My search criteria when searching for new mobile phones are primarily the dual SIM option, a display> = 5.5 inches, Android> = 4.4, Octa-Core or equivalent CPU performance, large battery capacity, enough RAM and Flash -Speicher with reasonable administrative / partitioning plus expansion with micro SD card and good GPS + compass performance. Although I myself do my snapshots also only with the phone, but do not have particularly high demands on image quality but rather at fast triggering and storing the camera (apt). Therefore, probably explains the different valuation compared to the previously existing review.
For this my claims BQ Aquaris E6 (almost) is ideal. The sticking point is especially the dual SIM / dual standby ability really good phablets there are now few and even at normal prices. The devices that have dual SIM phones are often China based senior MTK chips, for which there is currently mostly available only Android 4.2.2 and still no Android Kitkat and otherwise no support. I now just returned from another China-Phone (BQ is indeed a Spanish company and the E6 is in Spain but designed like any other manufactured in China), the Doogee DG 550 and had also various other androids (including a (real ) S3 and 5.7 inch touch copies on Mediatek chip base). The DG 550 is slightly weaker than the E6 but similarly reflected in the interior and also makes use of the octa-core Mediatek MTK 6592 SOC with Mali 450 GPU, and thus has the same basic characteristics (high performance, dual SIM management, WiFi / 3G / BT reception capabilities, GPS and compass accuracy and speed, now also Android 4.4, etc.). The DG550 has but in direct comparison a few more or less important weaknesses (for example, only HD with 5.5 inch display, 1.7 GHz) costs but also almost only half the E6. But what really makes the DG 550 less useful for me is the battery (in terms of numbers reasonable 2600 mAh but actually often consumed quickly if it is not just in standby) and the idiotic partitioning of the internal memory, in which less than 1 , 5 GB are provided for apps even with apps that join the outsource to SD I come regularly to limits that make me nervous. It can be because, although partly to do something with rooting / ROM flash, but that's at MTK phones under 4.4 also no longer so simple doable. The DG 550 is nevertheless still a very good phone, but going so soon to a happy family member and I now rejoice at the much better Aquaris E6.
There are some features (in some cases only small details) make the device especially attractive for me:
++ 6-inch Full-HD with 1920x1080 and hardware buttons below the display, so it is also used completely. Full HD you do not need my opinion for the small 5 inch phones but at 6 inches makes already sense. The display is an OGS (One Glass Solution therefore directly combined touch and display layers) IPS and therefore very stable viewing angle, relative color fidelity and surprisingly light when it turned up on full. It is really pleasant to look at and also in outdoor operation even usable (though we have practically no sunny day here so can the endurance test yet to come). Of course it is not AMOLED but the contrast is OK. The touch screen responds accurately detects and 5-finger. The display fills quite well from the front panel with edges halfway narrow, so it does not affect too clunky. In the ground state, the device is very old people-friendly (!); want to tell all the icons and the font is much too large and do not use the space. I installed an alternative launcher, and everything was a bit shriveled (though I myself am already elderly who wear glasses).
++ Octa-Core MT6592 with 2 GHz clock. This provides together with the Mali 450 MP4 GPU with 700 MHz along a Antutu (v 5.3) benchmark of about 31000. This is a similar value as the DG550, in which much less HD pixels to be moved with a lower clock. From the performance point of an excellent value for everyday use (and moderate gimmick). You never really feel any stuttering. Full HD videos, etc. are of course not a problem for such a device.
++ Dual SIM & WLAN: I have a very cheap-only telephoning contract SIM in e.sub.plus network and some only surf SIMs from Vodafone and T-mobile network. On vacation I use then most local prepaid cards to my telephoning SIM. This saves you a whole lot (which probably is the reason why one hardly good dual SIM device gets in Germany). Like all my previous MTK droids folds the parallel use / allocation of the various functions (data / SMS / phone / roaming, etc.) to the two SIMs (twice Micro-SIM) with this here wonderful and easily. In both networks, the device has good reception (I had ever better equipment but much more significantly worse). 3G to HSPA + is well supported with a brisk connection. Wi-Fi reception is actually really good too in this regard one of the best phones to date in my possession. It uses the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands; also important in WiFi contaminated tenements. Per WiFi Direct also works the Miracast function (Wireless transmission of the screen content). Because the Miracast receiver - a Samsung dongle and our Fire-TV (the latter somewhat hidden to be found in the settings) - - discovered quickly and the connection is also set up properly but it is only stable for Fire TV (at 720p , you can also choose 1080 as a resolution, but I have not tried). But this is not necessarily to chalk the phone because the old Samsung dongle often makes problems I will test even with other Miracast receivers.
* UPDATE: tested with another Miracast HDMI stick of development cooperation in the screen Mirror mode; works well with stable connection but slight judder in video happens. In order to be brought to the TV or projector MHL (see below) is the better choice. *
Bluetooth (4.0) also has a very good range with consistently stable connection (to wear device, and via A2DP headset to headphones, keyboard and a car radio).
