Karbonn A11 review and unboxing – single core 1GHz with 5MP HD camera

The Karbonn A11 is powered by single core MediaTek processor with 512MB RAM and 5MP camera capable of recording videos in 720p resolution. The handset comes with good features but the price is too close to the dual core models that many users would naturally opt for.

Box Pack
The box pack contains the handset, earphone, charger / battery, USB to micro USB cable, user manual and warranty guide.

Performance
CPU / GPU – The Karbonn A11 comes with MT6575 processor ARMv7 clocked at 1GHz along with PowerVR SGX 531 GPU. This is the same CPU and GPU that comes on the Micromax A90 handset. The performance is as good as seen on the A90.

Benchmark scores

• Quadrant : 2186
• Antutu : 3549
• Nenamark2 : 23.4 fps.
• Linpack : Single : 17 | Multi : 14

Memory and internal storage – Internal storage for apps is 724MB free and 62 MB used. Of the 512MB RAM 245MB is used and 229 MB free. This is good enough for moderate usage. Internal storage memory that is usable is around 2.5GB (including internal storage for apps).

Display and OS – It’s a 4 inch capacitive touchscreen with 800×480 pixels resolution. The display supports 5 point multi touch, its smooth and responsive. The handset runs on the ICS OS (Android 4.0).

Connectivity – The Karbonn A11 supports 3G, dual SIM (GSM+GSM) with dual standby mode, Wi-Fi with Hotspot, micro USB with USB tethering, Bluetooth with Bluetooth Tethering, GPS and 3.5 mm jack. The GPS works pretty well with a lock in less than 20 seconds.

Phone features – The phone dialer comes with 3 buttons. The call 1 and call 2 represents SIM 1 and SIM 2 and can be used directly for calling from either of the SIM’s. There is also a video call button which means that native video calling is supported.

Camera – There is a 5MP rear camera with LED flash and a front VGA camera. The rear camera can record videos in 720p resolution. The picture quality is very good. If you are using the camera for the first time make sure to change the hue option in the settings for both video mode as well as the camera to medium. The video mode does not have a pause video option as seen on the A110.

If hue is set to low the output will be disappointing, change the hue settings and you get really good images. Check the sample images I have included both with low hue and with medium hue.  The camera features are the same as found on Micromax A110 and the Micromax A90.

Check out the Camera samples : http://www.flickr.com/photos/gogirana/sets/72157631944754835/

Entertainment – The sound output is good and loud. You can play 720p movies but it is not very smooth, does lag at times but watchable. Download MX player to be able to view many supported media formats.

Gaming – The handset can play all the games that we have seen on the Micromax A90 and many more. This includes Angry Birds, Temple run etc..

Sensors – There are Proximity, light, Gsensor and even magnetic sensor.

Battery – The 1500 mAh battery should be good enough to get the handset going for over a day or normal usage.

Karbonn A11 review
The handset looks really good with the black, glossy white colour and a silver border.  Have a look at the video review, below. The 5MP camera does click pretty good images and also supports 720p video recording, though you may need to manually change some settings on the camera to get the best output.

I tried playing 720p videos using MX player which was not that smooth and did lag at times. The in call speaker, speaker volume is loud.  The handset also comes with magnetic sensor that you usually find missing on many smartphones.

With the entry of Micromax A110, single core handset will be least preferred. The Karbonn A11 is priced at around 8,500 which I feel is too high and consumers may get more inclined to a dual core phone. If the price can be reduced a little more say around Rs. 7,500, it will keep away from competing with the A110 but at the same time could become a hot selling item. Unfortunately it could also mean trouble for the Karbonn A7+ model.

Nevertheless, a good (single core) smartphone from Karbonn mobiles, but for a higher price tag. With Rs. 1500 extra one would not mind jumping on to the dual core A110.

Image Gallery

Karbonn A11 unboxing and review video

720p sample video shot using the Karbonn A11 handset

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