Gauntlet: iPhone 6 Plus vs. Acer Liquid X1

Size matters in a world where smartphones are quickly catching up to the processing power of desktop computers. Combining the visual real estate of a tablet with the functionalities of a smartphone, the phablet has gained a strong consumer following thanks to the enhanced media experience a larger screen provides.

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Apple’s venture into the phablet market has been met with huge success, but as with the brand, it comes with a rather steep cost. We took it upon ourselves to check out other alternative brands that may come close to what Apple offers. As far as phablets go, the iPhone 6 Plus is a beautiful beast, and we have the Acer Liquid X1 lined up to see if it can bring something comparable to the table.

Size

Apple’s phablet towers over the Liquid X1 by almost three millimeters, but Acer’s handset makes up for it by being wider by around the same amount. It’s also thicker than the iPhone 6 Plus by around a millimeter. The Liquid X1 is lighter by eight grams, thanks to its plastic body. Phone size is not equal to screen size however, and the Liquid X1 gives a bit more display at 5.7 inches versus the 6 Plus’ 5.5.

Performance

While Apple’s A8 processor is the brand’s best yet, Acer’s octa-core Mediatek processor paired with a Mali 450MP4 graphics card does a decent enough job of making sure the Liquid X1 doesn’t lag despite the large screen. However, the processing combo is a little outdated and it’s not mind-blowing. It does get the job done, but Apple’s new chipset takes the cake.

Battery Life

The iPhone 6 Plus wins the battery capacity numbers game, delivering 2,915 mAh over the Liquid X1’s 2,700 mAh. Make no mistake, these numbers are below average for phablets and their big screens (read: power-hungry) despite Acer’s handset having less pixel density-which would, in theory, consume less power-than Apple’s. This is why we recommend that smartphone users always carry around a power bank or three, depending on how often you use your device.

User Interface

While Apple has continually improved their mobile user experience with every version of iOS, Acer’s own UI has a few standout features that make the phablet experience more enjoyable. The Liquid X1 takes the one-handed operation feature of phablets one step further, allowing you to make the screen smaller without any loss of functionality. It doesn’t work with just the Messaging app, it works on everything, making life easier for people who want a phablet but lack hand size to operate it efficiently.

Image Quality

As far as taking photos go, Apple cameras are one of the best in the bunch, but in a numbers game, the Liquid X1 wins. It’s 13 megapixel rear shooter trumps the iPhone 6 Plus’ 8 MP, but as far as track record is concerned, Apple is more consistent with outputting better looking shots despite the low megapixel count.

Durability

We will hand it to the iPhone 6 Plus in this category, thanks to its aluminum body. As with almost every other phone though, we recommend getting a case for it, especially if you have small hands. Acer’s device has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection, while the iPhone 6 Plus has the proprietary shatter proof glass display, so both can stand up to pocket/bag abuse with no problems.

Price

The iPhone 6 Plus is upwards of P40,000. The Acer Liquid X1 is only P19,900. Once again, nothing beats the opposition.

Verdict

Being slightly bulkier and outdated, the Acer Liquid X1 isn’t as powerful as the iPhone 6 Plus. While its price point may justify its specs, the fighter from Acer won’t be able to topple the Apple giant.