++ Android 4.4.2: Directly at the initial setting immediately came an update message (it will therefore support OTA updates). What was previously a top Android I do not know, but right now is 4.4.2 with a very fresh build date from 21:11. plan. It is very difficult other (dual sim) MTKs to come up with Kitkat and that's not about important because of a few new interface gimmicks, but because newer features like Android Wear require at least 4.3. I have a SmartWatch (Moto 360), which is going very well with this device and for this Android 4.4 is buying decision for the mobile phone.
* UPDATE: The operating system is very well maintained by bq ... now the third OTA update has arrived in the few weeks (build version 1.3.3). All rather small improvements (we are still in Android 4.4.2), but it does still hope that 5.0.x possibly comes sometimes. This was apparently also announced on the Spanish side of bq for the E-series. *
+ 2GB RAM are in FullHD probably really needed, but otherwise they contribute to a positive user experience with fast app switching / multitasking (eg between Navi and Music apps and other background processes).
+ 16 GB Flash free with about 12 GB. Finally, and very atypical for China Phones full of flash memory for apps and data are equally usable. The device is advertised with 32GB microSD card support but I have a 64 GB can easily microSDXC used. Unfortunately, Google does even with the restriction of the use / write access of SD cards under Kitkat bigger problems. The external card is then only for video / music, etc. available. But the device can also nothing and there is hope by rooting or even Lollipop Unfortunately, I so far not succeeded in the currently installed 4.4.2 to rooting. APK tools like Framaroot or ADB-based tools like root Genius that on my other MTK 6592 still folded in older 4.4 versions are without effect (the same has happened with the DG 550 after the last OTA update).
So as a tip: take possibly the OTA update when you set up not just when you want to make root tests. That one can not easily rooten istzwar pity but also no shortage.
+ Connectors: USB-OTG is supported (previously Mouse / Keyboard tested). * Update: USB sticks also go but again fails when write access the Kitkat constraint to * The USB connection to the PC is unfortunately only via MTP (or PTP) implemented and not a real USB mass storage more (probably a price. the consistent partitioning above). Most pure Windows PC users will probably hardly notice. There are MHL settings in the Settings and I'm going to assume that you can connect the device with an HDMI adapter to TV and so on. Not tested lack Adapter and not important for me also, since Miracast is supported.
* UPDATE: MHL works very well. Tested with an old (5-pole) MHL-to-HDMI adapter for the Samsung S2 (the 11-pin adapter for S3 and will not go higher because there still an extra-Pins for Video in the Micro-USB port be used - but this is a special case / other normal MHL adapter should work the E6). You can also adjust the video resolution (1080/720/480 at 30/60 Hz). With this adapter, the E6 is loaded at the same time. *
+/- Camera: for me is totally OK. The images are sharp and the auto focus does not need too long. Possibly the result is a bit dull and not 100% colorfast but not necessarily bad. The camera triggers quickly and HDR images look good. I - as I said, but no high-end expectations. The double LED flash is for a cell phone (!) Actually quite good. I managed usable images in a completely darkened room. Nett is the adjustable mapping the volume keys for zooming or even as a trigger. For me there is no reason for the price as an asterisk deduct but who attaches great importance to the camera, but maybe should rather follow the other reviewers. The Selfie cam works but I have used correctly they do not.
++ Sensors etc .: GPS has a very (!) Quick fix hammer out and provides accurate navigation data (which is in the most positive sense of not necessarily MTK-typical!). The compass works, but not very big but it is enough accuracy for direction instructions. The orientation / acceleration / yaw rate sensor seems to be very accurate. The brightness sensor controls quite well (and without pumps) the display brightness. The approximation sensor as usual binary and switches the display to the ear reliably. There is a multi-colored notification LED above left, which can be incredibly freely configured (which app for their notification what color and blink rate gets, etc.). This is really something new. The lighting of the capacitive hardware buttons at the bottom (of which the left is occupied by the multi-tasking function, and only by pressing and holding the Menu button works) can be adjusted. The temperature sensor provides reasonable values (eg in GSAM battery monitor). Speaking of temperature; under full load or during charging, the device can be felt warm. One can the device without the power button 2x by tapping on the display from sleep to wake very useful and now I use the power button no!
++ (/ -) Battery: 4000 mAh are comfortable but unfortunately they are permanently installed (hence the (-)). The FullHD display + + Octacore DualSIM are already energy guzzlers and the battery therefore sounds like more than it is eventually. But in (mobile) Standby almost nothing is wasted from the battery and even with continuous-Screen-On with GPS on and so does the battery very many hours. I need a few more days to the more accurate to say but I can without any problems continued throughout the day and probably even more. The consumption curve runs very straight and comprehensible without jumps / kinks. The battery is gratifying quickly charged using the supplied 2.1A USB power adapter.
