Overview of Spice Mi-500 Stellar Horizon

The Spice Mi-500 Stellar Horizon is a smartphone that was a notable entry into the market back in 2012. Released in October of that year, it was a part of the ever-growing Android ecosystem and aimed to provide users with a robust Android experience at an affordable price point. While technology has evolved greatly since its release, the Mi-500 holds a special place as an early smartphone that showcased several features that are standard today.

Network Capabilities

The Spice Mi-500 supports dual-SIM capability, which was a cutting-edge feature at the time of its release. The phone can operate on both GSM and HSPA technologies, allowing it to connect to a variety of network types for both 2G and 3G connectivity. This made it a versatile option for users who needed to manage multiple numbers or networks, catering well to business professionals and travelers.

Design and Build Quality

The phone has a solid body with dimensions of 143 x 77.4 x 10.5 mm and weighs in at 205 grams. It was marketed as a durable yet sleek device, offering a clean white finish that appealed to users who preferred simplicity and elegance in their devices. Its dual SIM slots use the Mini-SIM type and offer dual standby functionality.

Display

The Spice Mi-500 features a 5.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 64.3%, and this touch screen provides a decent visual experience for the era, although it does not feature the high definition qualities that modern users might expect. The pixel density of 187 ppi is adequate for basic multimedia applications, internet browsing, and daily usage.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Mi-500 is powered by the Mediatek MT6577 chipset, which is built on 40 nm technology. It has a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, alongside a PowerVR SGX531u GPU. While these specifications might seem outdated today, they provided an efficient performance for the time, capable of handling various applications running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smoothly. The 512MB RAM and 4GB of internal storage, while minimal by today's standards, are adequate for basic usage and some level of multitasking.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage of the Spice Mi-500 is expandable via a dedicated microSDHC card slot, which is essential for users requiring additional memory for apps, media, and documents. Given the modest 4GB built-in storage, the expandability is a vital feature for enhancing the device's functionality.

Camera Specifications

This smartphone is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus (AF) rear camera that includes a dual-LED flash, making it capable of capturing decent images in good lighting conditions. The VGA front camera, although basic, provides an option for video calls and simple selfies.

Audio and Connectivity

The Spice Mi-500 features standard audio and connectivity options including a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which remain staple features in smartphones even today. In terms of connectivity, the phone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth, GPS, an FM radio for entertainment, and uses a proprietary USB for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the phone includes an accelerometer and proximity sensor, supporting basic orientation, gesture, and proximity functionalities. These sensors contribute to user interaction and overall device usability in day-to-day activities.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2400 mAh battery. This provided a commendable battery life at the time, with an impressive standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of around 6 hours, which is more than adequate for a device of its class.

Pricing and Availability

The Spice Mi-500 Stellar Horizon was priced at approximately 180 EUR at launch, positioning it as a budget-friendly smartphone option. However, as of the present day, the device has been discontinued and may primarily be available on secondary markets or through collectors.

Conclusion

The Spice Mi-500 Stellar Horizon provided users in 2012 with a well-rounded experience, combining essential smartphone features with a dual SIM setup and an entry-level performance designed to cater to everyday needs. While technological advancements have since rendered its specs obsolete, it remains a noteworthy example of the affordability and innovation present in the mobile technology landscape of its time.