Micromax A115 Canvas 3D Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Micromax A115 Canvas 3D

The Micromax A115 Canvas 3D is a notable entrant in the series of devices that attempted to combine budget-friendly prices with innovative technology. Released in May 2013, this smartphone was one of the few affordable models at that time to offer 3D display capabilities without the need for 3D glasses, making it a unique option for tech enthusiasts looking to explore 3D content effortlessly.

Network and Connectivity

Micromax equipped the A115 Canvas 3D with a range of network connectivity features to meet the needs of its users. It supports dual SIM slots, allowing users to manage two different phone numbers simultaneously, which is a convenient option for those looking to balance personal and work communications. It operates on GSM and HSPA networks, with support for 2G bands (GSM 900/1800) and a 3G band (HSDPA 2100). The HSPA technology ensures that users can enjoy high-speed mobile internet for activities such as surfing the web and streaming content.

Launch and Availability

Announced in April 2013 and released in the following month, the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D marked Micromax’s foray into the realm of affordable 3D smartphones. However, like many devices from that era, it has since been discontinued, making it a unique piece for collectors or tech enthusiasts interested in the evolution of mobile technology.

Design and Display

Focusing on aesthetics and functionality, the Canvas 3D features a 5.0-inch display with 480 x 800-pixel resolution. The standout feature of this display is its glasses-free 3D capability, achieved through the use of a parallax barrier that allows for stereoscopic vision. While its pixel density stands at approximately 187 ppi, which may not compete with modern smartphones, the novelty of its 3D display was a significant draw at the time of its release.

Performance and Hardware

The device is powered by a Mediatek MT6577T chipset, equipped with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX531u GPU. Although the chipset is not the most powerful available, it was sufficient to handle basic smartphone tasks and support 3D functionalities. The device comes with 512MB of RAM, which paired with its chipset, was expected to provide an acceptable user experience for typical tasks of that period, such as calling, texting, and light app usage.

Memory and Storage

Internal storage for the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D stands at 4GB, which was quite limited even at the time of its release. However, the inclusion of a microSDHC card slot offers users the opportunity to expand storage, which is crucial for those wanting to store more apps, photos, and 3D videos. While it addresses the storage issue to some extent, it reminds users to manage their storage for optimal performance carefully.

Camera Capabilities

The Canvas 3D is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera that includes autofocus and an LED flash, enabling users to capture decent quality photos with adequate lighting. It offers video recording at 480p@30fps, which was fairly standard for mobile devices in its price range at the time. The VGA front camera, while basic, is suitable for video calls and simple selfies.

Sound and Audio Features

This device includes a loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for flexible audio options whether users want to listen privately or share media with others. The presence of a dedicated headphone jack, unfortunately phased out in many modern devices, remains a user-friendly feature for wired audio accessory support.

Connectivity Options

On the connectivity front, the A115 Canvas 3D supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and includes the capability to function as a hotspot, making it versatile for home or office internet use. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support improves wireless audio streaming and connectivity. Additionally, GPS functionality aids in navigation, while FM radio support offers entertainment for users on the go. Notably, the device lacks NFC capabilities, which was not uncommon for devices in its class.

Battery Life

To power its operations, the Canvas 3D houses a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. While it may not support long durations of intensive use, its capacity is suitable for light to moderate use over an estimated stand-by duration of up to 225 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours and 30 minutes. The removable battery design allows users to easily replace it if necessary.

Additional Features

The phone includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, and proximity sensor, which aid in automating and enhancing various device functions. Its support for basic multimedia features and communications makes it effective for day-to-day operations, considering its era.

Pricing and Color Options

At launch, the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D was priced around 150 EUR, an attractive figure for consumers seeking an affordable smartphone with innovative features like 3D display capabilities. It was available in classic black and white colors, offering choices to suit different style preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D presents itself as a pioneering budget smartphone aimed at introducing 3D technology to the masses without necessitating expensive hardware investments. Despite its limitations in processing power and storage, it provided an accessible entry point into 3D content consumption and features that were valued by users looking to experiment with new technology. While it is now discontinued, its launch represents an interesting chapter in the evolution of affordable smartphones, showcasing Micromax's strategy to blend innovation with value-centric pricing in a competitive market.