Spice Mi491 Stellar Virtuoso Pro Full Specs Price & Review

Overview of Spice Mi-491 Stellar Virtuoso Pro

The Spice Mi-491 Stellar Virtuoso Pro is an Android smartphone released in July 2013. It targets budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a smartphone with basic features and reliable performance. Despite being discontinued, it had a significant impact on the market due to its affordability and essential functionalities. The device appeals to users who require a secondary phone or a simple device for everyday usage.

Network and Connectivity

This device supports GSM and HSPA technologies, offering 2G and 3G network capabilities. It operates on GSM 900/1800 MHz bands for both SIM slots and HSDPA 2100 in 3G bands, ensuring decent connectivity and network performance. While it doesn’t support 4G LTE, its HSPA capability provides satisfactory internet speed for browsing and light streaming.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 135 x 68 x 9.9 mm and weighing only 143 g, the Spice Mi-491 Stellar Virtuoso Pro is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. It features a plastic build that is typical for budget smartphones but remains sleek and minimalist. The dual SIM functionality, utilizing Mini-SIM slots, enables users to maintain two separate lines for personal and business use.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 4.5-inch TFT display, offering a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. This resolution results in a pixel density of approximately 218 ppi, which is sufficient for viewing basic multimedia content and accessing social media applications. While it may not deliver high definition video playback, it ensures clarity and color accuracy for regular use.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the device provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface. It is powered by a Mediatek MT6577 chipset featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor. The GPU, PowerVR SGX531u, supports basic graphics processing. While it may not handle resource-intensive apps and games smoothly, it performs adequately for everyday applications like web browsing, email, and messaging.

Memory and Storage

The Spice Mi-491 features a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand the storage capacity. This is a crucial feature for users who need more space for apps, photos, and other data. However, the device’s internal storage and RAM were not specified, which might indicate limited internal memory, common in budget smartphones of its era.

Camera

The phone comes with a 5 MP rear camera capable of basic photography and video recording. It's suitable for capturing everyday moments but may lack the advanced features and quality found in higher-end smartphone cameras. It also includes a 1.3 MP front camera, adequate for video calls and basic selfies, though it may not meet the expectations of users accustomed to higher-resolution front cameras.

Audio and Multimedia

This device features a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm audio jack, providing convenient options for audio output. Users can easily connect their headphones or external speakers for an enhanced audio experience. Additionally, the device supports FM radio, a valuable feature for users who enjoy listening to broadcast radio stations without requiring an internet connection.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access and Bluetooth 3.0 for connecting to compatible devices like headsets and speakers. The device also supports A-GPS for basic positioning services, which is advantageous for navigation applications. However, it lacks NFC capabilities, which might be a downside for users looking for advanced wireless features.

Sensors and Additional Features

The smartphone incorporates an accelerometer, which allows the device to detect orientation changes. It is used in various applications and enhances user interaction, especially in gaming and navigation apps. Although the device lacks advanced sensors like gyroscope or proximity sensor, it maintains essential functionality for regular usage scenarios.

Battery Life

Equipped with a Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, the Spice Mi-491 Stellar Virtuoso Pro provides up to 210 hours of standby time and approximately 5 hours of talk time. This battery capacity is standard for smartphones in its class and ensures adequate power for daily operations without frequent recharging, particularly for moderate users.

Market Availability and Price

Initially released at a price of about 80 Euro, the Spice Mi-491 Stellar Virtuoso Pro was positioned in the entry-level segment, providing excellent value for money. Its affordability made it accessible to a broad range of consumers, including those transitioning from feature phones to smartphones for the first time. Although it is now discontinued, it remains a noteworthy example of budget smartphone offerings from its time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Spice Mi-491 Stellar Virtuoso Pro serves as a practical option for users seeking a basic smartphone with essential features. While it may not offer the high-end specifications or cutting-edge technology seen in modern smartphones, it provides reliable performance for everyday communication and media consumption. Its user-friendly interface, combined with dual SIM support and expandable storage, makes it a versatile secondary phone or a cost-effective primary device for those with minimal smartphone usage requirements.