Acer is getting in on the IFA fun with several new product announcements, including four new phones in its Liquid lineup. The Liquid Z630 and Z530 are the two main models, with each one also having an "S" model with slightly bumped specs.
The Liquid Z630 is a 5.5-inch 720p device with a quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and a 4000 mAh removable battery. There are 8MP cameras on both the front and back, with the front-facer having a wider angle lens. The Z630S has roughly the same design, simply with new colors, but bumps up the internals to an octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
A step down, the Z530 is a smaller 5-inch (still 720p) phone with similar design. And though it has the same quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek processor, it can be had with a lower 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage (or 2GB and 16GB), depending on the market. The camera focus on this phone is selfies, with the same very wide angle 8MP camera on the front. The highest-end version is the Z530S, with the same bump to 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
Acer says that both phones pack a more consumer-friendly UI — built with Android 5.1 — with new floating apps that only take up a portion of the screen, as well as new display tech to reduce user exposure to blue light and new manual camera modes to take even sharper photos.
All four phones are set to be released in Europe, the Middle East and Asia (sorry, no North America here), with the Z630 coming in September starting at €199 unlocked. The Z530 will be available starting in October at €149 and up unlocked.
Press release:
Acer Reveals New Range of Android and Windows Smartphones at IFA
- Acer announces four new smartphones running on Android, and two more running on Windows 10
- The Liquid Z630/530 series are designed with sleek, curved chassis with upgraded front-facing cameras, wide-angle lenses and enhanced audio
- The new smartphones 1 all include innovations such as the Acer BluelightShieldTM2 which controls users' exposure to blue light from the screen and DTS Studio SoundTM2 gives high-quality audio performance for music and movies
- For photo fans, the new models allow adjustment of exposure and focus independently to get clear and bright shots, as well as Bright Magic photo2 mode which makes sure a selfie is always presented in the best lighting conditions
BERLIN, GERMANY (September 2, 2015) Today Acer announces six new Liquid smartphones; four running Android 5.1 and two with Windows 10. The handsets feature sleek, curved chassis with upgraded front-facing cameras, wide-angle lenses and enhanced audio.
All Acer Liquid smartphones announced today share several features that improve the overall enjoyment of the technology in consumers' hands, whether it's watching movies, snapping selfies, or listening to music. Innovations such as Acer BluelightShieldTM 2 which controls users' exposure of blue light from the screen and DTS Studio SoundTM 2 gives high-quality audio performance for music and movies. Phone fans will appreciate exposure control which allows adjustment of exposure and focus independently to get clear and bright shots, and Bright Magic photo that ensures selfies are always presented in the best lighting conditions.
Other user features through the range include the Acer QuickMode2 user interface which provides three customized layout options designed for specific groups of users – Standard Mode for those familiar with a smartphones; Easy Mode for those who are just learning; and Basic Mode that offers a range of protective options for kids. On top of Basic Mode, these handsets all offer Kids Center, a protected environment with parental control. Helping people get the most out of all these features is the Acer Aid Kit2, a set of three tools that monitors the phone's performance, manage battery life, and run the backup and restore center.
"There is a movement among smartphone users at all levels towards using their handsets as digital content and entertainment devices," noted ST Liew, president of Acer's Smart Products Business Group. "We focused on bringing these attributes to the forefront in our new models. Enhanced sound, camera and features along with Acer's easy to use UI makes these models ideal for anyone looking for a first smartphone, or upgrade from a basic model for a superb media experience."
Liquid Z630 – Big on Power and Size
Powered by the 64-bit, quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6735 processor the 5.5-inch Z630 (measuring 156.3 x 77.5 8.9 mm) Android 5.1 handset is ideal for those looking to create, share and enjoy digital content on the go, enabled by 2GB RAM and a standard 16GB of internal memory. It packs a 4000 mAh battery ensures lasting performance from every charge. A HD Zero Air Gap screen with IPS technology extends to house the 8MP wide view angle front lens (capable of 1080p video recording) as well as the 8MP auto-focus rear camera (capable of 1080p video). Connectivity comes through its Cat4 LTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, and Bluetooth 4.0 with LE connectivity.  The updated Acer Liquid UI is designed to be more consumer friendly than ever before. Key apps have been designed as "Float Apps" taking up only a portion of the screen so users can see and interact with the desktop below. This feature is available for maps, browser, notes, calendar and more, along with "Float Caller" which lets an incoming call pop up as a mini window for the user to choose whether to answer or reply with quick messages without interrupting the current session completely.
The Z630 is also equipped with AcerEXTEND which connects wirelessly to a compatible laptop or PC and lets you view the phone's home screen in a phone-shaped emulator box on the computer. Enabling functions like webpage and document sharing, full screening, drag and drop organization, messaging, typing and simplifies managing files and switching from personal to professional mode using the same device. Acer will also offer the Liquid Z630S model powered by an octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM.
Liquid Z530 – Perfect Selfie Smartphone
Also powered by the 64-bit, quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6735 processor, the 5-inch Z530 (measuring 144 x 70.3 x 8.9 mm) Android 5.1 phone is an intelligent device for those serious about their selfies. Focusing on sharp display and quality images and supported by 1GB/2GB RAM and 8GB/16GB storage (depending on market), the Vivid Color display; 84 degree wide- angle front facing 8MP selfie lens; Cat4 LTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity; Acer QuickTouch controls and ergonomic design all contribute to this social media optimized phone.
The Android 5.1 handset features a HD IPS screen with Zero Air Gap to ensure bright rendering of color. Photo enhancements presented by Gourmet Mode for food photographers automatically adjusts color temperature and style for pictures of dishes; Touch to capture for focusing and capturing photos with just one touch; Smile Shutter to capture smiles as they happen and much more. Also featuring the Acer Liquid UI, the handset is designed for anyone looking to explore the real benefits of carrying a camera with them wherever they go.
Acer will also offer the Liquid Z530S model powered by an octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM.
Pricing and Availability
The Acer Liquid Z630 will be available in EMEA in September with prices starting at €199.  The Acer Liquid Z530 will be available in EMEA in October with prices starting at €149.
Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.
The new products were unveiled today at the next@acer press event at IFA Berlin in Germany, where the company announced its latest devices and solutions for gamers and consumers for the holiday season. Visit Acer's booth at IFA 2015 in Messe Berlin (Hall 12/101) or learn about the new product range on acer.com/ifaberlin2015.
