Micromax A100 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Micromax A100

The Micromax A100 is a smartphone that marked its presence in the mid-range segment with a blend of decent design and functionality. Introduced in August 2012, the phone quickly became a choice for consumers seeking affordability without compromising on necessary features. Though now discontinued, the device left a lasting impression, especially in emerging markets.

Design and Build

The smartphone features a design typical of early 2010s smartphones with a solid plastic build. Measuring 142.2 x 72.6 x 11.9 mm and weighing 168 grams, the Micromax A100 does not stray too far from the common designs of its time. It fits comfortably in hand despite being somewhat bulky by today's standards.

The A100 supports a Dual SIM configuration with mini-SIM slots, allowing users to manage two different numbers on the same device. It was released in a classic black color, a staple choice for those preferring a simple aesthetic.

Display

The Micromax A100 comes with a 5.0-inch TFT display, which was considered quite large during its release. Boasting a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, the display offers a moderate pixel density of 196 ppi. While the clarity might not impress by modern standards, it was adequate for everyday use back in 2012, providing a decent multimedia experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the Micromax A100 is powered by a 1.0 GHz Scorpion processor coupled with an Adreno 200 GPU. It operates on the Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, which was the latest at the time. The device offered smooth performance for basic operations, though it struggled with more demanding tasks and multitasking due to its limited 512MB RAM.

The internal storage stands at a modest 4GB, which can be expanded using a microSDHC card. This feature allowed users to store more media and applications, albeit with some constraints due to the overall performance limitations of the device.

Camera

In terms of photography, the Micromax A100 has a single 5MP rear camera equipped with autofocus and an LED flash. The camera performance was in line with expectations from a budget smartphone of its time, capable of capturing reasonable images in well-lit conditions.

The device also features a VGA front camera, targeting audiences that indulge in occasional video calls and selfies. While the imaging hardware doesn't compete with contemporary smartphone cameras, it allowed for fundamental photography tasks.

Battery

Battery life in the Micromax A100 is managed by a removable 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery. This was fairly standard for phones during its release period. The phone delivered up to 180 hours on standby and could provide roughly 5 hours of talk time. The removable nature of the battery also ensured easy replacement, thus extending the device's lifespan.

Connectivity

Connectivity options include GSM and HSPA technology, offering users 2G and 3G compatibility. The A100 can connect to wireless networks via Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and can tether connections using a mobile hotspot.

For local data transfer, Bluetooth 3.0 is supported along with A2DP for audio streaming. A GPS (assisted GPS included) provides navigation capabilities, making the device functional for basic location services. Additionally, you have a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

Sound output is facilitated by a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting typical audio peripherals. The phone also includes an FM radio function, enabling users to listen to local radio stations. Sensor-wise, it packs in basic accelerometer and proximity sensors, rounding off its feature set.

Conclusion

Despite its eventual discontinuation, the Micromax A100 is a testament to the brand's approach to delivering value-for-money solutions in competitive markets. While it may not stand up to current standards, it served its purpose by providing essential functionalities at a low price point. Priced around 160 EUR at its release, it appealed to a wide range of consumers looking for their entry into the smartphone ecosystem with constrained budgets.