Celkon A500 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Celkon A500

The Celkon A500 was a notable release in August 2014 by the Indian smartphone manufacturer Celkon. Released as a budget-friendly option, it aimed to capture the mid-range smartphone market with its practical features and affordable price point. Despite being discontinued today, the Celkon A500 holds a place in the history of smartphones as a device that provided essential functionalities to users who prioritized cost over premium specifications.

Technical Specifications

Network

The Celkon A500 supported GSM and HSPA technology. It operated on 2G bands GSM 900/1800 for both SIM slots, given its dual SIM capability, making it convenient for users needing to juggle between personal and professional numbers. Additionally, the device supported 3G with HSDPA 2100 bands, ensuring adequate connectivity for data services in the absence of widespread 4G availability at the time.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in August 2014, the Celkon A500 quickly became a choice for many budget-conscious consumers before it was eventually discontinued. Its release reflected the trend of dual SIM devices gaining popularity, particularly in markets where users sought flexibility and cost management in telecommunications.

Design and Build

The device featured a compact and practical design, with dimensions of 141.4 x 72.6 x 10.2 mm and a weight of 147 grams, making it easy to handle. Its build supported a dual SIM configuration, a feature that became essential for users in dynamically managing multiple network connections. The handset retained a classic smartphone aesthetic with color options in black and white, appealing to those preferring a standard look.

Display

The display of the Celkon A500 was a 5.0-inch TFT screen. This size and display type provided satisfactory visibility and interaction for users, especially given the device's budget range. The screen had a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels with a ~196 ppi pixel density, which offered basic clarity and color reproduction adequate for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and moderate use of media.

Platform and Performance

Run by Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the Celkon A500 delivered a competent user experience in line with standards of its release period. The device was powered by a Mediatek MT6572M chipset, with a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor and Mali-400 GPU. While its performance was not robust by high-end standards, it was sufficient for daily operations and basic applications, catering well to users who needed functionality over speed and high performance.

Memory and Storage

The phone came with 1GB RAM and 8GB of internal storage, providing a baseline for app usage and data storage. For users needing additional space, the presence of a microSDHC card slot allowed expansion, a crucial feature for those with extensive storage needs beyond the phone's built-in capacity.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

Featuring a single 5 MP rear camera, the Celkon A500 enabled users to capture basic photos and videos with ease. Despite lacking the advanced camera technology found in higher-end models, it offered essential photographic capabilities suitable for sharing in social media or personal records.

Selfie Camera

The device also included a VGA front camera, which, albeit basic, allowed for video calling and selfies, keeping up with trends in social connectivity and media sharing at the time.

Sound and Audio Features

Equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, the Celkon A500 provided standard audio features that facilitated conventional media consumption through speakers or headsets. The presence of a 3.5mm jack ensured compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals.

Connectivity and Sensors

The phone featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 connectivity. These features rounded out the communication options, allowing users to remain connected wirelessly and compatible with other devices. The device was also equipped with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, enhancing user interaction and device functionality.

Battery Life

A Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery powered the device, with a stand-by time of up to 150 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours on 3G networks. While modest, this battery life was typical for smartphones in the same category and sufficient for users with average usage patterns.

Miscellaneous Features and Price

Priced at approximately 90 EUR at launch, the Celkon A500 made its mark as an affordable option for users needing essential smartphone capabilities. Its SAR values were recorded at 0.49 W/kg for the head and 0.56 W/kg for the body, aligning with standard safety guidelines of the time.

Overall, the Celkon A500 represented an important segment of the smartphone market: affordable yet functional devices that met the basic needs of users. Despite being discontinued, its legacy continues as an example of practical technology in mobile communications.