Micromax Viva A72 Complete Specs Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Micromax Viva A72

The Micromax Viva A72, launched in April 2013, was an entry-level smartphone catering to budget-conscious consumers. It provided basic functionalities at an affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide array of users. Although it has been discontinued, the device remains a notable example of early Android smartphones aimed at capturing the growing demand for mobile technology in emerging markets.

Design and Build

The Micromax Viva A72 features a modest design characterized by its dimensions of 142.8 x 76 x 10.6 mm and a weight of 186 grams. Its black color finish gives it a simple yet classic look that suits everyday usage. The phone supports dual SIM capabilities, which was a sought-after feature for many users who needed to manage multiple phone lines simultaneously for personal and business purposes.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0-inch TFT display, the Micromax Viva A72 offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 187 ppi. While the display does not match up to modern high-definition screens, at the time of its release, it provided adequate clarity for basic browsing, app usage, and media consumption. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 65.6% ensured a decent-sized display area for the user.

Platform and Performance

Powered by the Mediatek MT6515 chipset with a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, the Micromax Viva A72 delivers basic performance suitable for essential smartphone tasks. The device runs on the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system, which was widely used during its time of release, providing users access to a broad range of applications available on the Android market.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage of the Micromax Viva A72 is limited to 110MB, which quickly proves insufficient for multiple applications and media. To counter this, the phone supports expansion via a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to increase their storage capacity with external memory cards. This flexibility was vital for users looking to store more media files or apps without investing in a high-end device.

Camera Capabilities

The device is equipped with a single 3.15 MP rear camera. While this may not compete with today's smartphone cameras, it serves the purpose of casual photography and basic video recording. The absence of a front-facing camera is notable, reflecting the different priorities in smartphone design during this period where selfies were less emphasized.

Sound and Multimedia

For audio, the Micromax Viva A72 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which facilitates ease of listening to music, videos, and calls. This standard audio setup was common and expected in smartphones of this era, catering to the needs of users requiring basic multimedia capabilities.

Connectivity

Connectivity options in the Viva A72 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, and FM radio, while NFC capabilities are absent. The device's USB connection is proprietary, highlighting a now-outdated choice compared to the widespread adoption of universal standards like micro-USB and USB-C. Nevertheless, these features provided essential connectivity, ensuring the user could stay connected and up-to-date with their contacts and networks.

Battery Life

The phone houses a removable Li-Ion battery, offering a stand-by time of up to 280 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours. This power capacity was adequate for users engaging in light to moderate usage throughout the day, emphasizing functionality over performance-heavy applications and games.

Sensor and Additional Features

An accelerometer is the primary sensor included in the Micromax Viva A72, providing basic orientation and motion detection. While today's smartphones boast multiple sensors for diverse functionalities, this limited sensor setup aligns with the device’s target market and use case scenarios.

Market Position and Price

Priced at approximately 90 EUR, the Micromax Viva A72 was positioned as a cost-effective solution for consumers who desired an introductory smartphone experience without investing in more expensive alternatives. At its initial release, it offered a solid value for money proposition by providing essential smartphone characteristics at a budget-friendly price.