XOLO Era Unveiling Specs Pricing & Performance

Introduction to XOLO Era

The XOLO Era, launched in July 2015, made its mark as an affordable smartphone option during its time. Marketed primarily in India, this device emerged as a competitive budget contender in an industry dominated by several renowned brands. It stood out for offering decent features and capabilities, making it a preferred choice for cost-conscious consumers.

Design and Build

The XOLO Era features a practical design with dimensions of 143 x 73.2 x 9.4 mm, which provides a comfortable grip. Although it did not focus on ultra-thin aesthetics, the ergonomic design allowed users to handle it comfortably. The body accommodates a dual SIM setup, a popular feature in emerging markets where managing multiple phone numbers is essential.

Display

The 5.0” IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels offered an adequate viewing experience, particularly considering the device's budget-friendly cost. While the pixel density of approximately 196 ppi is not sharp by modern standards, it sufficed for basic smartphone activities like browsing and watching videos.

Performance

Powered by a Spreadtrum 7731 chipset with a quad-core 1.2 GHz processor, the XOLO Era was suited for tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. The device featured a Mali-400 GPU, adding a layer of graphical performance. It is important to note that while high-end gaming was not optimal, entry-level games and multimedia applications performed satisfactorily.

Memory and Storage

The device came equipped with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which was expandable with microSDHC. While the RAM might seem limiting by today's standards, it was adequate for running the Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) operating system smoothly. The expandable storage feature was a boon for users needing additional space for apps and media files.

Camera Features

Main Camera

The XOLO Era was equipped with an 8 MP rear camera accompanied by LED flash, panorama, and HDR features. It addressed basic photography needs and was capable of capturing decent images in well-lit environments. Video recording capabilities further added value to the camera experience.

Selfie Camera

On the front, a 2 MP selfie camera catered to basic video calling and self-portrait needs. While the resolution might seem limited, it suited the basic functionality expected from budget devices during that period.

Battery Performance

The XOLO Era housed a removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery, providing satisfactory endurance. Rated to deliver up to 511 hours of standby time and up to 24 hours and 30 minutes of talk time on 2G networks, it allowed users to go through a typical usage cycle without frequent recharging.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM/HSPA technologies, offering essential connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1 for peripheral connections. Although it lacked LTE support, it fulfilled the primary needs for 3G network standards.

Additional Features

Basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor were included. The device also supported FM radio, appealing to users who enjoyed traditional radio broadcasts. Other notable integrations were GPS positioning and microUSB 2.0 for data transfers and charging.

Conclusion

The XOLO Era carved out a niche in the budget smartphone market by providing essential features at an aggressive price point. While it did not claim high-end specifications, it capitalized on affordability and functionality. With a balanced approach to essential features and performance, it accommodated users transitioning from feature phones to smartphones during its time.