Micromax A106 Unite 2 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Micromax A106 Unite 2

The Micromax A106 Unite 2 was a popular smartphone released in May 2014 by Micromax, an Indian consumer electronics company. It marked a significant expansion in Micromax's lineup, aiming to capture a bigger share of the budget smartphone market. With its affordable pricing, the Unite 2 offered features that were competitive against other smartphones in its class at the time.

Release and Market Position

Announced in May 2014, the Micromax A106 Unite 2 quickly garnered attention as one of the first smartphones in its price range to run Android 4.4.2 KitKat. The phone was later upgradable to Android 5.0 Lollipop, ensuring users could benefit from updated software features within its lifecycle. The device was eventually discontinued but made notable impacts in emerging markets, particularly in India.

Design and Build

Featuring the dimensions of 138.9 x 71.9 x 9.4 mm and weighing 158 grams, the Micromax A106 had a solid yet simplistic build. It came with a plastic body available in various colors including Pristine White, Balmy Green, Mystic Grey, and Raging Red, which catered to the preferences of youthful buyers. Its design was straightforward with an approachable user interface, enhanced by dual SIM capabilities, ideal for users who maintained different contacts for personal and professional use.

Display

The device came equipped with a 4.7-inch IPS LCD screen, with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and approximately 199 ppi density. While not particularly groundbreaking, the display was considered adequate for the price range, offering decent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. The screen-to-body ratio stood at approximately 63%, highlighting a fair amount of bezel typical for smartphones during that period.

Performance

At the heart of the Micromax A106 Unite 2 was the Mediatek MT6582 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It featured a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU with a Mali-400MP2 GPU, providing sufficient performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, media consumption, and light gaming. The device had 1GB of RAM, which was considered modest, allowing basic multitasking capabilities. Storage options included 4GB and 8GB variants, both of which could be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, accommodating users with higher storage needs.

Camera Features

Photography needs were addressed with a 5MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash, enabling users to take photos in various lighting conditions. Video recording capability was limited to 720p, which was standard for budget devices at the time. The front camera had a 2MP resolution, catering to basic selfie and video call needs. Although not advanced by modern standards, these camera features were considered adequate for casual photography and social media sharing.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. In terms of endurance, the Micromax A106 offered a standby time of up to 190 hours and a talk time of around 8 hours. This made it suitable for regular daily use without frequent charging, a vital consideration for users in regions where access to electricity might be inconsistent.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity on the Micromax A106 Unite 2 included GSM / HSPA technology, with support for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 for essential wireless communications. GPS functionality enabled basic navigation services. While it lacked NFC, the inclusion of FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer added practicality. Audio was supported by a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating users who preferred wired audio devices. Onboard sensors included an accelerometer and proximity sensor.

Software and User Experience

Running Android 4.4.2 KitKat, with an option for upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop, the Micromax A106 provided a user-friendly interface with access to the Google Play Store. The experience was designed to be straightforward, appealing to first-time smartphone users and those prioritizing simplicity and reliability over advanced features. Micromax's commitment to providing an upgrade path to Lollipop enhanced the device's value proposition, as it allowed users to extend the life and functionality of their device with newer software improvements.

Affordability and Value

Priced at approximately 90 EUR at launch, the Micromax A106 Unite 2 was positioned as an affordable entry into the smartphone market. Its combination of dual SIM capability, colorful designs, and acceptable performance specifications made it a favored choice among budget-conscious consumers, particularly in emerging markets like India. The inclusion of expandable storage and a removable battery provided added flexibility, a notable advantage in its price range.

Conclusion

Overall, the Micromax A106 Unite 2 stood out as a notable entry-level smartphone during its time, offering a balance of essential features and affordability. It managed to cater to a wide array of users through its straightforward design and essential functionality, thereby solidifying Micromax's position in the competitive budget smartphone segment. While technology has continued to advance, the legacy of the Unite 2 as a practical, value-driven choice remains a testament to its impact in the smartphone market of its era.