HTC Desire 526G+ vs. Micromax Canvas Knight 2: Which Octa-Core Reigns Supreme?

Both the HTC Desire 526G+ and the Micromax Canvas Knight 2 E471 represent attempts to deliver octa-core processing to the budget smartphone market. However, their approaches differ significantly. The Desire 526G+ offers variations in CPU clock speed, while the Canvas Knight 2 leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 615 chipset. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device provides the better user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and efficiency, the Micromax Canvas Knight 2 E471 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 615 chipset, built on a 28nm process, offers a more balanced and optimized experience compared to the potentially variable performance of the Desire 526G+’s octa-core CPU.

PHONES
Phone Names HTC Desire 526G+ dual sim Micromax Canvas Knight 2 E471
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 900 / 2100
4G bands-LTE 1800 / 2100 / 2300
SpeedHSPA 21.1/5.76 MbpsHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2015, January. Released 2015, January2015, June. Released 2015, June
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions139.8 x 69.8 x 9.9 mm (5.50 x 2.75 x 0.39 in)6.3 mm thickness
SIMDual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM
Weight154 g (5.43 oz)-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~234 ppi density)720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
Size4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~62.4% screen-to-body ratio)5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2
TypeIPS LCD,AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core 1.7 GHz - 526G+ modelQuad-core 1.3 GHz - 526G modelOcta-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset-Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm)
GPU-Adreno 405
OSAndroid 4.4.2 (KitKat)Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot)microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM
 -eMMC 4.5
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash
Single8 MP, f/2.2, AF13 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single2 MP5 MP
Video720p-
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, aptX4.0, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity
Battery
Stand-byUp to 622 h (3G)Up to 335 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 15 h (3G)Up to 7 h 45 min (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 2000 mAh, removableLi-Ion 2260 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsGlacier blue, Stealth black, Lacquer black, Fervor red - 526G+Glacier blue, Stealth black - 526GWhite, Gold
ModelsDesire 526GPLUS dual, Desire 526G dual sim, Desire_526G_dual_sim, D526h-
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 230 EUR
SAR EU-0.31 W/kg (head)     1.07 W/kg (body)

HTC Desire 526G+ dual sim

  • Potentially higher CPU clock speed (1.7 GHz variant)
  • Established brand reputation (HTC)
  • Dual SIM functionality

  • Inconsistent CPU performance (1.3 GHz variant exists)
  • Likely less efficient CPU architecture
  • Potentially poorer thermal management

Micromax Canvas Knight 2 E471

  • Efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset
  • 28nm manufacturing process for better power efficiency
  • Optimized software and ISP
  • Balanced octa-core CPU configuration

  • Less well-known brand (Micromax)
  • Potentially lower peak CPU clock speed compared to 1.7GHz Desire 526G+
  • Display specifications unknown

Display Comparison

Unfortunately, display specifications are absent for both devices. Given their market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize 720p IPS LCD panels. However, the Canvas Knight 2’s more modern chipset suggests a potentially better image signal processor (ISP) for improved color reproduction and dynamic range. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the design trends of the time. Without specific data, a clear winner cannot be determined.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are scarce for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature a primary rear camera, but resolution and sensor size are unknown. The Snapdragon 615’s ISP in the Canvas Knight 2 likely provides superior image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Canvas Knight 2 has a structural advantage.

Performance

The core difference lies in the CPU architecture. The Desire 526G+ features an octa-core processor, but with a split configuration: 1.7 GHz for some models, and 1.3 GHz for others. This inconsistency is a significant drawback. The Canvas Knight 2’s Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 employs a more refined octa-core setup – four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz and four at 1.0 GHz. The Snapdragon 615’s 28nm manufacturing process is crucial; it’s more efficient than any process likely used for the Desire 526G+’s CPU, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 615 also benefits from Qualcomm’s software optimizations, providing a smoother experience overall.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 615’s superior power efficiency gives the Canvas Knight 2 a distinct advantage. The 28nm process allows it to deliver comparable performance with lower power consumption, translating to longer battery life. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the efficiency gains of the Snapdragon 615 are likely to offset any potential differences in battery size.

Buying Guide

Buy the HTC Desire 526G+ dual sim if you prioritize a brand with a longer track record and potentially benefit from the higher clock speed of the 1.7 GHz variant (if you can confirm you have that model). Buy the Micromax Canvas Knight 2 E471 if you prefer a more modern and efficient chipset architecture, benefiting from Qualcomm’s optimizations for power consumption and sustained performance, especially during multitasking and gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 615 in the Canvas Knight 2 capable of handling modern mobile games?
While not a high-end gaming chipset, the Snapdragon 615 can handle many popular mobile games at medium settings. Its Adreno 405 GPU provides adequate performance for titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, though you may need to lower graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Desire 526G+'s CPU may struggle with sustained gaming due to potential thermal throttling.
❓ Which phone is better for multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously?
The Micromax Canvas Knight 2 E471 is significantly better suited for multitasking. The Snapdragon 615’s efficient architecture and optimized software allow it to handle multiple apps running in the background without significant slowdown. The Desire 526G+’s CPU may experience performance drops when heavily loaded.
❓ Does the HTC Desire 526G+ benefit from having an octa-core processor over the Snapdragon 615?
Not necessarily. While 'octa-core' sounds impressive, the architecture and efficiency of the cores matter more. The Snapdragon 615’s Cortex-A53 cores, combined with its 28nm process, provide a more balanced and optimized experience than the potentially less efficient octa-core CPU in the Desire 526G+. The 1.7GHz variant of the Desire 526G+ may offer a slight edge in single-core tasks, but the Snapdragon 615 excels in multi-core and sustained performance.