Largest domestic manufacturer of smartphones, Micromax, recently launched the refreshed version of their highly successful Micromax Canvas HD. There’s no difference in specifications, but the newer version comes with a more recent version of Android. Is the device still worth buying or should you save up for something greater? Let us find out.
Hardware
| Model | Micromax Canvas A116i HD |
| Display | 5 inches, 1280 x 720p |
| Processor | 1.2GHz quad core |
| RAM | 1GB |
| Internal Storage | 4GB |
| OS | Android v4.2 |
| Cameras | 8MP/2MP |
| Battery | 2000mAh |
| Price | 10,900 INR |
Display and Connectivity
The phone features the same 5 inch 720p HD we saw on the Canvas HD last year. The 720p resolution takes the pixel density up to 294ppi which is not bad for a phone priced under 11k INR. The device can be used by gamers, multimedia freaks and professionals alike. This is what makes most manufacturers go for 5 inch screens and not any other size.
The phone has a dual SIM slot. One of the slots can work with a 3G SIM while the other is restricted to 2G networks.
Camera and Storage
As mentioned, there’s literally no difference in specs between this and last years Micromax Canvas HD. Imaging hardware is still taken care of the by same 8MP + 2MP camera combo. While some manufacturers are offering 13MP cameras in place of 8MP ones, those that sell in the 10-12K range hardly offer a 13MP. Also, the 8MP shooter on the Canvas HD is known to be quite a solid performer.
The storage remains at a standard 4GB which isn’t very good. Out of the 4GB, a part is reserved for the Android OS while some is reserved for app installation. Ultimately, the user is left with under 2GB of storage which definitely isn’t enough for most. Thankfully, there’s a microSD slot that can be used to expand storage by up to 32GB.
Processor and Battery
Mediatek’s MT6589 sits at the heart of this device. As you might know, the MT6589 comes with a quad core CPU clocked at 1.2GHz, built on the Cortex A7 platform which is quite battery efficient. At the same time, the processor is quite powerful and can handle most daily apps and some modern games.
The battery is the weak link on the Canvas HD A116i, like its predecessor. There’s a 2000mAh unit that is made to take care of the quad core processor, 5 inch display and the host of sensors the device has on board. You can’t expect more than 1 day of moderate usage, if you are lucky enough to get to that point.
Form Factor and Competitors
Design and OS
The device has a standard bar form which we’ve seen on almost all Micromax devices, or for that matter most domestic devices. Operating system is the only thing that’s changed from the A116. While the A116 comes with Android 4.1, the A116i comes with v4.2. This clearly isn’t the most recent Android flavour, but is still better than the age-old v4.1 on the A116.
Competitors
- XOLO Q1000
- Zen Ultrafone 701 HD
- iBall Andi 5h
Conclusion
The device does look like a very good value for money option. Although other devices like the Ultrafone 701 HD have something extra on offer, for eg. 13MP cameras, but the widespread reach of Micromax very easily outdoes the advantages of these small advantages. With an MRP of 12k INR, the phone can be bought for an amount little lesser of around 11,000 INR at local retailers which makes a great deal.
