Overview of Celkon AR50

The Celkon AR50 is a discontinued smartphone that was initially launched in December 2013. It catered to entry-level users in the emerging markets with its affordable pricing and basic functionality. This device was designed to provide essential smartphone capabilities at a budget-friendly price.

Design and Build

The Celkon AR50 features a simple, plastic build with dimensions measuring 144.3 x 73.4 x 9.8 mm and weighs approximately 140 grams, making it lightweight and comfortable to hold. Available in a classic white color, the device has a dual SIM card slot, providing users with the flexibility of using two different numbers simultaneously. Despite its budget nature, the phone had an appealing design with a decent screen-to-body ratio of around 65.1%.

Display

The phone comes with a 5.0-inch TFT display, with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. The display supports a 16:9 aspect ratio and offers a pixel density of roughly 220 ppi, which is adequate for viewing basic media content, browsing, and using social media applications.

Performance

Under the hood, the Celkon AR50 is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor. With 512MB of RAM, it was only capable of handling basic tasks and applications. It features 4GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSDHC card for those needing additional space. The phone's limited memory and processing power restrict it to basic use, such as voice calls, texting, and light internet browsing.

Operating System

The device runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, which was a popular Android version at the time of its release. This operating system provides users with access to the Google Play Store for downloading a variety of apps, though many intensive apps and games may not run smoothly due to the limited hardware capabilities.

Camera

The Celkon AR50 features a single 5 MP main camera capable of taking photographs and basic video recording, catering to casual photography needs. While it does have a selfie camera support, the specifics are minimal, indicating that the quality and features are quite basic. The camera is suitable for everyday snapshots, though the low megapixel count limits image quality and detail.

Battery Life

It sports a Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, which is removable. The battery life would typically last a full day with moderate usage, as expected for smartphones with similar specifications and battery sizes during its era. The removable battery design allows users to replace it easily if needed.

Connectivity

The Celkon AR50 offers basic connectivity options, including support for GSM and HSPA networks, with 2G and 3G frequency bands covered. Though it lacks advanced positioning systems or NFC, the device includes Wi-Fi capability with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 3.0, an FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port, which were essential features for connectivity at that time.

Sound and Audio

The phone includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, enabling users to listen to music and answer calls via headphones. The inclusion of an FM radio feature provides additional entertainment options for users who enjoy traditional radio broadcasts.

Sensors and Features

Equipped with basic sensors, the Celkon AR50 offers an accelerometer and proximity sensor, catering to simple, everyday user interactions. These sensors enhance user experience by adapting display orientation and managing the screen during calls to save battery life.

Price and Market Positioning

Priced at approximately 60 EUR during its release, the Celkon AR50 targeted users who needed an affordable entry-level Android smartphone capable of performing basic functions. Its low cost combined with dual SIM support made it an attractive choice in emerging markets, particularly for those looking to transition from feature phones to smartphones.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Celkon AR50 stands as a typical example of early budget smartphones. Its release date in 2013 placed it in the market when smartphones were rapidly diversifying in terms of features and capabilities. While modest by today's standards, it served its purpose by making smartphone technology accessible to a broader audience.