Price and specifications of Celkon A35k advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of the Celkon A35K

The Celkon A35K was a budget-friendly smartphone released in 2014 that aimed to provide essential smartphone functionalities to users at an affordable price. Its launch targeted emerging markets, making smartphones accessible to a broader audience who were transitioning from feature phones. Although it has been discontinued, the Celkon A35K remains an interesting example of entry-level smartphones of its time.

Design and Build Quality

Weighing just 102 grams and measuring 119 x 63 x 10.7 mm, the Celkon A35K is lightweight and compact, fitting comfortably in one hand. Its plastic body offered durability, while its dual SIM capability was a vital feature for users in regions where managing multiple numbers was a necessity. Available in colors white and blue, the design was simple yet functional, catering to practical users.

Display Characteristics

The device boasts a 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels at a density of around 165 ppi. While not designed to dazzle with high-definition graphics, it handled basic tasks and media viewing adequately. The screen-to-body ratio was relatively modest at 48.7%, reflecting the design priorities of budget smartphones at that period.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Celkon A35K is powered by a 1.0 GHz processor, sufficient for basic operations such as calling, texting, and browsing the web. It runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, an operating system known for its improved performance on entry-level hardware, offering access to the Play Store and basic app functionalities.

Memory and Storage

With 256MB of RAM and 2GB of internal storage, the Celkon A35K is aimed at users with minimal app needs, focusing primarily on essential functions. The inclusion of a microSDHC slot allowed users to expand storage capacities to handle media files more effectively, a crucial feature for budget devices.

Camera Capabilities

The primary camera stands at 3.15 MP, capable of capturing basic photos and videos. It lacks modern features like autofocus or LED flash, but for a device of its class, it offered functional imaging for social media sharing. A VGA front camera provided limited selfie capabilities, reflecting its focus on affordability over advanced features.

Connectivity and Communication

The Celkon A35K connects over GSM and HSPA networks, and it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for internet browsing. Bluetooth 2.0 support facilitates simple data transfers, while the inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port offered connectivity for charging and data syncing. The phone also features FM radio, a popular function for users in developing regions. However, GPS positioning and NFC are not present, highlighting its basic feature set.

Battery Life and Efficiency

The removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery powered the Celkon A35K, delivering a day of usage under moderate conditions. This aligns with the device's emphasis on fundamental mobile experiences rather than power-hungry applications. For users upgrading from feature phones, this battery life was satisfactory for everyday tasks.

Additional Features

Sensors include an accelerometer and proximity sensor, offering basic interactivity and functionality. The loudspeaker and 3.5mm jack provided adequate sound options for media playback and calls, adhering to the essential requirements of everyday users.

Price and Market Impact

Launched at about 40 EUR, the Celkon A35K was an economically viable option for individuals looking to enter the world of smartphones without significant financial strain. Its pricing strategy played a crucial role in broadening smartphone penetration in economically diverse markets.