The Micromax A89 is a low cost dual core handset (MTK 6577) with PowerVR SXG 531 GPU running the ICS OS over a 4 inch screen of 800×480 pixel resolution. The dual SIM handset is priced at Rs. 6,000 and comes with a 3MP FF rear camera.
The Box Pack
Inside you will find the A89, screen guard, USB to micro USB cable, Charger, earphones of a low quality that you usually get with low cost Micromax handsets, battery of 1450 mAh capacity, warranty card and user guide.
Design
The handset follows the Ninja design pattern with curvy edges. The sides are silver colour and the other part of the body is glossy black. There are 3 touch buttons on the front panel and on the top you will find the in-call speaker and the sensors. The sensors are not easily visible; they are on the left side. The box pack mentioned the G-Sensors, in fact the handset also comes with light and proximity sensors.
Display
The screen is 4 inches with supported resolution of 800×480 pixels. The touch is smooth / responsive and handset supports only 2 point multi touch.
CPU + GPU
When I got this handset I was eager to know what kind of dual core hardware it is running on. The Videocon A30 and the Xolo A500 comes powered by QRD MSM 8225 dual core processor with Adreno 203 GPU. The A500 and A30 models are priced at Rs. 6,999 and these models were launched to compete with low cost MediaTek handsets.
Interestingly the Micromax A89 comes with the same hardware that powers the Micromax A110 and many other handsets. It’s MTK 6577 (MediaTek) with PowerVR SXG 531 GPU. And yet the handset is priced at around 6K even cheaper than the A30 and A500 models.
OS, Memory and Storage
The Micromax A89 Ninja handset runs on the ICS OS with 512MB RAM and 4GB internal storage.
- 512 MB RAM – Free = 240MB, Used = 232MB.
- 4GB Internal storage – 2.08GB (free) as internal storage and 503MB for apps of which 445MB is free.
- MicroSD card slot that supports 32GB card.
Benchmark scores
- Quadrant Benchmark: 2747.
- Antutu Benchmark: 6845.
- Nenamark 2: 27.4 fps.
- Linpack : Single 36, Multi 52.
- Multi Touch: 2 point.
Entertainment
The speaker sound is loud and clear. The MX player can play 720p videos smoothly. There is built in FM radio.
Camera
There is only one camera placed on the rear side of 3 megapixel resolution. The camera is the weakest link. You cannot record videos in 720p resolution instead the camera can record videos in max 640×480 pixels @57.77 fps.
You can check the sample images shot using the 3MP camera at the end of the article.
Connectivity
There is 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, micro USB port and 3.5mm jack. USB and Bluetooth tethering is supported. Wi-Fi Hotspot is supported.
Others
There is no front camera so you cannot make video calls. Using the phone dialer you can make a call directly from any of the SIM’s (you get both SIM 1 call and SIM 2 call buttons).
The light sensors work and so does the proximity sensors. There are no magnetic sensors.
Battery
The 1450 mAh battery I believe will last for a full day of moderate usage.
Micromax A89 review
The handset not only beats the single core processor that are priced around the same but also the Videocon A30 and the Xolo A500. The 3MP fixed focus camera is disappointing and you cannot record 720p videos, however 720p video playback is supported.
On the other hand the A30 and A500 comes with better camera but they cannot play 720p videos with ease, moreover these handsets can record 720p videos which is really not good at 15fps. So in all if you ignore the camera part, the Micromax A89 is definitely a good buy, especially for those with limited budget.
Image Gallery
Sample images shot using 3MP camera
Micromax A89 unboxing and review video
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