Introduction to Spice Stellar 520 (Mi-520)
The Spice Stellar 520, also known as Mi-520, was announced and released in July 2014, offering a balanced combination of features aimed at delivering a satisfactory smartphone experience. Although discontinued, it's important to appreciate what this device brought to the table during its time.
Design and Build
The Spice Stellar 520 measures 145 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm and weighs 156 grams, creating a substantial yet manageable presence in the hand. The device was available in an eye-catching Red and Yellow color scheme, allowing users to express their personal style. Designed with a Mini-SIM compatibility, the phone's design embodied a strong ergonomic feel, making it comfortable for longer usage periods.
Display Characteristics
Featuring a 5.0-inch IPS LCD, the Spice Stellar 520 offered vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and approximately 294 ppi pixel density, the screen produced clear and sharp visuals, suitable for media consumption and everyday tasks. The display was a highlight for budget-conscious consumers seeking good screen performance without breaking the bank.
Performance and Platform
Under the hood, the Spice Stellar 520 was powered by a Mediatek MT6582 chipset, built on the 28 nm technology. Its Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU paired with a Mali-400MP2 GPU ensured capable processing power for standard applications and some moderate multitasking scenarios. Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, users benefitted from an intuitive and user-friendly interface, enriched with accessibility to a broad range of applications.
Memory and Storage
Equipped with 4GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM, the device facilitated its basic usage effectively but left some room for desire in terms of expansive storage. However, it countered this limitation by supporting microSDHC cards via a dedicated slot, providing users with the essential flexibility to extend storage capacity for additional applications, photos, and media files.
Camera Systems
The main camera, an 8 MP shooter with autofocus, presented users with LED flash, panorama, and HDR features, making it suitable for casual photography needs. While video recording capabilities were also included, the camera's performance was best within well-lit environments, typical for devices in its price range at the time. On the front, the device housed a 2 MP selfie camera, meeting the basic needs for video calls and self-portraits.
Sound and Communication Features
Sound-wise, the Spice Stellar 520 offered a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack for versatility in audio consumption. Communication features were in line with expectations, providing Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR for wireless connectivity, and GPS for location services. However, it lacked NFC support, which was not uncommon at its price point.
Battery and Usage
The Spice Stellar 520 was powered by a 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery, aimed to deliver a reasonable longevity with its specifications. Official reports touted up to 200 hours of standby time, 4 hours of talk time, and around 20 hours of music play, making it a modest performer in battery endurance. Such stats reflected an adequate daily performance provided users managed their usage appropriately.
Connectivity and Miscellaneous Features
With GSM and HSPA network technology, the device supported several bands, including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 2100, allowing reliable connectivity. Sensors onboard included an accelerometer and proximity sensor, contributing to the user experience by enabling features like auto-rotation and call muting during an incoming call. The device also included FM radio functionality, a popular feature for listening to music and news on-the-go.
Legacy and Conclusion
The Spice Stellar 520 (Mi-520) can be seen as a modest advancement in the era of mid-2010s smartphones, offering practical features at a competitive price. While the device may have now been discontinued, its presence highlighted the importance of accessibility to smartphone technology across varying consumer needs. Providing a solid build, capable performance, and essential smartphone functionalities, it represents a period of transition and innovation in mobile technology history.
Key Features of Spice Stellar 520 (Mi-520)
- Connectivity: Supports GSM/HSPA with 3G bands (HSDPA 2100) for high-speed internet access.
- Display: 5.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, offering a ~294 ppi density for crisp visuals.
- Operating System: Runs on Android 4.4.2 (KitKat).
- Performance: Powered by a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor with a Mediatek MT6582 chipset and Mali-400MP2 GPU.
- Camera: 8 MP main camera with autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR features, plus a 2 MP front camera.
- Memory: Comes with 4GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM, expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot.
- Audio: Includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP & EDR, GPS, and FM radio.
- Battery: Equipped with a Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, providing up to 200 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time.
- Dimensions and Weight: Measures 145 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm and weighs 156 g.
Drawbacks of Spice Stellar 520 (Mi-520)
- Discontinued model: This phone is no longer available in the market, hence it might be difficult to find support or parts.
- Outdated OS: Runs on Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), which is considerably outdated and may not support newer applications.
- Limited internal storage: Comes with only 4GB of internal storage, which might be insufficient for modern apps and media.
- Poor RAM capacity: Only 1GB RAM can result in sluggish performance and hinder multitasking capabilities.
- Low battery capacity: Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery, which provides relatively short usage time, notably only up to 4 hours of talk time.
- Basic selfie camera: The 2 MP front camera lacks clarity and may not meet the expectations of selfie enthusiasts.
- Lacks NFC: Missing NFC support, therefore can't be used for contactless transactions or NFC-based features.
- Bluetooth version 3.0: An older version which might offer slower transfer rates compared to modern Bluetooth standards.
- Lacks advanced sensors: Does not include modern sensors like a gyroscope or ambient light sensor, limiting its functionalities.
- Limited frequency bands: Supports only HSDPA 2100 for 3G, which may limit network connectivity in some regions.
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