First of all, let me make it clear that Android One is NOT AN OPERATING SYSTEM! Its just an initiative by Google under which companies have to manufacture low cost smartphones with a minimum requirement set by Google itself. That means no compromise on hardware. Rejoice!
Today I'm reviewing the Micromax Canvas A1 which is a part of the initiative. But don't worry about the other Android One devices, hardware and software wise they are EXACTLY the same. Clones, I should say.
And Yep, I own this phone myself!
After checking a quick specs view from GSMArena, read on the review.
GENERAL
Its a Dual SIM phone for the Indian market having 2G and 3G support.
4GB is the internal storage which can be expanded to 32 GB via Memory card.
Running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat with a PROMISE OF ANDROID UPDATES FOR 2 YEARS.
DISPLAY
Canvas A1 sports a regular 4.5" IPS LCD display with 480p resolution, which is quite common. But it produces excellent colors having 16M colors with a density of 218ppi. Which is enough for playing games and watching HD videos.
CAMERA
Camera quality is good when used outdoors, focus sometimes take time to set but it is acceptable.
5MP on the back with AF does a good job for regular shooting, the updated GOOGLE CAMERA is just awesome. New features like Photo Sphere and Lens Blur makes it unique.
2MP front camera is also acceptable for selfies etc. Check my Whatsapp DP for an example :P
PERFORMANCE
Can't complain here. Just flawless. The stock pure Android version makes it even smoother and faster. Heavy games like Asphalt 8 runs smoothly on the device. 1.3Ghz quad core compared with 1GB of RAM is more than enough for this price bracket.
BATTERY
Battery is still ACCEPTABLE, but it'll last a day only on regular use. Heavy users will be dissapointed. (1700 Mah)
PROS
1) Guaranteed Android updates for 2 years directly from Google, even before Motorola devices!!
2) Very nice and loud sound quality.
3) Performance is excellent, no compromise here.
4) RAM is enough, handles most of the tasks.
5) Display is crisp.
6) Rubber back panel gives a nice grip and premium feel.
7) Camera is good according to the price range.
8) Very light and thin.
CONS
1) Device heats up a lot, even with regular gaming.
2) Battery is almost average.
3) Flash sometimes doesn't detect the brightness, but that's an update problem.
4) No apps can be installed without an SD Card, that's weird, but don't worry, an 8GB SD Card comes free with the device.
5) Only the external SD Card is accessible via PC, that's strange too.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?
If you want an affordable smartphone without compromising on Hardware and Software, without those ugly skins, without 'ting ting ting' sound in the starting, a quality device which you CAN call a Google device, just close your eyes and go for it.
Or, you can wait for the higher end Android One smartphones, which are on their way, to be launched in India. Remember, they WILL BE PRICED HIGHER THAN THESE.
Finally, check out a sneak preview at Google's Official Site
ANDROID ONE PURCHASING LINKS
Buy the Canvas A1
Buy the Karbonn Sparkle V
Buy the Spice Dream UNO
Thanks for reading :)
Today I'm reviewing the Micromax Canvas A1 which is a part of the initiative. But don't worry about the other Android One devices, hardware and software wise they are EXACTLY the same. Clones, I should say.
And Yep, I own this phone myself!
After checking a quick specs view from GSMArena, read on the review.
GENERAL
Its a Dual SIM phone for the Indian market having 2G and 3G support.
4GB is the internal storage which can be expanded to 32 GB via Memory card.
Running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat with a PROMISE OF ANDROID UPDATES FOR 2 YEARS.
DISPLAY
Canvas A1 sports a regular 4.5" IPS LCD display with 480p resolution, which is quite common. But it produces excellent colors having 16M colors with a density of 218ppi. Which is enough for playing games and watching HD videos.
CAMERA
Camera quality is good when used outdoors, focus sometimes take time to set but it is acceptable.
5MP on the back with AF does a good job for regular shooting, the updated GOOGLE CAMERA is just awesome. New features like Photo Sphere and Lens Blur makes it unique.
2MP front camera is also acceptable for selfies etc. Check my Whatsapp DP for an example :P
PERFORMANCE
Can't complain here. Just flawless. The stock pure Android version makes it even smoother and faster. Heavy games like Asphalt 8 runs smoothly on the device. 1.3Ghz quad core compared with 1GB of RAM is more than enough for this price bracket.
BATTERY
Battery is still ACCEPTABLE, but it'll last a day only on regular use. Heavy users will be dissapointed. (1700 Mah)
PROS
1) Guaranteed Android updates for 2 years directly from Google, even before Motorola devices!!
2) Very nice and loud sound quality.
3) Performance is excellent, no compromise here.
4) RAM is enough, handles most of the tasks.
5) Display is crisp.
6) Rubber back panel gives a nice grip and premium feel.
7) Camera is good according to the price range.
8) Very light and thin.
CONS
1) Device heats up a lot, even with regular gaming.
2) Battery is almost average.
3) Flash sometimes doesn't detect the brightness, but that's an update problem.
4) No apps can be installed without an SD Card, that's weird, but don't worry, an 8GB SD Card comes free with the device.
5) Only the external SD Card is accessible via PC, that's strange too.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?
If you want an affordable smartphone without compromising on Hardware and Software, without those ugly skins, without 'ting ting ting' sound in the starting, a quality device which you CAN call a Google device, just close your eyes and go for it.
Or, you can wait for the higher end Android One smartphones, which are on their way, to be launched in India. Remember, they WILL BE PRICED HIGHER THAN THESE.
Finally, check out a sneak preview at Google's Official Site
ANDROID ONE PURCHASING LINKS
Buy the Canvas A1
Buy the Karbonn Sparkle V
Buy the Spice Dream UNO
Thanks for reading :)
