Unveiling Micromax A117 Canvas Magnus Specs Pricing & Insights

Overview of Micromax A117 Canvas Magnus

The Micromax A117 Canvas Magnus, released in October 2013, is a mid-range smartphone crafted to deliver a balanced smartphone experience. The device packs a suite of features that were quite competitive at the time of its release. While it is now considered outdated, it remains a point of interest among enthusiasts of older smartphone technology.

Network and Connectivity

The Micromax A117 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, making it suitable for a variety of network providers. It operates on 2G bands GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G band HSDPA 2100, providing decent speed with HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps. While the device does not support LTE, its connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth 4.0, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. Unfortunately, NFC is not supported, which limits its use for contactless payments.

Design and Build

The A117 Canvas Magnus has dimensions of 144 x 74 x 9 mm, offering a comfortable grip despite the 5-inch screen. It features a dual SIM (Mini-SIM) setup, catering to those who manage multiple numbers or want to balance personal and work communications. The choice of color, black or white, offers a degree of personalization.

Display Features

The device sports a 5.0-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, providing good color reproduction and viewing angles. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, it offers a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi, which results in clear and crisp visuals suitable for daily tasks and media consumption.

Operating System and Performance

Running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the Micromax A117 is powered by a Mediatek MT6589T chipset. The Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU coupled with a PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU ensures a satisfactory performance for routine tasks and basic gaming. However, the Android Jelly Bean version is considered outdated, which might pose challenges for modern app compatibility.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage of 4GB with 2.6GB user-available space may be a constraint in an era where apps and media take up significant space. However, the presence of a microSDHC slot allows for expandable storage, making it more versatile. With 1GB of RAM, the A117 delivers adequate performance, though multitasking with heavier apps can be sluggish.

Camera Capabilities

The A117 Canvas Magnus is equipped with a 12 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash. It offers acceptable image quality for capturing everyday moments and supports video recording at 720p@30fps. The 2 MP front-facing camera is sufficient for basic selfies and video calls, though it does not match modern standards for image quality.

Battery Life

The device houses a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. Despite its modest capacity by today’s standards, the battery offers reasonable performance with up to 180 hours on standby and approximately 7 hours of talk time. The ability to replace the battery can extend the lifespan of the device, offering users a degree of longevity.

Additional Features and Sensors

The Micromax A117 includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and gyro, which enhance its functionality. The presence of an FM radio adds to its multimedia capabilities, while the 3.5mm jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals.

Market Pricing and Aftermath

Originally priced around 180 EUR, the A117 was deemed as an affordable option for those seeking a mid-range smartphone experience without compromising essential features. Although it has been discontinued, it remains available in secondary markets and can serve as a budget-friendly device for basic needs.

Conclusion

The Micromax A117 Canvas Magnus is a testament to the rapid evolution of smartphone technology. While it no longer matches the capabilities of contemporary devices, it offers an interesting glimpse into the past with its balanced feature set. It suits users who appreciate classic technology or need a secondary device for basic communication and media playback.