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Karbonn Sparkle V
Karbonn Sparkle V
Karbonn Sparkle V
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6.9/10
Informr score
The Karbonn Sparkle V currently has an Informr score of 6.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 4 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Guaranteed first Android OS updates
  • Smooth performance during basic and intensive tasks
  • Vibrant display colors

What's bad

  • No protective coating on screen leads to scuffing and scratches
  • Requires microSD card to take pictures

As part of the Android One lineup, the Karbonn Sparkle V offers updates to the latest Android OS for at least two years after its release. This could give it a big advantage, especially in the competitive budget phone market. Besides this, the Sparkle V is a purely budget phone. It offers an all plastic body with a removable back. While not the slimmest device at 0.36 inches thick, reviewers add that it has a good in-hand feel and doesn't feel too bulky.

Experts were not blown away by the 4.5 inch display as it only offers a resolution of 480p. For the price, however, they were quite pleased with the vibrant colors, responsive touch screen and overall brightness. Despite the relatively low resolution and pixel density, critics describe the overall viewing experience as decent. The one drawback of the display is its lack of protective coating on the glass. Not only does it lead to a higher chance of scuffs and scratches, reviewers also found that it attracted dust and fingerprint smudges.

As with the display, the internal specs aren't anything to write home about. It comes equipped with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. While certainly not top of the line, it still provided reviewers with a fairly smooth and lag-free performance during more basic tasks like scrolling through the UI as well as graphics intensive games. Unfortunately, it only comes with 4GB of RAM of which users can only access 2.27GB. Not only does this limit the amount of apps that can be downloaded, it also prevented experts from taking pictures with the camera unless they expanded the memory with a microSD card. Even then, memory is only expandable to 32GB.

Speaking of cameras, the Sparkle comes equipped with a 5MP main camera that is also capable of taking 1080p videos. Fone Arena describes the camera as "decent" but lacking in overall detail especially during low-light shots.
It might not be the most powerful or stylish smartphone, but reviewers consider the Sparkle V a good budget option. Digit states, "…this handset is very stable and with full support from Google, it isn't a bad option at all."


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...


TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

If you’re looking to buy a phone under £150 and having stock Android matters to you, we’d still say give the Sparkle V a miss. It simply doesn’t offer anything new or groundbreaking to warrant your attention over other smartphones in that price bracket. We thought Android On...

- Michael Sawh, TrustedReviews
GSM Dome
GSM Dome

Karbonn Sparkle V gets from us an 8.8 for design, a 9.3 for hardware and a 9.7 for OS and UI. The final grade is 9.26 out of 10 and this one is certainly a must buy model for less than $100. It’s a fast phone, with fluid interface, surprisingly good camera and OK battery for its price range.

- Alexandru Stănescu, GSM Dome
Fone Arena
Fone Arena

Overall, the Karbonn Sparkle V is a decent budget smartphone running stock Android in this price range. It doesn’t have matte back like the Canvas A1 or the Spice Dream UNO and comes with more pre-loaded third-party apps. At a new price tag of Rs. 5,999, if you can compromise on the display, c...

- Srivatsan, Fone Arena
Digit
Digit

This handset is very stable and with full support from Google, it isn’t a bad option at all.

- Kunal Khullar, Digit


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Karbonn backs up the Sparkle V with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Sparkle V has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Karbonn support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Karbonn'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 Karbonn Sparkle V's screen size is 4.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.3 GHz

There is a MediaTek 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 Polymer (Li-Pol), 1700 mAh battery. Karbonn's performance ratings are 6.7 days standby time.

Sparkle V Specs

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

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor MediaTek 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, Data Cable, Headset, 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 Yes
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, OPP/FTP
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, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
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, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
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 Blue
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.3 x 6.6 x 1.0 cm (4.5 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 138 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 Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
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