BQ presents its new smartphones: Aquaris X and Aquaris X Pro

Strengthening BQ’s commitment to photography with sensors for snapping in low-light environments.

Including a 3100 mAh battery and Quick Charge 3.0.

Integrating a Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 626 Octa Core A53 2.2 GHz high-power efficient processor.

Madrid, 14 March 2016 – today BQ presented its new smartphones, Aquaris X and Aquaris X Pro. This new range, which will be available on the market in May, confirms the company’s commitment to photography using Spanish technology that stands out for its efficiency and range.

A clear commitment to photography

The Aquaris X5 Plus was a turning point for cameras in mid-range smartphones. With the Aquaris X family, BQ wants to completely revolutionise the concept of photography in this price range.

One of the company’s distinguishing features is its camera app, redesigned to optimise its performance and efficiency. New features have been added, like Multi-Image Processing Image and instant snap by ZSL: this combination results in sharper pictures with less noise and higher quality in low-light conditions.

Another strong point is their sensors. Aquaris X Pro includes the innovative Samsung 2L7 sensor, designed for low-light photography. The results are spectacular thanks to the combination of its 12 MP Dual Pixel with a focal point of f/1.8 (with which the sensor captures 33% more light than with f/2.0 opening sensors) and pixel size of 1.4 um. Thanks to its DUAL PD phase-detection focusing technology or Dual PhotoDiode, all the pixels of the sensor work like phase detectors, offering greater stability when focusing. BQ continues to confide in the Sony iMX298 sensor for its Aquaris X.

Both include Dual Tone Flash, 4K video recording, Vidhance video stabilisation (providing unprecedented stabilisation and reduced power consumption), slow motion, manual mode with countless parameters or panoramic mode, amongst other features. With respect to the front camera, it comes with a Samsung IMX219 sensor with 8 MP and includes a front flash that provides impeccable selfies with its Selfie Indicator function.

Natural evolution of the design

The new materials and finish are the main protagonists in the design of this range, keeping the look and feel of the X family smartphones (Aquaris X5 and Aquaris X5 Plus). The 3D crystal makes the back of the Aquaris X Pro shine, whilst the polycarbonate with a coating from the Swedish company Beckers has been used once again in the Aquaris X. The fingerprint sensor is completely integrated into the back of these devices, allowing for quick and intuitive use.

The screen subtly blends into the metallic frame, with continuous lines and rounded edges thanks to the 2.5D glass improving ergonomics and user experience. Worthy of note is its 5.2" screen with FHD resolution and Quantum Colour + technology capable of reproducing more than 16.5 million colours with a brightness of up to 650 nits.

Battery duration and performance go hand-in-hand

BQ is synonymous with battery life, particularly in this new range that comes with a 3100 mAh battery and includes, for the very first time, the Quick Charge 3.0 function and a USB type-C connector.

To optimise battery life, it includes the new Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 626 Octa Core 2.2 GHz processor known for its high energy efficiency. Thanks to its 14nm architecture and the Cortex-A53 cores, consumption has been reduced by more than 68% (compared to other processors in the same range).

BQ has upgraded the Qualcomm SoC with the Qualcomm® AdrenoTM 506 GPU and incorporated 3GB of RAM into the Aquaris X model and 4GB of RAM into the X Pro. In addition, it will go on sale with the latest 64-bit Android (7.1.1) operating system in its purest form.

A terminal that takes care of special details

In the sound arena, worthy of note is the absolute clarity and power of the speaker thanks to NXP’s TFA9896 smart amplifier. Another breakthrough is the headphones: both devices are HiFi quality, with a maximum distortion level of 0.006% in the Aquaris X and less than 0.002% in the Aquaris X Pro. Used in professional audio equipment, the ESS9118 amplifier and converter has been chosen for the Aquaris X Pro. It delivers a vibrant, clear and rich sound to the headphones. So that you can enjoy sound wirelessly over Bluetooth, as a first, BQ has included the aptX ™ Audio Codec which reduces latency and quality loss typical in traditional codecs.

With respect to connectivity, they are compatible with 4G networks and include NFC, Dual Band WiFi (2.4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2. In addition, they come with the new Galileo navigation system as well as GPS and Glonass.

The Aquaris X Pro will be available in two colours: Midnight Black and Glaze White; and two configurations: 64GB (€369.90) and 128GB (€409.90). The Aquaris X comes in Mineral Black and Pearl Rose with 32GB (€289.90). The Aquaris X will be on sale the first week of May and Aquaris X Pro the first week of June, through the established distributor network or from BQ’s online store.