Spice Stellar 507 Unveiling Features Pricing and Performance

Overview of Spice Stellar 507 (Mi-507)

The Spice Stellar 507, also known by its model number Mi-507, was a smartphone released by Spice Mobiles back in August 2014. Though the device has since been discontinued, it remains notable for its balanced combination of entry-level specifications and affordability that catered to a wide range of users during its prime years.

Network and Connectivity

The Spice Stellar 507 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies. For 2G bands, it operates on GSM 900/1800 for both SIM slots, while for 3G, it can connect to HSDPA 2100 bands. Users benefit from relatively decent network speeds, with HSPA providing up to 21.1 Mbps for downloads and 5.76 Mbps for uploads. It also features dual SIM capability, accommodating both Mini-SIM and Micro-SIM formats, making it versatile for users with multiple network needs.

Design and Build

When it comes to design, the Spice Stellar 507 sports a straightforward yet functional look. Measuring 145.2 x 72.7 x 10.7 mm and weighing 184 grams, the phone strikes a balance between substantial build quality and hand-held comfort. The body was offered in color combinations that include Red/Black and Blue/Black, giving consumers a small range of personalization options.

Display Characteristics

The device features a 5.0-inch TFT display, which supports 256K colors. Although not the most vivid or high-definition display by modern standards, it provides users with the essentials for viewing content comfortably. The screen resolution stands at 480 x 854 pixels, giving a pixel density of approximately 196 ppi, which is adequate for basic daily tasks such as browsing, reading, and social media use.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the Spice Stellar 507 offers a user-friendly interface synonymous with Google's ecosystem at the time. Under the hood, it is powered by a Mediatek MT6572 chipset, fashioned with a 28nm architecture. This chipset includes a dual-core Cortex-A7 CPU operating at 1.3 GHz, paired with a Mali-400 GPU. This configuration was standard for budget smartphones from the era, providing sufficient processing power for basic applications and multitasking.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the smartphone includes 512MB of RAM, which, while minimal by today's standards, was often sufficient for handling most tasks in its day. The internal storage is limited to 4GB, which could quickly fill up but is expandable through a microSDHC card slot, providing users with flexibility to increase storage to better suit their multimedia needs.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup on the Spice Stellar 507 includes a main 8 MP lens with autofocus capability. It also features an LED flash and a panorama mode, enhancing its ability to capture images in various conditions. Video recording capabilities are capped at 720p at 30fps, which was standard for mobile devices during that period. For selfies and video calls, a 1.3 MP front-facing camera is included, providing basic functionality for casual use.

Sound and Audio Features

The audio experience on the Spice Stellar 507 covers basic ground, with a built-in loudspeaker and the coveted 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their preferred headphones or earphones for a personal listening experience. This inclusion supports a range of audio accessories, a handy feature that newer smartphones often lack.

Communication and Sensors

Connectivity options on the device include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, enabling users to share their network connection with other devices. It supports Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR, GPS for navigation, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Missing from the connectivity suite is NFC, which was not widely expected for budget phones at the time. Mobile users can also enjoy FM radio, providing on-the-go access to music and news.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery, providing users with the ability to switch batteries on the go—an advantageous feature for those needing uninterrupted service. Standby time is estimated at up to 200 hours, with up to 8 hours of talk time and up to 28 hours of music playback, ensuring that its battery life can effectively support moderate use throughout the day.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, which collectively contribute to functionalities like auto-rotate and proximity-based screen shutdown during calls. While lacking more advanced sensors like gyroscopes or fingerprint readers that have become standard in later years, these features still provide essential usability enhancements.

Concluding Thoughts

The Spice Stellar 507 (Mi-507) represents a snapshot of the mid-2010s smartphone landscape, characterized by a focus on affordability and essential functionality. Although it may not boast the high-end features expected in today's market, it indeed served a large portion of the user base looking for a budget-friendly and reliable device back in the day. Despite its status as a discontinued model, it played a role in familiarizing many users with the capabilities of Android smartphones and the shifting trends in mobile technology.