Celkon A118 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Celkon A118

The Celkon A118 is a smartphone that was announced and released in May 2013. Although it has been discontinued, this device offered a range of specifications that were competitive for its time. It was especially notable for its inclusion of a quad-core processor and IPS LCD display. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of this device, from its network capabilities to its camera features, providing a comprehensive overview of the Celkon A118.

Network Capabilities

The Celkon A118 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, allowing for a wide range of connectivity options. It includes support for 2G bands - GSM 900 and 1800 on both SIM 1 and SIM 2. For 3G connectivity, it supports the HSDPA 2100 band, offering decent mobile internet speeds via HSPA technology. Despite being a relatively early smartphone, it was able to deliver reliable network performance for both calls and data use.

Launch and Availability

The Celkon A118 was launched and released in May 2013. However, it is important to note that the device has since been discontinued. During its release period, it was available in select markets, targeting users interested in an Android smartphone with decent specifications and affordability. Its discontinuation suggests that the manufacturer has moved on to newer models or different projects.

Design and Build

The device features dimensions of 147 x 73.4 x 9 mm, making it a compact and sleek option for its time. Designed with a focus on ergonomics, the Celkon A118 felt comfortable in the hand, although the exact weight is unspecified. Another notable feature of this device is its dual SIM capability, allowing users to manage two separate phone numbers or data plans from a single device.

Display Quality

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Celkon A118 offered users vibrant color reproduction and decent viewing angles. The screen's resolution stands at 720 x 1280 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 294 pixels per inch. This made it capable of delivering clear and sharp images, suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and multimedia consumption.

Platform and Performance

The Celkon A118 runs on the Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean) operating system. Under the hood, it’s powered by a Mediatek MT6589 chipset built on a 28 nm process. The CPU is a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7, which, when combined with the PowerVR SGX544 GPU, ensures that the device handles basic tasks and light gaming adequately. At the time of its release, these specifications made it a competitive choice for users looking for cost-effective multitasking capabilities.

Storage and Memory

In terms of memory, the A118 comes with 1GB of RAM. This amount of memory is sufficient for general use, mild multitasking, and running several applications at once. For storage, it offers 4GB of internal space. However, given the limited built-in storage, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDHC card slot provides users the flexibility to expand their storage to accommodate more apps, photos, and media files.

Camera

The main camera on the Celkon A118 is a single 8 MP autofocus unit. It includes an LED flash which assists in low-light photography, enhancing image clarity and detail. For video recording, the camera captures standard definition (SD) quality video. Additionally, the device is equipped with a 3 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls, which was quite typical during its time.

Sound and Audio Features

The audio features on the Celkon A118 include a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media consumption. The 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to connect their favorite wired headphones or earphones for personal listening. This feature set supports typical audio use cases expected in smartphones released around 2013.

Connectivity and Sensors

For wireless connectivity, the Celkon A118 offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, enabling users to connect to Wi-Fi networks and share their connection. Bluetooth support is present for pairing with other devices, alongside GPS for navigation tasks. While NFC is not included, the device features an FM radio, which was a popular feature in many smartphones of the era. For wired connectivity, the device utilizes a microUSB 2.0 port and offers OTG support. The sensor suite includes an accelerometer and proximity sensor, providing users with intuitive screen orientation and power-saving capabilities.

Battery Life

Powering the Celkon A118 is a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. This capacity provides a decent balance between device performance and battery life. The battery offers a stand-by time of up to 190 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours, ensuring users can go through a typical day of moderate usage without needing to recharge often. The removable nature of the battery also grants users the convenience of replacing it when necessary.

Conclusion

In summary, the Celkon A118 was a well-rounded smartphone for its time, catering to users who desired a functional smartphone experience without breaking the bank. While it may not measure up to today's high-performance standards, its combination of dual SIM support, an adequate display, and a competent processor made it a valid option for budget-conscious consumers in 2013. Its discontinuation has paved the way for more advanced models, yet the A118 remains a testament to Celkon's endeavor in the competitive smartphone arena.