Overview of the Celkon A97
The Celkon A97 is a versatile smartphone that was announced in the second quarter of 2012 and released in the third quarter of the same year. Despite being discontinued, the A97 remains a noteworthy example of affordable technology from the early 2010s era. It was equipped with features that suited the average user who needed essential smartphone capabilities without a hefty price tag.
Design and Build
The Celkon A97 has a compact design measuring 124 x 64 x 11 mm and weighs 130g. This makes it relatively light and easy to carry around. It employs a classic smartphone design with a dual SIM (Mini-SIM) capability, catering to users who needed to manage two different phone numbers for personal and work communication. The sole color option was black, which adds a touch of simplicity and elegance to the device.
Display
The device boasts a 4.0-inch TFT display that ensures clear visuals at a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Although the ppi density stands at around 233, which is modest by today's standards, it provided clear and readable text and images at the time of its release. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 57.4%, striking a balance between compactness and usability.
Platform and Performance
Under the hood, the Celkon A97 is powered by a Mediatek MT6575 chipset and a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU with the PowerVR SGX531 GPU handling graphics. The device runs on Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread, which was a popular version of Android during its time. This combination allowed for smooth performance in handling everyday smartphone tasks such as calling, texting, and basic apps.
Storage and Memory
For storage, the Celkon A97 offers a microSDHC slot, enabling users to expand storage to accommodate more apps, photos, and music. However, internal RAM details are not specified, which potentially places some limitations on multitasking and running heavy applications.
Camera
Photography on the Celkon A97 is facilitated by a 5 MP main camera capable of capturing decent photos and videos given the time of its launch. It also features a secondary camera for selfies, albeit with basic functionality. Despite lacking the advanced photographic features seen in modern smartphones, it served well for casual photography and video recording.
Audio and Connectivity
The phone features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring users could enjoy listening to music either loudly or privately. Connectivity options on the Celkon A97 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS for navigation, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The device also supports Stereo FM radio with RDS, recording, and an FM transmitter, making it a comprehensive option for radio enthusiasts.
Sensors and Features
The Celkon A97 is equipped with several useful sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass. These add to the smartphone's practicality by enhancing its functionality in various applications, from navigation to gaming.
Battery Life
The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, providing a stand-by time of up to 350 hours and a talk time of up to 9 hours and 10 minutes. This endurance is suitable for a full day of average use, allowing users to stay connected without frequent recharges.
Pricing and Market Position
When launched, the Celkon A97 was priced at about 110 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option in the competitive smartphone market. It appealed particularly to budget-conscious consumers or those looking for a secondary device.
Conclusion
In retrospect, the Celkon A97 stands as a significant example of budget-friendly smartphones during the early 2010s. While modern smartphones have surpassed it in terms of technology and features, the A97 offered a well-rounded and practical solution for users of its time. It highlighted the evolving needs and expectations of users while keeping the cost in check, accomplishing its role as a functional yet affordable technology piece.
Key Features of Celkon A97
- Supports GSM and HSPA technologies for communication.
- Lightweight design with a weight of 130 g (4.59 oz).
- Dual SIM capability (Mini-SIM).
- 4.0-inch TFT display with 480 x 800 pixels resolution.
- Powered by Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread).
- Equipped with a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor and PowerVR SGX531 GPU.
- Expandable memory with microSDHC card slot.
- 5 MP main camera and a front-facing camera for selfies.
- Includes stereo FM radio with RDS and recording features, plus FM transmitter.
- GPS and A-GPS support for positioning.
- Standard connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and microUSB 2.0.
- Equipped with sensors like accelerometer, proximity, and compass.
- Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery providing up to 9 hours 10 minutes talk time.
Drawbacks of Celkon A97
- Outdated Operating System: The device runs on Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread), which is very outdated and lacks support for newer apps and security updates.
- Discontinued Model: The device has been discontinued, which means no availability of future support or spare parts.
- Low Display Resolution: The 480 x 800 pixel resolution is quite low by modern standards, leading to less sharp visuals.
- Limited Internal Specs: Features a 1.0 GHz single-core Cortex-A9 processor and PowerVR SGX531 GPU, which are inadequate for demanding tasks and applications.
- Basic Camera Capabilities: The primary camera is only 5 MP and lacks advanced features. The front-facing camera details are not specified, likely indicating basic quality.
- Small Battery Capacity: The 1500 mAh battery may require frequent charging with extensive use.
- Limited Connectivity Features: Uses Bluetooth 2.0, which offers limited range and slower data transfer compared to newer versions.
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