Celkon caters to the entry-level smartphone market, and the A900 and A403 represent two of their offerings. While both aim for affordability, they differ in their underlying hardware. The A403 utilizes a Spreadtrum chipset, while the A900 relies on a simpler, unspecified CPU. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and potentially smoother multitasking, the Celkon A403 is the better choice. The Spreadtrum SC7715 chipset offers a more integrated and optimized experience than the A900’s 1.0 GHz CPU, despite both having the same clock speed. The A900 may suffice for very light use, but the A403 provides a more future-proof platform.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, November. Released 2012, November | 2015, August. Released 2015, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 81.7 x 10.2 mm (6.02 x 3.22 x 0.40 in) | 125 x 65 x 10.2 mm (4.92 x 2.56 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 113 g (3.99 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~187 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 71.2 cm2 (~57.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz | 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | - | Spreadtrum SC7715 |
| OS | Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | - | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 2.0 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | A-GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | MP3/WAV/eAAC player
MP4/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 350 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Light Blue, Red, Yellow |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.38 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
Celkon A900
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward operation
- Functional for basic communication
- Limited performance capabilities
- Likely struggles with multitasking
- Outdated CPU architecture
Celkon A403
- More efficient Spreadtrum SC7715 chipset
- Smoother user experience
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially longer battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera quality likely remains low
Display Comparison
Information regarding display specifications (resolution, panel type, brightness) is absent for both devices. Given their price point, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize low-resolution LCD panels. The lack of any mention of features like PWM dimming or color gamut suggests basic display performance. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual quality, with neither device offering a standout display.
Camera Comparison
Details regarding camera sensors are unavailable for either device. However, given the target market, it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution cameras. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Any camera performance difference will likely be minimal and dependent on software processing, which is unlikely to be sophisticated on either device. Users should not expect high-quality photos from either the A900 or A403.
Performance
The Celkon A403’s Spreadtrum SC7715 chipset is a significant advantage over the A900’s 1.0 GHz CPU. The SC7715 is a System-on-Chip (SoC), integrating the CPU, GPU, and modem onto a single die. This integration leads to improved efficiency and potentially better performance compared to a standalone CPU. While both devices share a 1.0 GHz clock speed, the SC7715’s architecture is more modern and optimized for mobile workloads. This translates to smoother app launches, faster web browsing, and a more responsive user interface on the A403. The A900, relying on a basic CPU, will likely struggle with even moderate multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified for either device. Considering the budget nature of these phones, battery life will likely be adequate for a day of light use. The Spreadtrum SC7715 in the A403 is generally more power-efficient than a standalone CPU, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. However, without concrete data, this remains speculative. Charging times will likely be lengthy due to the absence of fast charging technology on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Celkon A900 if you need a phone for absolutely essential tasks – calls, texts, and very occasional light browsing – and are on the tightest of budgets. It’s a functional device for minimal smartphone use. Buy the Celkon A403 if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience, anticipate using multiple apps (even if infrequently), or want a device that feels less likely to struggle with basic operations. The A403 offers a better long-term user experience for a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Celkon A403 handle popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag?
The Spreadtrum SC7715 chipset in the A403 is more capable of handling these apps than the A900’s CPU. While it won’t offer a flagship-level experience, you should expect a reasonably smooth experience with WhatsApp and Facebook, though heavy multitasking may still cause slowdowns.
❓ Is the Celkon A900 suitable for someone who primarily uses a phone for making calls and sending texts?
Yes, the Celkon A900 is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and texts. Its limited processing power won’t be a hindrance for these core functions, making it a viable option for users with minimal smartphone needs.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither the A900 nor the A403 are suitable for playing demanding modern mobile games. The limited processing power and graphics capabilities will result in poor performance and a frustrating gaming experience. Simple, older games might be playable at low settings.
