After confirming Android Lollipop update for its Canvas lineup, Micromax has now introduced another Canvas series device (still running KitKat) with hardware very similar to Android one smartphones. It’s no surprise that domestic brands are challenging their own Android One counterparts, but will Micromax Canvas Prep be up for the task?
Camera and Internal Storage
Micromax Canvas Pep comes with a 5 MP primary rear camera like most other smartphone in its class. Sure, you can get more Megapixels at this price point, but if Micromax is using the same 5 MP sensor as in Canvas A1, there is no reason to be disheartened about. A VGA fixed focus front camera is also present for video calling. You can record 720p HD videos from the rear camera.
Canvas Pep offers 8 GB internal storage, which is an improvement over Android one phones (if storage is not partitioned). A decent 5.99 GB is available at users end. You can also use up to 32 GB MicroSD card as external storage.
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Processor and Battery
Processor used is tried and tested 1.3 GHz MT6582M which has been quite popular over the entire last year. Coupled with 1 GB RAM, this chipset should match requirements of basic and moderate Android users with ease.
Battery Capacity is 1700 mAh, which doesn’t sound very impressive. Micromax claims 6 hours of talk time and 210 hours of standby time. Most phones under 6K offer similar battery backup.
Display and Other Features
Once again, it is a usual IPS LCD display 4.5 Inches in size with 854 x 480 pixels (FWVGA) spread across it. This amounts to 218 pixels per inches which is very usable and shouldn’t be a deal breaker at this price. Since Redmi 1S is no longer available, you will have to spend some more if you are looking for slightly higher resolution .
The handset is running Android 4.4 KitKat as of now and it would have been better if the company had offered Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, especially since it has already confirmed Lollipop update for Canvas phones. Other features include Dual SIM connectivity, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS.
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Micromax has also preinstalled a long list of apps on the device including clean master, Opera Mini, True Caller and Saavn
Comparison
In India, Micromax Canvas Pep will compete against phones like Micromax Canvas A1, Asus Zenfone C, Huawei Honor Holly and Xiaomi Redmi 1S which flaunt a similar price tag.
Key Specs
| Model | Micromax Canvas Pep Q371 |
| Display | 4.5 inch, FWVGA |
| Processor | 1.3 GHz Quad Core |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB, Expandable up to 32 GB |
| OS | Android 4.4 KitKat |
| Camera | 5 MP/ VGA |
| Battery | 1,700 mAh |
| Price | Rs 5,999 |
What we Like
- Competitive price
- Quad Core chipset with 1 GB RAM
What we Don’t Like
- Small Battery capacity
Conclusion
Micromax Canvas Pep will be available on online and offline stores for 5,999 INR, which is a decent price for a quad core – 1 GB Ram, Android One like smartphone. Since it is not an online exclusive, there are good changes of prices being slashed after few weeks, which will make it a good proposition for those looking for an entry level Android smartphone. All said an done, we are more inclined to Android One devices, simply because Google will be directly handling software updates (though they are doing a pretty lame job at it)
