Micromax A99 Canvas Xpress Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network Capabilities

The Micromax A99 Canvas Xpress supports GSM and HSPA technologies. It provides reasonable network compatibility with 2G bands including GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 for both SIM 1 and SIM 2. For 3G bands, it supports HSDPA 2100, ensuring users can access higher-speed data connections where available. The device offers network speeds up to 21.1 Mbps for downloads and 5.76 Mbps for uploads, which was quite satisfactory at the time of its release.

Launch and Availability

Initially announced in the fourth quarter of 2014, the Micromax A99 Canvas Xpress was also released in the same quarter. However, this model has since been discontinued, which means potential buyers would need to search for second-hand units or existing stock that might still be available from various sellers.

Body and Design

The Micromax A99 Canvas Xpress features a modest design with a body dimension of 132.4 x 64.5 x 8.7 mm, making it quite compact and easy to hold. Weighing just 143 grams, it is lightweight and portable, and easily fits into pockets without being cumbersome. It offers a dual SIM feature, supporting one Mini-SIM and one Micro-SIM, both operating on a dual stand-by basis, adding the convenience of managing two numbers or carriers with the same device.

Display Quality

The smartphone is equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display. This screen provides a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, yielding a pixel density of approximately 218 pixels per inch. While not retune-sharp, this display was considered adequate for the price range, offering decent clarity and color representation suited for basic smartphone activities like browsing and image viewing.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the Micromax A99 Canvas Xpress offers a user interface that is easy to navigate and comes with various features typical of the Android KitKat OS. It is powered by the Mediatek MT6582V/X chipset with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. For graphics, it relies on the Mali-400MP2 GPU, which is capable of handling standard graphical tasks and casual gaming. The device accommodates basic multitasking needs with its 1GB of RAM.

Storage Options

The device comes with an internal storage capacity of 8GB, which, given the mobile's projected use, might be quite limited for users who wish to store multimedia files, large apps, or extensive data. Nevertheless, the presence of a microSDHC card slot allows users to expand their storage to meet personal requirements, offering more flexibility.

Camera Features

On the camera front, the Micromax A99 Canvas Xpress features a single 5MP autofocus rear camera, equipped with an LED flash to assist low-light photography. It is capable of recording videos at 720p resolution. Although not cutting-edge by current standards, this configuration is sufficient for casual photography and video needs. The device also includes a VGA front camera, catering to basic selfie needs and video calls.

Audio and Connectivity

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, standard audio connectivity that allows users to connect with most audio devices. Communication features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n capabilities and hotspot functionality. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support is present, enabling wireless audio transmission and connectivity with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Although NFC is not supported, the device includes GPS for navigation and location-based services. An FM radio is also present, providing access to free-to-air broadcasting, while the microUSB 2.0 port enables charging and data transfer.

Sensor and Battery Life

Among the sensors, the phone includes an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which supports various applications and settings such as screen rotation and call handling. The device is powered by a removable 1950mAh Li-Ion battery, with a stand-by time of up to 240 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours. These figures suggest moderate battery life, relative to the device's specs and usage patterns.

Miscellaneous

Available in black, the Micromax A99 Canvas Xpress held a SAR value of 0.68 W/kg for the head and 0.60 W/kg for the body. At launch, it was priced around 110 EUR, offering a budget-friendly solution for consumers seeking basic smartphone functionality.