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Micromax Canvas A1
Micromax Canvas A1
Micromax Canvas A1
Micromax Canvas A1
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6.8/10
Informr score
The Micromax Canvas A1 currently has an Informr score of 6.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 8 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • First to receive new Android OS updates
  • Good performance during basic tasks
  • Good screen

What's bad

  • Mediocre camera
  • Poor battery life
  • Limited onboard storage

The Micromax Canvas A1 is one of the three smartphones initially introduced as part of Google's Android One initiative. As with the other Android One phones, the Micromax comes with the latest version of Android and will update to the newer versions before other non-Google sponsored devices. This can potentially give it a huge advantage over others within the budget market. With that said, it isn't a fit for consumers who want something eye catching. It offers a typical rectangular shape with curved edges. Although its body is made entirely of plastic, reviewers add that the construction itself is quite solid though it errs on the bulky side. It also comes with a removable back cover so users can easily switch out the batteries and add a microSD card.

The 4.5-inch WVGA display offers a resolution of only 480 pixels. Although reviewers wouldn't describe it as very crisp, they go on to say that the colors are vibrant and viewing angles are on par with many other budget phones. Still, they did have some issues viewing it during bright light situations and noticed that it also attracted dirt and smudges.

Equipped with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM, the Canvas A1 isn't a powerhouse by any means but it performs well. Critics didn't experience any major issues when browsing the web or scrolling through the UI. Of course, once they began using heavy-duty apps they experienced some slowdowns, especially when playing graphically intensive games. The major issue, however, is the lack of internal storage. While it comes with 4GB only 2.2GB is actually usable. This severely limits the amount of apps users can download and also required critics to expand the memory with a micoSD card in order to take pictures. Battery life is also a bit of a disappointment as it lasted critics less than 10 hours on a single charge during moderate usage.

The back of the phone houses a 5MP camera. At best, reviewers describe it as average as images lack detail and the camera itself is slow to focus with these issues getting worse in low light settings. Still, Firstpost adds, "...most people using the Canvas A1 won't be printing their pictures, but only sharing them on Instagram or Facebook. For which it is more than good enough."

Reviews are generally mixed when it comes to the Canvas A1. India Today states, "Currently, it is inadvisable to buy the Canvas A1 as its core hardware is underwhelming despite having a great software experience." On the other hand, Tech Tree says, "…the Canvas runs quite smooth…the handset is sturdy and offers a good screen…taking price into consideration the Micromax Canvas A1 is a good choice for first-time smartphone users."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.3 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.3 GHz
4.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1700 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


UnleashThePhones
UnleashThePhones

The Micromax Canvas A1 is a decent enough smartphone for the price range. It runs stock Android, officially has Google’s stamp of approval, boasts quick performance and decent build quality. Sure, the display and the camera isn’t too great, but at this price range it’s hard to find...

- Clinton Jeff, UnleashThePhones
Fone Arena
Fone Arena

The Micromax Canvas A1 is a decent budget smartphone running stock Android in this price range. Even though the Canvas Unite 2 that we reviewed recently had better battery life compared to the Canvas A1, this offers smooth performance and doesn’t have any bloatware. At a price tag of Rs. 6,499...

- Srivatsan, Fone Arena
tech2
tech2

We think the Micromax Canvas A1 is the best smartphone made by the company. It is dwarfed by the specs of the Canvas Knight or the Canvas Nitro, but is actually a way better overall experience in terms of usability, stability, and longevity. In fact, it looks way more expensive and sophisticated tha...

- Nikhil Subramaniam, tech2
tech2
tech2

We think the Micromax Canvas A1 is the best smartphone made by the company. It is dwarfed by the specs of the Canvas Knight or the Canvas Nitro, but is actually a way better overall experience in terms of usability, stability, and longevity. In fact, it looks way more expensive and sophisticated tha...

- Nikhil Subramaniam, tech2
tech2
tech2

We think the Micromax Canvas A1 is the best smartphone made by the company. It is dwarfed by the specs of the Canvas Knight or the Canvas Nitro, but is actually a way better overall experience in terms of usability, stability, and longevity. In fact, it looks way more expensive and sophisticated tha...

- Nikhil Subramaniam, tech2


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Micromax backs up the Canvas A1 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Canvas A1 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Micromax support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Micromax's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
4.5"

The Micromax Canvas A1's screen size is 4.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.3 GHz

There is a MediaTek MT6582 Quad core 1.3 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1700mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1700 mAh battery. Micromax's performance ratings are 6.7 days standby time.

Canvas A1 Specs

Overview
Release Date September 15, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor MediaTek MT6582 Quad core 1.3 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Geotagging, Panorama
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 218 pixels
Size 4.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1700 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 6.7 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Magnetic Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.2 x 6.7 x 0.9 cm (5.2 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 136 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Micromax AQ4501
Related Links Micromax Canvas A1 Reviews
Where to buy Micromax Canvas A1
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