One of the most popular devices in the sub 10k INR segment is XOLO’s A500S. Now, the very phone has another sibling in the form of the A500L, and comparisons are bound to arise. However, there isn’t a lot to compare between the devices, since most of the internals are identical. However, for all it’s worth, we’ll go ahead and pitch the devices against one another to help our readers clear their minds!
Display and Processor
There’s nothing to choose from in this category, since both devices come with the same screen, same resolution, and the same processor. Both phones feature a 4 inch WVGA screen with a resolution of 800×480 pixels, taking the pixel density to 233ppi which isn’t the best at the moment, but very acceptable for a phone in the segment where both fit in. You can play non-hardcore games, easily chat, email, read news, watch videos and browse the web. Of course, not as immersing as a 5 inch full HD screen, but you can’t complain at this price.
Both devices feature MediaTek’s MT6572W chipset, which is a relatively new one on the scene. The chipset comes with a dual core 1.3GHz processor along with the Mali-400MP GPU, giving the PowerVR SGX531 a miss. You can expect a decent level of performance from the MT6572W, which is restricted to daily productivity apps minus the hardware intensive gaming.
Camera and Memory
The XOLO A500S takes the lead when it comes to imaging. The phone comes with a 5MP camera at the rear, with LED flash. On the other hand, the cheaper A500L comes with a 3.15MP unit, but does feature LED flash. You can expect a degree of difference in image quality between the two, with the A500S being the better of course. You will probably make out the difference more during low light captures, where there will be a lot of blur in images captured on the A500L whereas the A500S will be comparatively better. On the front, both devices come with VGA shooters which should be enough for a video call in daylight, but do not expect great video quality during low-light situations.
Both devices feature 4GB ROM, putting them on par with one another. Out of the 4GB, about 2.2-2.5GB will be available for user files, which means it probably won’t suffice for every user. There is a microSD slot on both devices which will be your saviour, and which can accept microSD cards of up to 32GB in capacity.
Battery and Features
Surprisingly, the cheaper one of the two, i.e., the A500L comes with the larger battery. It features a 1500mAh unit, while the A500S comes with a 1400mAh one. You can expect both phones to last you one whole day on moderate usage. However, the A500L will return an hour or two of extra usage, thanks to the 100mAh extra in the battery.
Neither device features any special feature, and you can expect more or less a pure Android experience without any bloatware. However, both phones will come with a few XOLO apps like XOLO care, etc.
Key Specs
| Model | XOLO A500S | XOLO A500L |
| Display | 4 inches WVGA | 4 inches WVGA |
| Processor | 1.3 GHz dual core | 1.3GHz dual core |
| RAM | 512MB | 512MB |
| Internal Storage | 4GB expandable by up to 32GB | 4GB expandable by up to 32GB |
| OS | Android v4.2 | Android v4.2 |
| Cameras | 5MP/VGA | 3.15MP/VGA |
| Battery | 1400mAh | 1500mAh |
| Price | 6,999 INR | 5,612 INR |
Conclusion
Without much separating the two, it is really hard to choose one out of the two. But, if you are willing to give up on the 5MP camera and make do with the 3.15MP instead, you will be happy with the XOLO A500L. Not only will you be happy, you will also save close to a 1000 bucks and have a better battery life. XOLO has also unveiled the A500S IPS, which is essentially the A500S with a higher quality screen. If not the A500S, you can take a look at the A500S IPS and then decide. However, we think that the A500L is the best your money can offer!
