Price and specifications of Micromax A87 Ninja 4.0 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Micromax A87 Ninja 4.0

The Micromax A87 Ninja 4.0 was announced in September 2012 and released in the same month. This budget smartphone was part of the Ninja series by Micromax, which was targeted at the entry-level market segment. Although the device has been discontinued, it remains a notable example of early Android smartphones in emerging markets, especially due to its affordability and basic functionalities that catered to first-time smartphone users.

Design and Build

The Ninja 4.0 boasts dimensions of 124.8 x 64 x 11.7 mm, providing a compact form that was quite typical for smartphones of its time. It features a dual SIM structure allowing users to manage two phone numbers through mini-SIM cards, which was a popular feature for business and personal use purposes.

Display

Equipped with a 4.0-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, the screen resolution of 480 x 800 pixels offers a decent visual experience for an entry-level phone. The screen to body ratio stands at approximately 57%, making the display the primary focus on the front panel. Despite the modest resolution and pixel density of around 233 ppi, it was effective for standard tasks such as calling, texting, and basic app usage.

Processor and Performance

Under the hood, the Micromax A87 Ninja 4.0 is powered by a 1.0 GHz processor. While the processing power might seem minimal by today's standards, it was sufficient for running the Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) operating system. The device features 256MB of RAM, which was the norm for smartphones in the entry-level category during that era. The processing configuration supports basic multitasking but shows limitations under more intensive usage conditions.

Operating System

The device comes pre-installed with Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, which was highly prevalent during 2012. While it lacks the modern capabilities of recent Android versions, it offers a user-friendly interface with essential applications such as email, web browsing, and social media integration. Gingerbread was known for its simplicity, making it suitable for users transitioning from basic phones to smartphones.

Memory and Storage

Onboard storage is rather limited at 130MB, necessitating the use of a microSDHC card for expansion, supporting additional storage needs. With the inclusion of external memory, users could extend the functionality of their device, employing more applications and storing more personal data such as pictures and music.

Camera Features

The Micromax A87 Ninja 4.0 is fitted with a single 2 MP rear camera, which supports basic photography requirements. Given the resolution, the camera is suitable for daylight photos but struggles with low-light conditions. Video recording is possible, allowing users to capture moving images despite the lack of high fidelity and richness.

Battery Life

The phone’s 1400 mAh removable battery offers reasonable endurance for a device of its class. It provides up to 175 hours of standby time and approximately 5 hours of talk time, catering to daily needs without frequent recharging, assuming moderate usage.

Connectivity and Network

Micromax A87 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, facilitating reasonable data speeds of up to HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and FM radio, ensuring a range of features for an entry-level device. It also incorporates a micro USB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer purposes.

Sound and Multimedia

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which were traditional audio interfaces for mobile phones. This allows users to listen to music, take calls on speakerphone, and connect to external audio devices with ease.

Sensors and Additional Features

Sensors on the Micromax A87 include an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which are used primarily for auto-rotation and adaptable screen functions during calls. Although minimalist in its feature set, the phone includes the essentials for an affordable smartphone experience.

Price and Market Position

At the time of release, the Micromax A87 Ninja 4.0 was priced at approximately 90 EUR, making it a very attractive option for consumers looking for budget-friendly smartphones. Its competitive pricing, combined with dual SIM capabilities and basic smartphone functionalities, positioned it as an appealing choice in emerging markets, and for users transitioning from feature phones.

Conclusion

Overall, the Micromax A87 Ninja 4.0 served as a cost-effective introduction to the world of smartphones. Its straightforward design, combined with essential features, made it suitable for a segment of users seeking basic smartphone capabilities without the need for high-end specifications. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a significant example of budget smartphones at the time and represents an essential step in the evolution of mobile technology access across various markets.