Micromax Bolt S300 Comprehensive Review Specs & Price Insights

Device Overview

The Micromax Bolt S300 is a compact and budget-friendly smartphone that was launched in March 2015. As an entry-level device, it offers basic features and functionalities suited for users who require a straightforward mobile experience without the need for advanced features. Let's explore the various aspects of this device in detail.

Design and Build

The Micromax Bolt S300 features a conventional design typical of early 2010s smartphones. With dimensions of 124 x 65.8 x 11.2 mm and a weight of 123 g, the device is compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle and carry in pockets. It sports a plastic body with a dual-SIM capability, catering to users who need to operate two different numbers or networks simultaneously. The phone is available in a classic black color, which pairs well with its modest design.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 4.0-inch TFT display, offering 256K colors. The screen's resolution is 480 x 800 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. While the display size and resolution are quite modest compared to contemporary smartphones, they are suitable for the intended target audience who prioritize affordability over high-resolution screens. The display covers about 55.8% of the phone's front, providing an adequate viewing area for basic tasks such as browsing, messaging, and calling.

Performance and Hardware

At the core of the Micromax Bolt S300 is the Spreadtrum 7715 chipset, paired with a 1.0 GHz processor. This setup delivers basic processing power suitable for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and simple app usage. However, users shouldn't expect high performance in demanding applications or multitasking scenarios given the hardware limitations.

The phone offers 512MB of RAM, which is relatively low in modern standards but is acceptable for lightweight operations and the device's target market in 2015. The internal storage capacity is 4GB, enabling users to store essential apps and files. Additionally, there is a microSDHC slot for expandable storage, allowing users to add more space according to their needs.

Camera Capabilities

The Micromax Bolt S300 is equipped with a basic VGA main camera enhanced by an LED flash for low-light conditions. Users can take basic photos, although the quality will not meet today's standards of smartphone photography. The camera also supports video recording.

On the front, the device features a VGA selfie camera, suitable for video calls and basic selfies. With about 0.3MP, this camera is certainly not designed for high-resolution photos but provides the minimal functionality needed for its purpose.

Battery Life

The phone houses a 1200mAh removable Li-Ion battery. Such a battery capacity, though limited, aligns with the device's minimal energy demands due to its basic hardware and display. According to Micromax, the battery can last up to 155 hours on standby and up to 4 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. Users can expect a full day's use with light activities but should manage their expectations when it comes to heavy usage requiring frequent recharging.

Operating System and Software

The Micromax Bolt S300 runs on Android 4.4.3 KitKat, an older version of Android that, at its release time, offered a stable and smooth user experience for lower-end devices. While it lacks support for the latest applications, the OS version offers a user-friendly interface with basic functionality and access to the Google Play Store for downloading apps compatible with this version of Android.

Network and Connectivity

This device supports GSM and HSPA technology, facilitating 2G and 3G network bands. Specifically, it supports GSM 900/1800 for both SIM slots and HSDPA 900/2100 for 3G. This ensures users can stay connected via mobile networks for voice and data services, though without 4G LTE support.

For connectivity, the Micromax Bolt S300 includes several options, such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1, microUSB 2.0, and A-GPS for basic location services. The device also supports FM radio, providing an additional media option for users.

Multimedia and Audio

The phone offers basic audio functionality with a built-in loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to listen to music or radio via wired headphones. Although multimedia capabilities are limited due to the hardware constraints, the device can handle basic audio playback efficiently.

Sensors and Additional Features

An accelerometer sensor is included in the Micromax Bolt S300, allowing the device to detect motion and orientation changes. This can be useful for certain applications and games that make use of motion-sensing for interaction.

As a budget phone, the device lacks more advanced sensors and functionalities such as NFC, proximity, or gyro sensors, aligning with its positioning as an entry-level smartphone.

Price and Market Position

When it was launched, the Micromax Bolt S300 was priced at approximately 60 EUR, making it an affordable choice for consumers in search of basic smartphone capabilities. Its launch targeted emerging markets and cost-conscious consumers, offering a viable option for those transitioning from feature phones to smartphones without a significant investment.

Conclusion

The Micromax Bolt S300 is a classic example of a budget-friendly and straightforward smartphone from the mid-2010s. While it doesn't boast the high-tech features or powerful specs of modern-day devices, it provides essential functions required by users who need a simple and affordable mobile phone. Its strengths lie in its ease of use, dual-SIM capability, and affordability, making it suitable for users who primarily use their phones for basic communication.