are covered with a durable rubber plug.
Characteristics
It is worth saying that this Land Rover phone, the price of which is about 25 thousand rubles, also has quite convincing technical specifications. With all its security, we should not forget about the eight cores that make it a competitive smartphone.
The model works with support from the chipset. The cores have clock frequency 1.7 GHz. RAM here 2 GB, which is a fairly standard figure. Internal memory It's only 16 GB. But it can be expanded using a memory card. Such characteristics allow you to run even quite demanding games. The phone can play 4K video.
For this device we have prepared and sufficiently powerful battery at 3800 mAh. Of course, its brothers have higher performance, but for a 4.7-inch screen it’s quite enough for long time. As practice shows, a user can charge a smartphone once every 2-3 days.
Android 4.4.2 is responsible for the operating system here. It is practically “clean” here. No additional software or applications. There is a standard package from Google and the necessary utilities. A distinctive feature of the model is the pre-installed travel software: pedometer, compass, altimeter, etc.
Back to the past
The successor to the previous model was the Land Rover X9. The telephone takes us back in time. It has received the form of a flip. Looks very interesting. Despite the fact that it has a completely different appearance than the X8, it still remains the same protected and equipped, but a little cheaper.
It is also worth mentioning that there is a regular variation of this model. This one is already more suitable for a woman's hand. It has a black color and interesting pink and gold inserts. The shape and dimensions remained almost the same as the X8.
Land Rover X9
It is worth saying a few words about this model. Despite the fact that it is a continuation of the previous generation, it no longer has 8 cores. There are only 4 here, but they work together with Qualcomm processor. Memory sizes remained unchanged. The display size has changed - 5 inches. The battery has also undergone changes. Despite the increased screen size, it has become 200 mAh smaller, which, of course, will negatively affect the activity of the device.
The security changes did not affect the smartphone in any way. It is still dustproof and can work underwater for a long time. Also resistant to falls from a height of more than 5 meters. Can withstand external pressure up to four hundred kilograms. Does not react to temperature changes or various chemicals. In general, this aspect has remained unchanged.
The main advantage of this model over the previous one is 4G support. Most likely that's why this phone Land Rover, whose price fluctuates around 30 thousand rubles, has become popular among users.
Cot
But the second variation of this model is generally ideal for women. It does not look bulky and has an interesting black and orange color. It fits comfortably in your hand and fits into your trouser pocket. In general, the Land Rover flip phone is not a surprise for fans of this company. X9 Flip became a logical continuation of the line.
Compared to the previous model, this one has increased security. Now the battery compartment cover is securely screwed in place, there are rubber plugs on the connectors and the ability to answer calls without opening the cover. There are now buttons for this on the front of the closed phone.
The protective properties remain the same. Although the company has reinsured itself in case of failures, as evidenced by those very rubber plugs. Otherwise, the phone cannot be drowned, broken, crushed or dissolved in acid.
Generosity
In general, the Land Rover X9 is a very generous phone. This is especially true for the flip version. The fact is that the buyer has access to two batteries, the capacity of which is 16800 mAh. Now it is difficult to say whether this is a real volume, however, the manufacturer claims these figures. Also new is the inclusion of headphones. This means that searching for an adapter will no longer be a problem.
No changes
Otherwise, the Land Rover Flip phone has modifications 8 and 9 common features. Both devices have two screens. The external one serves to inform, the internal one is sensory, working. The phone can operate two SIM cards. There is only one camera, quite weak - only 3 megapixels. Besides everything else, there are other functions that you will need for daily use.
It is worth saying that there is no operating system, so this is not a smartphone, but a regular cell phone. But it is possible to launch various primitive toys, an organizer, and a radio. Just like using widgets, calendar, passwords, calculator, alarm clock, etc.
Flagship
As stated earlier, the Land Rover flip phone is not a smartphone. But almost all other models of the company can safely be called flagships. Land Rover A8 is rightfully one of the leaders.
Anyone who has ever held this gadget in their hands can safely call it courageous. It really is only suitable for men and boys. By the way, the smartphones of this company will really appeal to children who always drop their devices from the steps, into the water, etc. After all, the main distinctive feature The device remains safe.
Land Rover A8 appeared in 2014. It has collected a lot of positive reviews, as it is considered a powerful and durable device. Despite its rather convincing technical characteristics and high protection, it has a reasonable price. The model is considered affordable, but not budget.
Man's appearance
First of all, this Land Rover phone received reviews for its “appearance”. And this is not surprising. After all, such freaks are rare in the smartphone market. This, at first glance, toy device, in real life seems like a military gadget. It is heavy and its dimensions are also large for a modern user.
