Micromax A290 Canvas Knight Cameo Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Micromax A290 Canvas Knight Cameo

The Micromax A290 Canvas Knight Cameo is a smartphone that was introduced into the competitive market of Android devices in September 2014. Despite its discontinuation, it remains an interesting device to examine due to its unique blend of features and design choices during its time.

Network Capabilities

The device supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, ensuring that users can enjoy reliable connectivity for voice and data services. It features 2G bands for GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM 1 and SIM 2. For 3G, it supports HSDPA 900/2100 bands, with speeds reaching HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, providing moderate internet browsing and app download speeds for its period.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released simultaneously in September 2014, the Micromax A290 Canvas Knight Cameo had a brief market presence before being discontinued. Despite a short lifespan on the shelves, it offered value at an accessible price point, which was about 150 EUR, making it appealing to cost-conscious consumers at the time.

Design and Build

The phone features a sleek design with dimensions of 137 x 68 x 8 mm and a weight of 123 g. This compact build makes it easy to handle and carry. It supports dual SIM functionality, which was advantageous for users managing multiple phone numbers or traveling between regions.

Display Features

Equipped with a 4.7-inch IPS LCD screen, the Micromax A290 Canvas Knight Cameo offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 312 pixels per inch, delivering crisp visuals and vibrant colors. The screen-to-body ratio stands at about 65.4%, offering a reasonable display size within its minimalistic frame.

Operating System and Performance

Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the device leverages the Mediatek MT6592M chipset built on a 28 nm process. It is powered by an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, ensuring efficient, albeit modest, performance for everyday tasks. The Mali-450MP4 GPU provides basic graphical processing capabilities, sufficient for standard applications and casual gaming.

Storage and Memory

This smartphone includes 8GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM. While 8GB might seem limited, the microSDHC card slot allows for expandable storage, providing flexibility for users needing more space for apps and media.

Camera Specifications

The Micromax A290 Canvas Knight Cameo is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing 1080p videos at 30fps. The camera app also supports panorama mode for capturing wide-angle shots. On the front, a 5 MP camera facilitates decent selfie captures and can record videos at 720p quality, suitable for video calls.

Audio and Connectivity

For audio, the device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, standard for mobile devices of its era. In terms of connectivity, it offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for wireless peripheral connections, and a GPS service for navigation. The device, however, lacks NFC, but includes FM radio functionality for entertainment. A microUSB 2.0 port supports charging and file transfers.

Sensors and Additional Features

The smartphone is equipped with three essential sensors: an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enriching the user interface and application functionality. These sensors support various interactive applications and enhance user experience in navigation and gaming.

Battery Life

The Micromax A290 Canvas Knight Cameo houses a non-removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. This provides up to 180 hours of standby time and approximately 7 hours of talk time, which was competitive for smartphones around the mid-2010s, catering to moderate usage patterns without frequent recharging.

Color Variants and Pricing

The device was available in three color options, Pure Black, Black/Gold, and White/Gold, allowing consumers to choose according to their personal style preferences. Originally priced at around 150 EUR, it offered an affordable entry into the world of smart technology, providing features that matched the price point favorably during its launch period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Micromax A290 Canvas Knight Cameo exemplifies a budget-friendly smartphone option tailored to users seeking basic functionality and decent performance. Its blend of dual SIM capability, expandable storage, and compact design made it a sensible choice for many users at the time of its release in 2014. Although now discontinued, it remains a testament to Micromax’s efforts to cater to a diverse consumer base, balancing affordability with essential smartphone features.