© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Micromax is the latest smartphone brand to join the online-only bandwagon with its Canvas Xpress 2. The new range of Xpress series smartphones will be available only on Flipkart. At a price of Rs 5,999, the device comes with a spec sheet to compete with the likes of Xiaomi, Huawei, Asus, Lenovo, and not to forget its own subsidiary Yu. Sporting a 5-inch 720p HD display, it runs on a 1.4GHz Mediatek octa-core processor with 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. Other features include 13MP rear and 2MP front cameras and runs on Android 4.4.2 Kitkat OS. While the Canvas Xpress 2 has got a lot to promise on paper, this is our first impressions.
Design/Screen:
Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 has a relatively simple design with an almost black body and champagne side rims that add an ascent to it. The front is dominated by the 5-inch display along with the front camera, receiver, light sensor and LED notification light. The back of the device is far subdued by the rear camera, dual LED flash and Micromax logo.The right side of the device hosts the power button and volume rocker while the left side is completely flat. The headphone jack is placed at the top while the microUSB slot is at the bottom. The CNC drilled speaker grills on the champagne bottom look really distinctive.
Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 isn’t the thinnest but doesn’t feel bulky either. The camera protrudes slightly and the metal-like bubble around the camera looks neat.
Boasting a 5-inch 720p display at a pixel density of 294 ppi with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on protection, it is bright even under direct sunlight and does a good job, at least, for its price.
Processor, Memory and Battery:
Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory which is further expandable to 32GB via microSD card. The internal storage is 8GB but only 4.98GB is available to users, which might disappoint you. The SoC is Mediatek MT6592, which is a true octa-core processor clocked at 1.4GHz. The processor is paired with Mali-450MP for graphics duty.
Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 is powered by a 2500mAh battery with a standby time of 393 hours. This is a dual-SIM device which supports 3G bands. Micromax has added accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, gravity sensor.
Camera:
The Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 sports a 13MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and 2MP front facing camera for selfie. Undoubtedly the smartphone has the highest resolution camera in this price segment and Micromax has added few software utilities to sweeten the deal.
OS:
This is the biggest downer for me. Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 runs Android 4.4.2 Kitkat with assured upgrade to Lollipop. Considering Micromax’s several other smartphones launching with Lollipop out-of-box lately, this leaves a bitter taste.
Wrap-Up:
Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 marries simplicity and practicality with a design that is no understatement and hardware that sticks right in the price range. It has a really good rear camera and front camera would easily be right for your next selfie. With Lollipop update, this could well be one of the best sub Rs 7,000 smartphone.
