Price and specifications of Micromax A61 Bolt advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Device Overview

The Micromax A61 Bolt is a smartphone that was launched in November 2013 and released to the market shortly after in December 2013. Although it has since been discontinued, this device served as an entry-level smartphone option during its time, providing essential features for users without a high price tag. It was one of the popular options for those seeking a dual SIM phone with basic functionalities.

Network Technology

The Micromax A61 Bolt supported GSM and HSPA network technologies. For 2G connectivity, it operated on GSM 900/1800 bands across both SIM slots, while for 3G networks, it supported the HSDPA 2100 band. The device could offer network speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps downlink and 5.76 Mbps uplink, modest yet acceptable speeds for browsing and light internet activities during its market time.

Design and Build

The device dimensions are 135 x 67 x 10 mm, making it compact and easy to handle. While specific weight is not documented, the design was likely light given its size and dual SIM functionality. The Micromax A61 Bolt featured a simple design typical of smartphones in the early 2010s. Its practical build included a removable back cover that allowed users to access the battery and SIM/microSD slots easily.

Display

The Micromax A61 Bolt sports a 4.0 inch TFT display. The resolution of the screen is 480 x 800 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. This specification provided clear and sharp imaging for its category, although it falls short compared to modern-day smartphone displays. However, for everyday tasks like texting, calling, and basic app use, the display capabilities held up effectively during its time.

Platform and Performance

This smartphone operates on the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, which was quite popular during the device's release period. The phone is powered by the Spreadtrum SC7710 chipset with a 1.0 GHz processor. It was primarily designed to perform basic smartphone tasks, including calling, messaging, and accessing social media. The limited RAM of 256MB means the device was not intended for multi-tasking or handling demanding apps, aligning with its entry-level market positioning.

Memory and Storage

The Micromax A61 Bolt comes with 512MB of internal storage, coupled with 256MB RAM, though it's supported by a dedicated microSDHC slot for expandable storage. This means users could expand the phone's storage to accommodate more apps, music, and some multimedia files, albeit within limits, allowing for a reasonable degree of customization and capacity expansion considering the period of its release.

Camera Features

On the camera front, the A61 Bolt features a 2 MP rear camera equipped with LED flash, providing basic photographic capabilities. Video recording is also supported, although neither specifications nor quality can be compared to modern standards. Additionally, it has a VGA front camera which might suffice for very basic video calling needs but offers limited functionality for quality selfies.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone has the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, which remains a desirable feature for users who prefer wired earphones. The presence of a loudspeaker enables it to function as a media playback device, suitable for playing music, videos, or radio with enough sound clarity for personal use. Additionally, the device includes an FM radio feature, which was common and popular in mobile devices of that era, serving users who enjoy tuning into local radio stations.

Connectivity Options

The connectivity suite in the Micromax A61 Bolt includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n capabilities with hotspot functionality, meaning users could use this smartphone to create and share an internet connection with other devices. It also has Bluetooth 2.1 with support for A2DP and EDR, providing options for connecting to other Bluetooth devices. Furthermore, it has a GPS for location tracking, although it lacks NFC support. For physical connectivity, a microUSB 2.0 port is available.

Battery and Power Management

With a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, the Micromax A61 Bolt provides standby time of up to 160 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours. Given its specifications and intended usage, the battery is appropriately matched, enabling users to go through their day without the need for frequent recharging under moderate use.

Additional Features

The phone is equipped with an accelerometer sensor, which can be utilized by various apps for motion detection. This sensor helps facilitate screen rotation and various basic motion-based functionalities. Color options were limited to black, which complemented its minimalistic design.

Summary and Pricing

Overall, the Micromax A61 Bolt catered to users looking for affordability and basic mobile communication and application features. Priced at approximately 60 EUR at launch, it was accessible to a wide market, particularly in areas with growing interests in smartphones but limited purchasing power. Although now discontinued, during its time, it provided an option for those entering the smartphone ecosystem with practicality and simplicity.