By Jayanta Ghosh
The cheapest Android One smartphone: A deal worth considering
Android One is finally out and the first three smartphones look similar and offers the same set of specifications. Karbonn Sparkle V is one of the three smartphones in the Google’s Android One lineup that was launched to penetrate deeper into tier-2 and tier-3 markets.
As the other Android One smartphones, Spice Dream UNO Mi-498 and the Micromax Canvas A1 have similar specifications. Let’s look how this cheapest Android One smartphone is performed in the test.
This will not only allow Android to penetrate deeper into tier-2 and tier-3 markets, it will also boost the sales of Indian smartphone OEMs. We take a look at the smartphone, Sparkle V, from Karbonn which is priced at Rs. 6399.
Features and looks:
The Karbonn Sparkle V comes with decent specs to mark its presence in this segment. It runs on 1.3 GHz quad core processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB ROM (inbuilt storage for apps only), and offers external storage support up to 32GB. The dual-SIM phone supports 2G and 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It comes with a front (2MP) and a back (5MP) cameras. The phone sports a 4.5-inch FWVGA IPS display with 480×854 resolution and 240 ppi pixel density, the power source is a removable 1700 mAh Li-Po battery and it supports FM Radio as well.
Performance:
Best part is that Google brought the similar stock Android experience (as we have seen on the Nexus devices and the Google Play editions of the some flagship smartphones) to entry-level Android smartphones. All the usual apps runs smooth and without any lag. Currently Karbonn Sparkle V runs on Android 4.4 KitKat, but as the phone has been jointly developed by Google and Karobnn, you can expect it to soon get the Android 5.0 Lollipop update. Camera is decent enough, but the 2MP front camera is available only for video chats, and not for photographs which is a major drawback of this device. Though the device is 3G-enabled, like the Moto E, you can’t set your mobile network to only 3G (though you get a preferred choice), and is a major drawback as the phone keeps on switching between Edge or GPRS and 3G. IPS display with 480×854 resolution and 240ppi pixel density, which is decent for a comfortable viewing experience.
The answer is the software Sparkle V gives better is than its same priced competing brand. And as Google has promised Android 5.0 Lollipop update to Android One devices, we believe that those devices will receive the update much faster than their competitors. So this Karbonn Sparkle V is a great option in this price tag.
Pros: Affordable Price, attractive features, better battery life
Cons: Lookwise it is not so attractive.
Price: Rs 5999
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Display: 4.5 inch IPS display with 854×480 resolution (218 ppi)
- Battery: 1700mAh
- Storage: 4GB, expandable via microSD card
- Camera: 5MP rear with LED flash, 2MP front
- SoC: Mediatek MT6582
- CPU: 1.3GHz quad-core
- GPU: Mali-400
- RAM: 1GB
- Operating system: Android 4.4.4
- Connectivity: 3G, W-Fi, Bluetooth, Dual-SIM