What's good
- First to receive new Android OS updates
- Good performance during basic tasks
- Good screen
What's bad
- Mediocre camera
- Poor battery life
- Limited onboard storage
The Micromax Canvas A1 is one of the three smartphones initially introduced as part of Google's Android One initiative. As with the other Android One phones, the Micromax comes with the latest version of Android and will update to the newer versions before other non-Google sponsored devices. This can potentially give it a huge advantage over others within the budget market. With that said, it isn't a fit for consumers who want something eye catching. It offers a typical rectangular shape with curved edges. Although its body is made entirely of plastic, reviewers add that the construction itself is quite solid though it errs on the bulky side. It also comes with a removable back cover so users can easily switch out the batteries and add a microSD card.
The 4.5-inch WVGA display offers a resolution of only 480 pixels. Although reviewers wouldn't describe it as very crisp, they go on to say that the colors are vibrant and viewing angles are on par with many other budget phones. Still, they did have some issues viewing it during bright light situations and noticed that it also attracted dirt and smudges.
Equipped with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM, the Canvas A1 isn't a powerhouse by any means but it performs well. Critics didn't experience any major issues when browsing the web or scrolling through the UI. Of course, once they began using heavy-duty apps they experienced some slowdowns, especially when playing graphically intensive games. The major issue, however, is the lack of internal storage. While it comes with 4GB only 2.2GB is actually usable. This severely limits the amount of apps users can download and also required critics to expand the memory with a micoSD card in order to take pictures. Battery life is also a bit of a disappointment as it lasted critics less than 10 hours on a single charge during moderate usage.
The back of the phone houses a 5MP camera. At best, reviewers describe it as average as images lack detail and the camera itself is slow to focus with these issues getting worse in low light settings. Still, Firstpost adds, "...most people using the Canvas A1 won't be printing their pictures, but only sharing them on Instagram or Facebook. For which it is more than good enough."
Reviews are generally mixed when it comes to the Canvas A1. India Today states, "Currently, it is inadvisable to buy the Canvas A1 as its core hardware is underwhelming despite having a great software experience." On the other hand, Tech Tree says, "…the Canvas runs quite smooth…the handset is sturdy and offers a good screen…taking price into consideration the Micromax Canvas A1 is a good choice for first-time smartphone users."
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Clinton Jeff, UnleashThePhonesThe Micromax Canvas A1 is a decent enough smartphone for the price range. It runs stock Android, officially has Google’s stamp of approval, boasts quick performance and decent build quality. Sure, the display and the camera isn’t too great, but at this price range it’s hard to find...
- Srivatsan, Fone ArenaThe Micromax Canvas A1 is a decent budget smartphone running stock Android in this price range. Even though the Canvas Unite 2 that we reviewed recently had better battery life compared to the Canvas A1, this offers smooth performance and doesn’t have any bloatware. At a price tag of Rs. 6,499...
- Nikhil Subramaniam, tech2We think the Micromax Canvas A1 is the best smartphone made by the company. It is dwarfed by the specs of the Canvas Knight or the Canvas Nitro, but is actually a way better overall experience in terms of usability, stability, and longevity. In fact, it looks way more expensive and sophisticated tha...
- Nikhil Subramaniam, tech2We think the Micromax Canvas A1 is the best smartphone made by the company. It is dwarfed by the specs of the Canvas Knight or the Canvas Nitro, but is actually a way better overall experience in terms of usability, stability, and longevity. In fact, it looks way more expensive and sophisticated tha...
- Nikhil Subramaniam, tech2We think the Micromax Canvas A1 is the best smartphone made by the company. It is dwarfed by the specs of the Canvas Knight or the Canvas Nitro, but is actually a way better overall experience in terms of usability, stability, and longevity. In fact, it looks way more expensive and sophisticated tha...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Micromax backs up the Canvas A1 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Canvas A1 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Micromax support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Micromax's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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