Price and specifications of Micromax Canvas Tab P470 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Micromax Canvas Tab P470

The Micromax Canvas Tab P470 is a budget-friendly tablet that was introduced to the market in January 2015. Initially launched as an affordable option for users looking for a basic Android tablet, the Canvas Tab P470 has been discontinued but continues to attract interest owing to its simple features and usability. With its 7-inch display, dual-SIM capability, and support for 3G connectivity, it was positioned as a convenient option for users who needed a portable device with essential functions.

Launch and Availability

The Micromax Canvas Tab P470 was announced and released in January 2015. However, it has since been discontinued, meaning it is no longer produced or sold as new from official channels. Despite this, it can still be found in some secondary and refurbishment markets, making it accessible for users who appreciate its straightforward design and functionality.

Design and Build

The Canvas Tab P470 has a compact form factor with dimensions measuring 192 x 113 x 10.4 mm, and it weighs in at 306 grams, making it portable and easy to hold. The device features a Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) configuration, which was relatively novel at the time of release, offering users the flexibility to manage two SIM cards simultaneously. The design was practical, with a focus on utility rather than premium aesthetics, coming in colors like Classy Silver and Mystic Grey.

Display

The tablet sports a 7.0-inch TFT display that supports 256K colors. Its resolution is 600 x 1024 pixels, offering a 16:9 aspect ratio with approximately 170 ppi pixel density. Although not high-definition, the display was adequate for basic multimedia consumption, web browsing, and running applications during its time.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek MT8312 chipset built on a 28 nm process, the Canvas Tab P470 includes a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. For graphics handling, it utilizes a Mali-400 GPU. With 1GB of RAM, the tablet can manage fundamental tasks and light multitasking. However, its hardware may struggle with more demanding applications and modern software requirements.

Storage

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot. Although 8GB was considered minimal even at the time of its release, the presence of expandable storage provided a flexible solution for users with additional storage needs for media and apps.

Camera Systems

The Canvas Tab P470 is equipped with a basic 5 MP main camera with an LED flash for improved low-light photography. It can record videos at 720p quality. Additionally, a VGA front camera is available for selfies and video calls, though with limited resolution that reflects the device's budget positioning.

Connectivity Options

The tablet supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, ensuring that users can access cellular networks. It provides 2G and 3G bands, with speeds up to HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps. For local connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS for location services, FM radio support, and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG functionality.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3200 mAh battery. The battery offers up to 158 hours of standby time and up to 11 hours of talk time, which was considered decent for its class, ensuring a full day of moderate usage without frequent recharging.

Operating System

Out of the box, the Canvas Tab P470 runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat. At the time of its release, KitKat was known for improved performance over its predecessors and brought enhanced features, but it is now outdated with respect to modern Android capabilities and security standards.

Additional Features

The tablet comes with a suite of sensors including an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These contributed to basic functionality such as auto-rotation and proximity-based screen wake/sleep features.

Pros and Cons

The Micromax Canvas Tab P470 was praised for its affordability, dual-SIM capability, and the inclusion of essential functions in a compact package. However, it faced criticism due to its limited performance, low-resolution display, and minimal internal storage. Additionally, the lack of ongoing software updates and availability issues due to its discontinued status are noteworthy considerations for potential users.

Conclusion

Even though the Micromax Canvas Tab P470 is no longer in production, it remains a relevant example of budget-friendly tablet design from the mid-2010s. Its features catered to users seeking a simple and portable device without the need for high-end capabilities or cost. For those who require basic functionalities, it served as a useful tool, especially in regions where affordable technology solutions were in high demand.