Spice Stellar 361 InDepth Review of Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Network Capabilities

The Spice Stellar 361, also known as the Mi-361, was introduced in July 2014. It supported GSM and HSPA technologies, making it compatible with both 2G and 3G networks. The device operated on GSM 900/1800 bands for 2G connections and supported HSDPA 2100 bands for 3G connections. This ensured that users could access mobile internet with speeds up to 21.1 Mbps for downloading and 5.76 Mbps for uploading, allowing for basic web browsing and streaming capabilities during its time.

Design and Build

The physical dimensions of the device were compact, measuring 115.3 x 60.6 x 11.9 mm and weighing just 102 grams. This made it a lightweight and pocket-friendly option for users. The design included a dual SIM (Mini-SIM) feature allowing users the convenience of two numbers on one device. Available in black and white colors, the phone offered basic aesthetic choices to its users. The build, with a sturdy plastic case, was quite standard for entry-level smartphones of that era.

Display Features

The Spice Stellar 361 was equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display that supported 256K colors. While not high-definition by today's standards, the display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio provided a decent visual experience. The pixel density of approximately 165 ppi was adequate for displaying images and text clearly in daily usage scenarios, though it would not impress when it comes to media consumption compared to modern standards.

Operating System and Performance

Under the hood, the device ran on the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system. It was powered by a Mediatek MT6572M chipset using a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, and a Mali-400 GPU. This combination provided sufficient processing power for basic tasks such as calling, texting, using apps, and light gaming. However, the multitasking ability was quite limited with its 256MB of RAM.

Memory and Storage

The Spice Stellar 361 came with 512MB of internal storage and had 256MB of RAM. While the internal storage was limited, there was an option to expand the memory using a microSDHC card, which provided additional space for storing apps, music, and photos. The ability to expand storage was crucial due to the limited internal capacity.

Camera Quality

The device featured a basic 2 MP rear camera, complete with an LED flash. This allowed users to capture simple photographs and videos at 480p resolution at 25 frames per second. There was also a 1.3 MP front-facing camera for taking selfies. While the cameras were rudimentary, they offered basic functionality for photography in good lighting conditions.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio playback on the Spice Stellar 361 was delivered through dual loudspeakers, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack allowed for personal listening experiences. The phone also supported FM radio, providing additional media options for users. Despite its limitations, it catered to essential audio and multimedia needs without high fidelity.

Connectivity Options

This smartphone supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and functioned as a hotspot, enabling users to connect to the internet wirelessly. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support was available for connecting to various Bluetooth-enabled devices. GPS was included for navigation services, but there was no NFC support. The microUSB 2.0 port facilitated data transfer and charging.

Battery Life

The Spice Stellar 361 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery. For its size and capabilities, the battery provided a stand-by time of up to 72 hours, a talk time of up to 8 hours, and music playtime of up to 15 hours. This ensured that users could comfortably use the phone throughout a typical day without frequent recharges.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device included an accelerometer sensor, which allowed it to detect movement and orientation changes. While a simple feature by today’s standards, it enabled basic functions such as auto-rotate and gaming interactions.

Conclusion

In its time, the Spice Stellar 361 catered to the entry-level smartphone market with a focus on providing essential features at an affordable price. While it may not compete with high-end devices in terms of performance or features, it provided a gateway for users seeking a simple mobile experience. Its release marked a step forward in making mobile technology accessible to a broader range of consumers, especially in emerging markets.