Lenovo A390 Review: A Compact Dual-SIM Android Phone
The Lenovo A390 was built for buyers who wanted a capable Android handset without paying flagship money. Its small 4-inch display, dual-SIM support and 5-megapixel rear camera placed it firmly in the budget category, while a dual-core processor gave it enough power for everyday smartphone tasks in 2013.
For Australian shoppers, this model is best understood as a product of the early low-cost Android era. It was more likely to attract attention through online sellers and grey-import channels than through the major Telstra, Optus or Vodafone retail networks. That made network support, warranty coverage and software updates important parts of the buying decision.
The phone also belongs to a period when compact designs were common and removable batteries were still practical. Before large-screen phones became the default, the Lenovo A390 offered a straightforward alternative for calls, messaging, basic web use and light photography.
| Feature | Lenovo A390 |
|---|---|
| Display | 4-inch TFT LCD, 480 × 800 |
| Processor | 1GHz dual-core MediaTek |
| RAM | 512MB |
| Storage | 4GB, expandable by microSD |
| Rear camera | 5MP |
| Front camera | None |
| SIM support | Dual-SIM |
| Operating system | Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich |
| Battery | 1,500mAh removable |
| Connectivity | 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM radio |
Compact Design For Everyday Carry
The A390 used a simple plastic body with a rounded shape that sat comfortably in one hand. Its 4-inch screen was modest by current standards, but it was practical for people who preferred a phone that fitted into a jeans pocket or a small handbag. At roughly 10mm thick, it was not especially slim, although the removable battery and low price helped explain the extra bulk.
The 480 × 800 resolution was sharp enough for text messages, contact lists and ordinary web pages. Colours and viewing angles were less impressive than those of more expensive phones, with the TFT panel showing its limitations outdoors. In bright Sydney or Perth sunlight, users would need to increase brightness and shade the screen to read it comfortably.
The plastic construction was also a sensible choice for a budget handset. It did not have the premium feel of an aluminium flagship, yet replacement costs were lower and the casing could handle ordinary daily use. Buyers considering a second-hand unit should inspect the rear cover, micro-USB port and physical buttons for wear.
Dual-SIM Flexibility And Network Use
Dual-SIM support was one of the A390’s strongest selling points. It allowed users to keep two mobile numbers in one device, which could suit people separating work and personal calls or combining a cheap data SIM with a different voice plan. In Australia, that could be useful for managing coverage between providers, although the phone’s network hardware still determined which combinations worked well.
The handset supported 2G and 3G connectivity rather than the faster 4G networks that later became standard. Compatibility depended on the exact imported model and its supported frequency bands, so an Australian buyer could not rely solely on the dual-SIM label. Checking the specifications against the intended Telstra, Optus or Vodafone frequencies was essential.
This is particularly relevant for modern buyers examining an old handset. Australian carriers have retired or reduced older networks over time, so a phone designed for the early 2010s may no longer be suitable as a dependable primary device. Its value today is mainly historical, experimental or useful for collectors documenting the development of affordable Android hardware.
Android Software And Basic Performance
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich provided the core smartphone experience of the period, including Google Play access, notification controls, folders, widgets and standard Google applications. The interface was recognisable and flexible, although Lenovo’s software additions and the limited hardware could make navigation feel less immediate than on a higher-priced model.
The 1GHz dual-core MediaTek processor was adequate for phone calls, text messaging, email, music playback and light browsing. It was not intended for demanding 3D games or heavy multitasking. With only 512MB of RAM, applications were often removed from memory when switching between them, and modern websites would be far beyond what the device was designed to handle.
The software also highlights how quickly mobile platforms changed. Apple’s smaller-screen phones remained influential during this period, and the iPhone 5 review shows the contrast between a polished premium ecosystem and a low-cost Android handset. Readers tracking that wider history can also browse the site’s iOS coverage to compare Apple’s approach with Lenovo’s more open platform.
Camera Quality In Context
The 5-megapixel rear camera was a useful specification for its price bracket, but the number alone did not guarantee impressive results. The sensor could capture reasonable outdoor photographs in good daylight, especially for quick snapshots, documents and social sharing. Images became softer indoors, and low-light scenes showed noise and weak detail.
There was no front-facing camera, which limited video calling and made self-portraits inconvenient. Autofocus performance and shutter response were basic, while the camera application offered fewer controls than users might expect from a current smartphone. Video recording was suitable for casual clips rather than high-quality family films.
The A390’s camera makes more sense when compared with other affordable Android phones of the same era. Sony’s similarly positioned models placed extra emphasis on imaging and music features, as shown in this Xperia M comparison. The Lenovo could take serviceable photos, but photography was a supporting feature rather than the central reason to buy it.
Battery Life And Daily Reliability
A removable 1,500mAh battery powered the A390. The small screen and modest processor helped it achieve reasonable endurance for calls, messages and occasional browsing. Light users could often get through a full day, while frequent 3G data use, GPS or video playback would reduce that figure considerably.
Removable batteries were valuable for practical reasons. An owner could carry a spare, replace an ageing cell or restart the phone by removing the battery. That convenience has largely disappeared from modern smartphones, making the A390 representative of a more repair-friendly stage in mobile design.
Charging was handled through a micro-USB connection, and the phone did not offer the rapid charging systems found on newer devices. Battery condition is now the main concern with used examples. A handset that originally lasted a day may provide only a few hours after years of storage and repeated charge cycles.
Storage And Connectivity Features
The internal storage was limited to around 4GB, with part of that capacity occupied by Android and pre-installed applications. A microSD card could expand space for music, photos and selected applications, which was important for users who did not want to depend on mobile data. Buyers should remember that Android application support and card compatibility can vary.
Wireless features included Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and an FM radio. Wi-Fi was useful for reducing data costs at home, at work or in cafés, while Bluetooth supported wireless headsets and file transfers. GPS made basic location services possible, although navigation performance and mapping applications were much less capable than those available on current phones.
For Australian use in the early 2010s, FM radio could be handy during commutes in Melbourne or Brisbane, particularly for users trying to conserve data. The phone’s modest connectivity package was well matched to prepaid customers who wanted calls, texts and occasional internet access rather than constant streaming.
Value For Budget Buyers
The Lenovo A390 appealed because it delivered the features that mattered most to cost-conscious buyers: a touchscreen, Android applications, two SIM slots and a 5-megapixel camera. It was a practical step up from basic feature phones and a cheaper alternative to premium devices such as the iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy S models.
Its weaknesses were equally clear. The screen was small, RAM was limited, the camera lacked a front sensor and the processor struggled with demanding applications. Storage filled quickly without a memory card, while the absence of 4G meant that the phone was already less future-ready than newer mid-range models.
In Australia, price comparisons needed to include postage, GST treatment, warranty terms and possible unlocking requirements. A low online price could become less attractive if the seller offered no local support or if the imported frequency configuration did not suit a preferred carrier. Local second-hand listings in Sydney, Adelaide or regional areas could provide a cheaper route, but condition and battery health required careful inspection.
The A390 remains interesting as a snapshot of budget smartphone design. It shows how manufacturers combined a compact display, dual-SIM convenience and familiar Android software to reach buyers who wanted smartphone essentials without a large financial commitment. For everyday use today, its age is a serious limitation, but for collectors and technology readers it provides a clear view of how affordable mobiles were evolving.
Explore the New Mobile Arrivals archive for more launch-era specifications, camera comparisons and buying context. The Lenovo A390 is best appreciated as a historical budget phone: simple, compact and practical for its time, with dual-SIM flexibility that helped it stand apart from many entry-level rivals.