The first thing you want to download when getting acquainted with the model is the “brick”. Especially the black model. With yellow edging it looks a little more sophisticated, although it still does not hide its dimensions. All external parts are in place.
The screen here is only 4 inches. Of course, it is uncomfortable to watch movies or read books. Therefore, we can say that this is not a toy, but a business device.
Entrails
But in terms of contents, this Land Rover (phone) received average reviews. There is only a dual-core professor MT6572. The video chip from Mali is very budget-friendly. At the present time, RAM is negligible - 512 MB. The built-in memory is enough for a couple of melodies and photos - 4 GB.
Of course, the smartphone is not super powerful. Still very comfortable. It can be easily used in everyday life for simple tasks: look at the calendar, time, check email or social networks.
Conclusions
It is worth understanding that any Land Rover phone is aimed only at an audience that does not know how or does not want to be careful with current smartphones. These models have unique maximum protection. They are not afraid of overheating or hypothermia. They work comfortably underwater. So if you decide to buy yourself a Land Rover phone, don't rely on technical superpowers.
More than two hundred grams of weight, an impressive IP68 protection standard and a body that, without exaggeration, can hammer nails - all this is the Land Rover A8 smartphone. It may not be for everyone, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. Let’s try it “to the teeth.”
Land Rover A8 is a truly secure vehicle. That is, he can actually survive a fall on a pile of bricks, a dive into a leech-infested swamp, or the shaking of a desert jeep. The price to pay for increased survivability is considerable - huge dimensions and weight for 2014, extremely brutal appearance and rather average hardware. And the price is not comparable to a smart phone with similar filling. Even if you can save on the case.
bemobi.com.ua
TTX
| operating system | Android 4.2.2 |
| Screen | 4 inches IPS, 260 thousand colors, 800 x 480, density - 240 dpi |
| CPU | dual-core MTK 6572 Cortex-A7, 1.3 GHz |
| Video core | Mali 400MP |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Built-in memory | 4 GB built-in, slot for MicroSD cards(up to 32 GB) |
| Camera | front 1.9 MP, rear 5 MP with autofocus and flashlight |
| Wireless technologies | WiFi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS with A-GPS support |
| 3G/GSM connection | Dual SIM support (one cellular module), GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, 3G: WCDMA900/2100 MHz |
| Connectors | 3.5 mm for connecting headphones, Micro USB for charging and synchronization |
| Frame | yellow, black |
| Battery | 3000 mAh |
| Dimensions | 138 x 69 x 21 mm |
| Weight | 226 |
| Additionally | G-sensor, light, distance, altimeter, barometer, electronic compass |
Hummer case and mechanical buttons
Brick. In black it’s true, the yellow one brightens up the dimensions a little. And yet the most natural brick is made of matte plastic. It doesn’t fit into a woman’s hand at all, but a man’s paw accepts such a device as if it were his own. Thanks to the shape of the edges (not, rather, the side planes), using the Land Rover A8+ is quite comfortable; mechanical control buttons play a significant role in good ergonomics.
The front panel is partially covered with impact-resistant glass (it’s twice as thick as in regular smart phones), and a small edge rises along the contour above it. Under touch screen There is a block of three control buttons: menu, home and return. The keys have sufficient travel and are easy to press even when wearing a hazmat suit. Personally, I was only confused by the shape of the “Home” button - the pads with perforations on both sides of the house icon do not want to be pressed, you need to aim at the center of the button.
Five more buttons were scattered along the edges. They are all large, rubberized, and easily identified blindly. On the right are the camera and volume, on the left are power and reset. The latter is not at all typical for smartphones, but due to the features of the device it is quite useful. It is needed to force a reboot in case the system freezes and stops responding to buttons. You can't remove the battery that easily.
The inside of the device is hidden under a powerful cover, screwed with four bolts. Under it in the box there is a 3000 mAh battery, as well as slots for two full-size SIM cards and a MicroSD card.
On the back there is also a 5-megapixel camera with a flash and an impressive calling speaker with hole-punched perforations. If the markings do not lie, he screams with a power of 100 dB. The speaker is actually loud and moderately sonorous, even if low frequencies fold slightly. To call and listen to your favorite track with stew from a recently hunted boar, it will do.
The bottom end is empty. On top, behind a rubberized plug, there are connectors for connecting headphones/headsets and Micro USD for charging. There is also a loop where you can insert a very thin ribbon or strap. Why they didn’t make the groove thicker is a mystery.
