Spice Smart Flo 358 Ultimate Specs Pricing & Performance Review

Overview

The Spice Smart Flo 358 (Mi-358) is a budget-friendly smartphone released in October 2014. Despite its entry-level status, it offers a variety of features catering to basic smartphone needs. Equipped with necessary communication and multimedia functions, this device serves as a solid option for users seeking practicality over high-end specifications.

Design and Build

The Spice Smart Flo 358 comes with dimensions of 118 x 60.4 x 10.8 mm and weighs 130 g, making it relatively lightweight and easy to handle. It features a compact design that is typical of smartphones from its era. The presence of a dual SIM (Mini-SIM) capability adds convenience for users who require multiple phone lines. Available in classic White and Gray, it retains a simple and understated aesthetic.

Display

The device is equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display, offering 256K colors. The screen, although limited in size, provides a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio. At approximately 165 ppi, the pixel density is modest, but it is aligned with the device's focus on basic functionality rather than high-resolution graphics.

Performance

Under the hood, the Spice Smart Flo 358 is powered by a Mediatek MT6571 chipset, coupled with a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The GPU is a Mali-400, which supports basic graphics processing required for everyday tasks. With 256MB of RAM and 512MB of internal storage, it is clear that the device is suited for fundamental smartphone applications such as calls, messaging, and light app usage. The storage can be expanded via a microSDHC slot, catering to users needing additional space for media and apps.

Operating System

This smartphone runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, an operating system that, while dated, provides a user-friendly interface with access to a wide array of applications via the Google Play Store. KitKat is known for its optimized performance on devices with lower specifications, making it a fitting choice for the Mi-358.

Camera

The main camera comprises a single 2 MP sensor and includes an LED flash for improved lighting in darker environments. It is capable of recording video at 720p at 25 frames per second, which suffices for casual photography and video capturing. The front-facing camera features a 1.3 MP sensor, enabling basic video calls and self-portraits. While the camera specifications are modest, they are geared towards users who require only essential photography functions.

Battery Life

The device uses a Li-Ion 1450 mAh battery, which supports up to 300 hours of standby time and approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. For music enthusiasts, the device can provide up to 20 hours of continuous music playback. The battery life is tailored to cover daily usage without frequent charging, which is advantageous for users with moderate phone utilization patterns.

Connectivity

Supporting GSM technology, the device operates within GSM 900/1800 frequency bands for both SIM slots. It offers connectivity features such as GPRS Class 12 and EDGE Class 12. The absence of 3G or 4G capabilities highlights its focus on essential connectivity. Other features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR, A-GPS for basic location services, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Notably, it lacks NFC support, aligning with its budget-friendly positioning.

Sound

The smartphone includes a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media playback. It comes with a standard 3.5mm jack, providing compatibility with a wide range of headphones and audio accessories, ensuring that audio listening is both manageable and straightforward.

Sensors

An accelerometer is the principal sensor it includes, aiding in orientation and motion detection which enhances user experiences in various applications and games where motion detection is involved.

Conclusion

The Spice Smart Flo 358 (Mi-358) fulfills essential smartphone functions with a specific focus on affordability and practicality. Its features cater well to users prioritizing communication and basic entertainment needs over advanced technological capabilities. It serves as a dependable option in the market segment of budget smartphones, providing fundamental capabilities to keep users connected and entertained with essential tools and features.