+ Telephony: I phone barely but the sound has been good. There is a noise canceling microphone on the back and my interlocutors found myself clearly understood as well as I it.
+/- Processing / Case: I think now not necessarily mean that the device is a design highlight but it is reasonably processed and there are a few good ideas; Thus, for example. the driver's rear but also directed to the side, so that one hears what if the phone lies flat on the table. The sound is not too bad, partly because a Dolby sound improver is active. Camera opening and windscreen are both slightly recessed with minimal protruding edge of the housing and therefore less scratch-prone. However, the cell phone will not just slim. Gorilla glass is by the way not but some Dragon Trail "glass (? Unknown to me). The volume rocker is mounted right high up not so great. Particularly unfavorable location of the power button is on the top panel as you with such a large unit there handedly really no longer get there. But that also disturbs not so much because I managed almost exclusively by "tapping" wake the device. At least, pressure point and feel the OK button. The 3,5mm jack plug is next (it no headphones are incidentally supplied) and then the rubber flap protected via microSD slot (very deep-pocketed by the way). The two micro-SIM slots are on the left side and must be opened with a supplied mini tool. The Micro- USB / MHL connector is down. The housing can be as mentioned not open. It is very stable and nothing creaks etc. The weight I find yet surprisingly light for such a large phablet. I was certainly surprised.
Photo enthusiasts are obviously not happy with it, but everyone else can I recommend the mobile phone absolutely if you are looking for a powerful dual SIM phablet Android 4.4 in medium / low price position. For the money (currently less than 260 Euro) one gets in any case very much.
UPDATE (11/29/14):
Today I had the opportunity once targeted to make a battery load test. The display was (extremely bright !! =) with effect from staking throughout fixed at 100%, it was via WLAN (!) To test uninterruptedly (!) HD video streamed (at medium volume), both mobile networks were also consistently on standby , Bluetooth remained permanently-connected (Wear) and every 3 to 5 minutes Sync Mail accounts and initially in the background about 3 GB of offline Navi Card Download an SD card writing. So more load is hardly - unless you play complex 3D games and streaming videos in parallel - ... and the phone battery has extremely well kept even though he only had one charge cycle behind. After about 6 hours, it was then down to about 11%. Consumption was quite linear. The 100% display has swallowed about 50% battery, continuous WiFi streaming about 30%. The promises for permanent use in normal (display) settings ensure a working + commuting (unrealistic) Duration Screen ON, a good two day use in normal use or several days standby with minimum experience.
Charging from 0 to 100% takes then incidentally 2.5 hours. Slightly below 1% / hour are at rest (ie va without display) with WiFi / dual SIM (2G + 3G) / BT (Wear) / high sync rate etc. all turned consumed. If one would limit the services a bit (especially WLAN), you come to regions of a few days of standby. But that of course depends on on the radio signal strength.
Another update to the battery according to another working week is pendelter normal / moderate use:
I put it in the morning at 7 clock from the charger off, use it all day, leave everything overnight active (WiFi / 2G / 3G / BT etc) without loading, start the next day with approximately 60% battery use it again one day and put it late in the evening at 20-30% again to recharge at. Very good performance!
PS: The other reviewer has now again an asterisk more draufgepackt, which I think is reasonable, because you should always have in assessing the price range in mind, yes ... this is not a note or Mate 7 etc. - But costs up even 1/3 to 1/2 of the price.
UPDATE 12/15/2014: -----------------------------
1) the German (!) Bq shop is online at store-bq de DOT DOT com and accessories shipped much cheaper than other traders and mainly from Germany reportedly in 24-48. The phones themselves are there (as well as in Spain itself) is noticeably more expensive than here.
2.) I spent a week trip to Japan behind me and am still very satisfied with the device. Hundreds of photos taken (almost all entirely successful (technically, of course;))), offline-GPS used widely read in WLANs online, etc. and have to never worry about the battery. That was pleasant! Something exotic, but if someone wants to get in time; Japan has 2G network no more, so you need those SIM, with which one makes phone roaming, assign the 3G service in the settings under "More ..." / mobile networks. This then goes for only one SIM - but that should seriously disturb nobody.
UPDATE 01/15/2015: ----------------------------
I have now for some time, the "Duo Case" flip cover from bq Store (have done here is a brief review it). Conclusion: I'm not really thrilled with the Case / Cover but lack of an alternative, I've been using it on. Also, I have the (5-pole !!!) MHL Adapter (2m) of CSL for some time and - now brand new - even the MHL adapter from bq (a "tight" home, one for the road). Both are actually up on the color of the cables is identical (not only in function, the HDMI-electronics is the same). So far, everything works fine. Also after 7 weeks use only positive impressions. A really good phablet.