The case is protected according to the IP68 standard, that is, it is able to hold back a bullet and work for a long time at a depth of more than a meter. I was not allowed to fully torture the devices under review, but judging by the materials on the network, they correspond to the declared protection. And the design of the case with gaskets and membranes inspires confidence.
Case screen
The Land Rover A8 has an IPS matrix with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels (density 240 ppi) and a diagonal of 4 inches.
The display is strongly recessed, its sensitivity is average or slightly higher. The brightness is good, the viewing angles are typical, the screen behaves quite well in the sun - it fades, but remains readable. Nothing outstanding, but we are talking about an indestructible smart device for purely utilitarian purposes.
According to the good Chinese tradition, a film was initially glued to the screen. But again, according to good tradition, with bubbles and not perfectly smooth. And it scratches unacceptably quickly - during filming in an environment of urban devastation, the film quickly lost its appearance. If my smart was mine, I would immediately get rid of it and use the Land Rover A8+ as is.
Iron
Land Rover A8+ should not be compared with similar-priced “city” devices; almost any of them will put the device on its back. The A8+ has a dual-core MT6572 from MTK, the cores are accelerated to 1300 MHz. The video chip is also budget - Mali 400MP. RAM 512 MB, built-in 4 GB. And if you have to put up with the small volume of the first, the drive is easily expandable with Micro SD cards (up to 32 GB).
Performance is expectedly modest. If we talk about the interface and the general majority of office tasks, then there are no problems - the smart device is leisurely, but quite usable. Everything is fine with movies and casual gaming too. But 3D monsters that are demanding on hardware will experience indecently low FPS or will not start at all.
In the AnTuTu Benchmark test, the Land Rover A8+ scores 10997 points, which is understandably very low. It was not possible to test the graphics in Epic Citadel - the program stubbornly crashed, refusing to measure FPS.
The smartphone boasts a fairly capacious lithium-ion battery at 3000 mAh. After several days of testing, it is difficult to give an approximate operating time in typical scenarios, but I would count on two days under average load. By disabling cellular modules and unloading unnecessary software from memory, you can achieve more outstanding results.
Connection
You can install two full-size SIM cards in your smartphone, and one of them can work in 3G networks. The signal reception quality is good, at the level of other modern phones. The earpiece is not very loud, but at maximum it will be enough in most situations. The microphone captures your voice well, and there are no problems with volume either.
The wireless modules are WiFi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.1; I have no complaints about their performance. Like to GPS module(A-GPS). The test result in GPS Test is in the screenshot below; the search for satellites is fast.
Cameras
Land Rover A8+ has two cameras - a front 1.9 MP for video calls and a main 5 MP. Considering that I'm mainly dealing with flagship smartphones, it’s difficult for me to evaluate the quality of pictures and videos. As for me, the purpose of the cameras in the device is exclusively utilitarian - to show yourself to your interlocutor or to capture some important information. But not for creativity. But it's up to the user to decide.
Almost pure Android
Land Rover A8+ does not run on the latest Android versions 4.2.2 with minor modifications from the manufacturer. The system is quite stable and pleasant to use. Among the main differences, I note the ability to set applications to launch from the lock screen, select color scheme interface (instead of the standard blue one), as well as an SOS application. If it is active, after a long press on the camera button, the smart phone will send messages with the specified text to specific numbers.
Several typical screenshots of the Land Rover A8+ system:
Land Rover A8+ kit
- Smartphone
- Keychain screwdriver for removing the cover
- Micro USB cable
- Charger
- Headset
- Papers
Conclusion
Land Rover A8+ should be assessed as a protected, shock-resistant and resistant to moisture and dust device. This is not an imitation of reliability, nor is it borrowing a design for the sake of external flashiness. Smart is truly ready to accompany the owner in the most extreme situations. And in addition to communication, provide an extensive toolkit from Google Play, the flexibility of Android and even good autonomy thanks to a capacious battery. The A8+ is good to use. It's big, but it's grippy, and the mechanical buttons under the screen are a real outlet in the era of sensor dominance. Finally, I’ll say about iron. It is not outstanding, but for such a device it is more than sufficient. You don't need more for calls, browsing, texting and even casual games.
In my opinion, this is a very smart device. But only on the condition that its capabilities are in demand by you, and its dimensions and design do not bother you.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Robust housing, moisture resistance | Not the strongest iron |
| Capacious battery | Large size and weight |
| Mechanical buttons, camera button, SOS | |
| Dual SIM cards |
The device for review and testing was provided by the online store bemobi.com.ua
