iBall Andi 5k Sparkle which was spotted on Intex Official webpage last week is a modest Android device which combines the processing power of 4 cores with the generic dual core phone spec sheet. Such devices are increasingly becoming prominent in phones below 10,000 INR with several MT6582 series devices introduced in the last few months. Let’s take a look at what this phone is offering.
Camera and Internal Storage
An 8 MP auto focus camera is most you can expect at this price range and that is exactly what iBall Andi 5K is offering as the primary imaging hardware. The camera is supported by LED flash for low light photography and of course, for handy torch apps. At the front you get a 2 MP camera for video recording and selfies. On paper the camera specs are above average.
Internal Storage is ordinary 4 GB and can be extended to 32 GB using MicroSD support. Most android phones will offer you only as much of internal storage in this price range, a trend which we don’t like. Out of the paltry storage, 2 GB approx will be available at the user ends.
Processor and Battery
The phone houses 4 CPU cores clocked at 1.3 GHz on MT6582 chipset. The cortex A7 based cores formed on 28nm process technology are backed by 512 MB RAM, something which will limit your android experience. The processor has proved to be a decent performer specially compared to the MT6589 series, which it is fast replacing in India.
The battery capacity of 1850 mAh and iBall has not specified how much backup you will get from the average battery. We expect the battery to last 1 work day with low to moderate usage.
Display and Other Features
The display is 5 inches in size and bears 960 x 540 pixel resolution. The IPS LCD display will feature pixel density of 220 pixels per inches which is pretty good, though not the best that you can get in this price range.
On the software front you will get Android 4.2.2 jelly bean operating system. iBall has also provided with some basic gesture controls like flip to mute. Other features include Dual SIM Dual Standby, Wireless display, 3G, EDGE, WiFi, Bluetooth with A2DP, GPS and AGPS support. iBall will also bundle a screen scratch guard in the box.
Comparison
The phone will compete with several Quad core devices below 10,000 INR which also includes phones like Intex Aqua i6, Gionee Pioneer P3, Micromax Canvas Mad and Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus. Other options include phones like Huawei Ascend D1 and Micromax Canvas HD A116i.
Key Specs
| Model | iBall Andi 5K sparkle |
| Display | 5 inch, qHD |
| Processor | 1.3 GHz Quad Core |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Internal Storage | 4 GB |
| OS | Android 4.2 |
| Cameras | 8 MP/ 2 MP |
| Battery | 1850 mAh |
| Price | 9,999 INR |
Conclusion
Getting down from the Quad core high horse, the phone sports basic budget android specifications. It would be lot more palatable option if had 1 GB RAM, which is not unheard of at this price range. Major other competitors from this generations are offering similar chipset and other specifications. Maybe after the initial price cut, the phone will be more appealing.
