Celkon A9 Dual Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Overview of Celkon A9 Dual

The Celkon A9 Dual is a budget smartphone that was launched in 2014. It comes with entry-level specifications and is targeted towards users who need basic smartphone functionalities. The phone has since been discontinued but remains a subject of interest for enthusiasts of early Android devices.

Design and Build

The Celkon A9 Dual features a compact design with dimensions of 120.5 x 63.9 x 10.6 mm and weighs 116 grams. The device is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around in pockets and small bags. It is available in two colors, White and Black, offering some variety in terms of aesthetics. The device supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two different phone numbers on a single device, which was particularly appealing for those who wanted to separate work and personal calls.

Display

The smartphone is equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display, providing a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. The pixel density of approximately 165 ppi, while relatively low compared to modern standards, was typical for budget phones of its time. The screen offers basic functionality for viewing texts and images but is not designed for high-definition media consumption.

Hardware and Performance

At the heart of the Celkon A9 Dual is a Dual-core 1.0 GHz processor, which, in conjunction with 256MB of RAM, delivers a basic level of performance. The internal storage capacity is limited to 512MB, but it can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to store additional media and applications. While these specs are quite limited, they were sufficient for running the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system and basic applications smoothly at the time of its release.

Camera

Photography on the Celkon A9 Dual is facilitated by a single 2 MP rear camera, which provides basic photo-taking capabilities. This is complemented by a VGA front camera for selfies and video calls. The lack of advanced camera features such as autofocus and LED flash limits the quality of images, but it serves well for capturing simple shots.

Battery Life

Powering the Celkon A9 Dual is a Li-Ion 1350 mAh battery. According to the manufacturer, the phone can achieve up to 240 hours of standby time and around 3 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. Although the battery capacity may seem low by today's standards, it was adequate for a device with modest hardware and a small screen size.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM network bands in the 900/1800 MHz frequencies, with GPRS and EDGE providing basic mobile data capabilities. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n support allows for connecting to wireless networks, and a hotspot function enables tethering the phone's internet connection. Bluetooth 2.0 is available for pairing with compatible devices, and GPS functionality is included for navigation. However, the phone lacks advanced connectivity features such as NFC. Additionally, it includes an FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sound and Audio

The sound system of the Celkon A9 Dual includes a loudspeaker and 3.5 mm headphone jack, accommodating standard audio accessories. While the audio output is adequate for calls and media playback, it lacks the stereo quality and high-fidelity output found in more advanced smartphones.

Sensors and Additional Features

Basic sensors like the accelerometer are part of the Celkon A9 Dual's hardware, allowing for functionality such as auto-rotation of the screen when the device is tilted. However, advanced sensors that are common in modern smartphones, like proximity sensors or gyroscopes, are absent.

Final Thoughts

The Celkon A9 Dual appeals to users looking for a straightforward, affordable mobile experience. While the device is discontinued and its specifications are outpaced by modern smartphones, it serves as an excellent example of early budget Android smartphones. It was particularly suited for users in emerging markets and for those looking to transition from feature phones to smartphones without significant investment.