As octa-core smartphones are the rage these days, the manufacturers are coming up with such handsets with reasonable price tags to lure the consumers. The latest addition to the octa-core range of smartphones existing in the market is from iBall with the launch iBall Andi 5K Panther for Rs 10,499. Like most of the other octa-core smartphones, this one is also based on Android 4.4 KitKat platform and uses a MediaTek SoC. Here is a quick review on the smartphone for those who are looking for a cost effective octa-core handset.
Camera and Internal Storage
iBall has used an 8 MP primary snapper at its rear along with LED flash for enhanced low light performance in the Andi 5K Panther. At the front of the handset is a 2 MP selfie camera that assists in video conferencing and in clicked self portrait shots. Most of the smartphones priced in this range arrive with similar imaging aspects making this average.
Internal storage in the handset is 8 GB, which is good enough for the price tag. This internal storage capacity can be further extended by another 32 GB with the help of a micro SD card. However, there are some offerings that arrive with impressive 16 GB of storage capacity such as XonPhone 5.
Processor and Battery
Similar to the other budget octa-core smartphones, this one from iBall also comes with MediaTek’s MT6592M true octa-core chipset. This processor is teamed up with 1 GB of RAM that can help in handling the multi-tasking department effectively. The highlight of this processor is that it utilizes all the eight cores of the chipset in an efficient manner for a superior performance.
The iBall Andi 5K Panther is given a 1,900 mAh battery that should be capable of delivering a decent backup to the device under moderate usage. However, the exact backup rendered by this battery is not revealed by iBall.
Display and Features
The handset features a 5 inch display that carries a qHD screen resolution of 960×540 pixels. There are several entry-level smartphones that come with increased resolution and scratch resistant protection. Hence, the iBall offering lags behind in terms of display, though it sounds average.
The dual SIM smartphone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat operating system and it has standard connectivity options such as 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and USB OTG. Furthermore, the handset is available in Silver and Wine color variants.
Comparison
The iBall Andi 5K Panther will be a tough challenger to those octa-core smartphones priced reasonably such as Obi Octopus S520, iBerry Auxus Nuclea X, Karbonn Titanium Octane and others.
Key Specs
| Model | iBall Andi 5K Panther |
| Display | 5 inch, qHD |
| Processor | 1.4 GHz Octa Core |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB, Expandable up to 32 GB |
| OS | Android 4.4 KitKat |
| Camera | 8 MP/ 2 MP |
| Battery | 1,900 mAh |
| Price | Rs 10,499 |
What we Like
- Capable octa-core processor
- Competitive pricing
What we Dislike
- Not a long lasting battery
Price and Conclusion
The iBall Andi 5K Panther appears to be an affordable octa-core smartphone with a price tag of Rs 10,499. As many manufacturers are piling up such smartphones in the low cost market, the iBall offering is again an average handset that will stir up the competition and spoil the consumers with choice. We need to wait and see if the iBall offering can become successful in the market that is flooded with numerous such octa-core smartphones.
