Celkon A220 Comprehensive Specs and Honest Review

Overview

The Celkon A220, announced and released in February 2013, is a smartphone that catered to the budget segment in the early part of the 2010s. Despite its discontinuation, it offers insights into the technology and capabilities of smartphones during that time. The device struck a balance between basic functionality and cost-efficiency, appealing to users who needed essential smartphone capabilities without the hefty price tag.

Network and Connectivity

The Celkon A220 supports GSM and HSPA technology, providing basic connectivity options for its users. With dual SIM (Mini-SIM) capabilities, it offered flexibility for users to manage two different numbers. The support for 2G networks with GSM 900/1800 bands and 3G connectivity with HSDPA 2100 bands ensured adequate network support for communication and internet services available during its prime years.

Design and Build

Though exact dimensions and weight are unspecified, the Celkon A220's form factor and design were typical of its time, sporting a moderately sized 4.63-inch display. The device was available in Black and Gray colors, appealing to users who preferred classic smartphone aesthetics. Dual SIM support was an attractive feature, particularly for markets where managing multiple telecom services was beneficial.

Display Characteristics

The 4.63-inch TFT display of the Celkon A220 had a resolution of 480 x 853 pixels, presenting a pixel density of around 211 ppi. This specification indicated decent visual clarity for a budget phone, making it suitable for basic media consumption and everyday smartphone tasks. The 16:9 aspect ratio was standard for video playback and general usage.

Performance and Software

Powered by a 1.0 GHz processor, the Celkon A220 was designed to handle basic operations smoothly. It ran on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, an operating system known for its user-friendly interface and improved multitasking capabilities. Although not equipped with high-end hardware, the device was capable of executing day-to-day tasks such as calling, messaging, and internet browsing efficiently.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera on the Celkon A220 was a 5 MP shooter, sufficient for basic photography needs. It allowed users to capture photos and record videos, making it a functional tool for everyday moments. The presence of a front-facing camera, though low in resolution by today's standards, was included, enabling basic selfies and video calls.

Memory and Storage

The device featured a microSDHC card slot for expandable storage, a critical component given the limited internal storage associated with budget devices of its era. This flexibility allowed users to store additional media, documents, and apps without hampering device performance.

Sound and Multimedia

The Celkon A220 was equipped with a loudspeaker, a typical feature for playing media and handling calls. Its inclusion of an FM radio provided entertainment and access to live broadcasts without additional data costs, appealing to users who consumed audio content through traditional means.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Wi-Fi support (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth connectivity broadened the device's functionality, facilitating wireless internet access and data exchange. The presence of GPS allowed for basic navigation services, while exclusion of NFC marked its limit in wireless communication advancements of the time. A proprietary USB slot was provided for charging and data transfer. Additionally, the incorporation of an accelerometer enhanced the device's usability for applications that required motion sensing.

Battery Life and Performance

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, which was relatively standard for smartphones during its time. It provided up to 180 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time, which was sufficient for daily use given the limited power demands of its hardware and software.

Final Remarks

The Celkon A220 was positioned as an affordable smartphone option in 2013, offering essential features to users with basic communication and multimedia needs. With a reasonable price of around 120 EUR at launch, it was accessible to a larger demographic seeking their first smartphone experience or a secondary device. Despite its discontinuation, the Celkon A220 remains a testament to the budget segment of smartphones during the early 2010s, reflecting the technological trends and consumer preferences of that era.