Along with Karbonn A8, karbonn also launched Karbonn A9 Star yesterday, which came with almost similar specifications. This budget android phone is priced at 5,550 INR and adds to the list of budget androids recently launched by Karbonn including Karbonn A11+, Karbonn A1 Star and Karbonn A5 Star. As the low price tag suggests, this phone has been designed for basic Android experience and general purpose usage like social networking, net surfing and fiddling with basic Apps.
Camera and Internal storage
The camera features are similar to those of Karbonn A8 . This phone has the standard 5 MP/ VGA camera combination we have seen in most entry level phones launched recently. Although it can be deceptive to judge a camera on its Mega Pixel count, that is what the general trend is, and most manufacturers tend to focus on a larger number count. Most camera’s from domestic manufacturers under perform under low lighting conditions. A Flash has been provided with the primary camera to assist you with low light photography.
As this phone comes with the same chipset as Karbonn A8, this too features 4 GB of internal storage which can be further extended to 32 GB using microSD card. With the Android ICS version you won’t be able to transfer Most Apps to SD card.
Processor and Battery
This phone is powered by a 1 GHz dual core processor. The manufacturing company has not been specified. This dual core processor is backed by 512 MB of RAM which is pretty good at this price range. This will be sufficient for smooth UI operations with moderate usage.
The battery capacity of 1500 mAh is average. With excess usage you will be left craving for more. We expect this phone to last for around 5 to 7 Hrs with moderate usage. This is the standard battery backup which most manufacturers provide in this price range.
Display and Features
The display is marginally smaller than that of Karbonn A8. Karbonn A9 star sports a 3.98 Inch WVGA display which will give you a pixel density of approx 233 Pixels per Inches. This will be sufficient for intended usage and more over any more pixels would further tax the humble 1500 mAh battery. The display features are above average in this smartphone.
The Android ICS 4.0 operating system is a little disappointing. We haven’t seen this O.S. in recently launched budget androids. Though this O.S. will support most apps you will also miss on some basic features like disabling Notifications from App settings.
Looks and Connectivity
As far as looks go this phone looks quite stylish and will be comfortable to hold in one hand. The backside cover integrates the camera and the flash behind a single cover. The metallic colored edges also enhance the looks. The dimensions have not been specified , so its hard to judge what it would weigh and feel like in your hand.
The connectivity features are admirable. This phone supports Dual SIM in Dual Standby mode and other connectivity features include 3G, WiFi, WiFi hotspots, Bluetooth with A2DP and 3.5 mm Audio Jack. The navigation technology mentioned is Google maps. The lack of GPS and AGPS might be disappointing for many.
Comparison
Budget Android market now stands quite overcrowded with most manufacturers offering similar specification. Those looking for options can check Spice Stellar Glamour, Karbonn A8, Videocon A24 , Intex Cloud y2, Gionee P2 , Intex Aqua i4 and Cloud Y5 .
Key Specifications
Model | Karbonn A9 Star |
Processor | 1 GHz Dual core |
Display | 3.98 Inch WVGA, ~233 ppi |
RAM/ ROM | 512 MB / 4 GB |
O.S. | Android 4.0 ICS |
Camera | 5 MP / VGA |
Battery | 1500 mAh |
Price | 5,550 INR |
Conclusion
This phone is already labeled Sold Out on Snapdeal, most likely due to low stock. You can buy this phone from Flipkart for Rs. 5,650. This phone will be sufficient for basic usage and will attract first time Android buyers because of its competitive price. Presence of Android Jelly bean would have definitely made it more attractive. You have plenty of options if you want to choose a jelly bean device