Micromax A36 Bolt Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Micromax A36 Bolt

The Micromax A36 Bolt, released in 2014, is a budget-friendly smartphone that aimed to capture the entry-level market. With its basic features and affordable price, the device was targeted at consumers seeking functionality without the complexity of high-end phones. Despite being discontinued, understanding its capabilities and limitations provides insight into the early smartphone era and the development of low-cost mobile technology.

Design and Build

The Micromax A36 Bolt comes with a classic design tailored for easy handling and portability. The absence of dimensions and weight in available specifications suggests that the device prioritizes simplicity and ease of use over bulky and intricate design. The phone supports dual SIM functionality with Mini-SIM slots, allowing users to manage personal and professional contacts on a single device. This was particularly appealing to users who required separation between their private and work lives.

Display

Featuring a 4.0 inch TFT display, the Micromax A36 Bolt offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. Although it can’t compete with modern high-definition displays, at the time, this provided adequate clarity for typical tasks such as browsing and messaging. The screen supports 65K colors, offering a basic visual experience suitable for first-time smartphone users.

Performance

At the heart of the Micromax A36 Bolt is the Spreadtrum SC6820 chipset, clocked at 1.0 GHz. Coupled with a modest 256MB RAM, the device is designed to handle basic tasks. This setup means the phone is best suited for simple operations like calling, texting, and light application use. It supports the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, which, despite being outdated by today’s standards, was quite sufficient for everyday use during its release period.

Camera Capabilities

The phone sports a 2 MP rear camera, offering basic photography functions suitable for casual snapshots. The video recording feature is a plus but without high-definition quality. For selfies, the device includes a VGA front camera, providing minimal quality but fulfilling the essential requirement for video calls and occasional self-portraits.

Memory and Storage

Internal storage on the Micromax A36 Bolt is limited to 512MB, with approximately 256MB available for RAM. These specifications require users to make efficient use of the available space. However, the inclusion of a microSDHC slot offers some relief, allowing users to expand their storage. This flexibility means you can keep essential apps on the device while storing multimedia files and additional applications on the external card.

Connectivity and Communication

In terms of connectivity, the Micromax A36 Bolt comes equipped with essential options. The device features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities for internet access. Bluetooth 2.1 and A2DP enhance the phone’s ability to connect with other devices, providing for wireless audio streaming and file transfer. The inclusion of an FM radio allows users to listen to music and news, a feature often appreciated in budget phones. However, the device lacks GPS, positioning, and NFC support, reflecting its focus on basic functionality.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, providing sufficient stand-by time of up to 177 hours and a talk time of around 4 hours. While the battery capacity may seem limited to today's standards, it was adequate for the hardware specifications and user requirements at the time of its release. The capability to remove and replace the battery also added to the device's practicality, allowing users to carry spares for extended use.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound features of the Micromax A36 Bolt include a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring users can enjoy media playback both publicly and privately. These features ensure compatibility with a wide range of headphones and audio devices, a valuable inclusion for users who rely heavily on audio content.

Price and Market Impact

At a price point of about 50 EUR, the Micromax A36 Bolt was positioned as an affordable option for those new to smartphones or in need of a secondary device. Its discontinuation reflects the rapid evolution and growing demands of the smartphone industry, but it remains a testament to the accessibility of technology for wider audiences during its time on the market.

Conclusion

The Micromax A36 Bolt served its purpose as a basic, cost-effective smartphone option, encapsulating the essential features needed by users transitioning from feature phones. Its design and functionality were well-suited to the market demand of its time, providing an entry-level experience into the world of smartphones. While it may lack the complex features of modern devices, it stands as a reminder of the progressive nature of technology and how far mobile phones have advanced in just a few years.