The Micromax Canvas A1 (Model AQ4501) is another android one smartphone that is powered by MediaTek quad core processor and runs and Android KitKat 4.4.4. It is priced at Rs. 6,499 and will be competing with the Spice Dream UNO and the Karbonn Sparkle V.
Box Pack
Inside the box you will get the A1 handset, 1700 mAh battery, data cable, travel charger, screen guard, user guide, warranty card and earphone. SAR values : 0.24 W/kg @ 1g Head and 0.93 W/kg @ 1g body.
Design and Display
I have already done the review of Spice Dream UNO – another android one smartphone. My first impression when I opened the box pack was – ‘deja vu’. Yes the Canvas A1 is the same as Spice Dream UNO and probably the same as Karbonn Sparkle V.
There is a minor design change near the camera module; apart from that the design, hardware, software and the material are all the same. Handset weight is 142 grams with battery and dimensions are 62.68 x 134.27 x 9.3mm.
3.5mm audio jack is on the top, power and volume button on the right and micro USB port at the bottom.
Screen is the same 4.5 inches with FWVGA 854 x 480 pixels resolution, some part is used by the onscreen buttons as physical dedicated navigation buttons are missing. There is LED notification. There is accelerometer, proximity, light, gyro and magnetic sensors – same as seen on the Dream UNO handset.
Memory and Storage
There is 1GB RAM and 4GB storage. Of the 4GB ROM 2.1GB is available and of 1GB RAM about 646 MB is available on the first boot. OTG is not supported and you can move / install apps on external storage. The huge data files will install on external storage (check video).
Performance
It is using MediaTek MT6582 quad core chipset @ 1.3GHz with Mali 400 MP GPU. Performance is lag free.
Benchmark scores
| App | Result |
| Quadrant | 4216 |
| Antutu | 18707 |
| Vellamo | Metal (777) Multi core (1142) Browser (1713) |
| Nenamark 2 | 62.3fps |
| Multi Touch | 10 point |
The scores are almost the same as seen on the Spice Dream UNO.
Camera and Entertainment
Rear camera is auto focus and can shoot in 5MP resolution. Front camera is Fixed Focus capable of shooting in 2.4MP resolution. There is LED flash for rear camera. The camera quality is the same as seen on Dream UNO. Check the sample images and video at the end.
Rear camera can record FHD videos. The Canvas A1 can easily play 1080p videos.
Gaming
I played Asphalt 8 and Modern Combat 5 both games data got installed on the external storage. Game play is smooth.
Others
Sound is loud and clear. GPS lock is fast and no issues with 3G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This is dual SIM – you need 2 micro SIM and 3G is supported on both the slots. There is micro SD card slot too.
Battery
The A1 also comes with 1700 mAh battery. Here are the test results.
| Task | Time | Battery drop (%) (max temp) |
| Running Benchmark apps | 26 minutes | 10% (36) |
| HD video playback (loop) with Wi-Fi on + full brightness | 29 minutes | 11% (39) |
| MC5 + Asphalt 8 GamePlay | 28 minutes | 12% (39) |
Expected battery backup is 3 to 5 hours.
Verdict
Now all of the 3 Android One handsets the Micromax Canvas A1, Spice Dream UNO and the Karbonn Sparkle V are using the same hardware, same software (with some extra customized pre-loaded apps) and same design with minor changes near the camera / flash module.
The android one’s are perfect buy for the price they will keep getting updates for up to 2 years. There are 3 differences the brand, the price and the slight design change. Just go for the brand you are comfortable with.
Check the latest price and buy the Android One smartphone.
Micromax Canvas A1 Image Gallery
Sample Images shot using the A1
Sample Images front camera
Micromax Canvas A1 video review
1080p video shot using this handset