Nov 22, 2012 01:07 PM
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You have a choice. You can either buy an iPhone 3GS or the Karbonn A21. Both cost around the same amount.
While the iPhone is proven to be a terrifically engineered product with absolutely no issues, it is hopelessly outdated today. Today's users want a ton of apps, cloud computing and a gadget that does everything.
The Dual-Core Karbonn A21 packs enough computing power to satisfy most of these needs. It features 384MB RAM (for running programs), 512MB ROM (for installing programs), 2.5GB Internal SDCard memory and up-to 32GB External USB Storage (Micro SD slot).
By default, the OS and downloaded apps reside in the 512MB ROM. Since the phone run Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), it support running apps from the SD card. As a result, you can move many of the apps to the Internal 2.5GB memory or the Micro SD card (you have choose one and make it permanent) and free up the 512MB ROM for those apps that must reside in Phone Memory only.
The phone is powered by a 1800mAh battery which seems to last around 8 hours, powering the 4.5" display (960 x 540 pixels resolution) and WiFi. If you start watching movies, the battery will get completely discharged in about 3 hours. Decoding H.264/H.263 movies in MKV/FLV format drains more battery than decoding XVID videos. Bluetooth drains quite a bit of battery too but not as much as 3D games or 3D Live Wallpapers do. Be prepared to charge the phone twice a day. Fortunately, the phone can be charged using any USB charger than delivers 5V DC at 500mA. The phone can be charged using USB port of computer also.
The touch screen is problematic. Though it's capacitive and touch response is smooth, it has a tendency to go bonkers if the phone is connected to a charging source.
The camera is average. The quality of images is not comparable to Sony mobiles with 5MP cameras. It appears that 3G video calling is not supported; I cannot confirm that since I have not subscribed to 3G. However, I have installed Skype on the phone and Skype prompted that it may support High-Resolution video chat using the in-built cameras over WiFi.
The supplied headphones are cute and good for conversations. They lack bass-response, hence maybe unsuitable for music lovers.
As quite common among Android devices, the phone does not come with a Phone Manager application and you cannot backup the Contacts, SMSes etc. on your PC or sync. the phone with Outlook. If you export the contacts to your Gmail account, the phone can synchronize your Contacts, calendar with your Gmail account.
The phone is not heavy because of mostly plastic construction. A couple of days back, I handled a Samsung Galaxy Note II and was surprised with it's weight. A day later when I tried out a HTC, the Samsung positively felt lighter. The build quality of the phone is very good. The finish of the plastic, glass surfaces etc. is polished. My phone arrived with oil marks all over the screen and battery compartment. Probably some Karbonn Mobiles worker messed up.
In all, it's a good phone. A few compromises are required but the overall bang-for-buck factor is excellent.
