The Intex Aqua 4G+ and Micromax Canvas Spark 4G Q4201 represent a segment of the market focused on extreme affordability. Both devices aim to deliver 4G connectivity at the lowest possible price point, but they achieve this with significantly different underlying hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the core performance implications of the Mediatek MT6735 versus the Spreadtrum chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a more established chipset architecture, the Intex Aqua 4G+ is the better choice. While both phones offer similar basic functionality, the Mediatek MT6735’s Cortex-A53 cores provide a more refined experience than the generic quad-core CPU found in the Micromax Canvas Spark 4G Q4201.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 40, 41 | 3, 5, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, June | 2016, November. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140 x 71 x 9.5 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.37 in) | 144 x 72.7 x 10.6 mm (5.67 x 2.86 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 136.5 g (4.83 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6735 (28 nm) | Spreadtrum |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | - |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 210 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | White Champagne |
| Price | - | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.26 W/kg (head) | - |
Intex Aqua 4G+
- More established chipset architecture (MT6735)
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Likely better software support
- Still an entry-level chipset
- Limited RAM and storage likely
Micromax Canvas Spark 4G Q4201
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional 4G connectivity
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less refined chipset performance
- Potential for software instability
- Limited long-term support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854. However, detailed panel specifications like brightness (nits) and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather the chipset's ability to efficiently drive the display. The MT6735's integrated graphics processor is likely more capable of handling basic UI rendering and video playback without significant stuttering compared to the Spreadtrum chipset.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be minimal. Details regarding sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the price point, both likely feature low-resolution sensors (likely 5MP or 8MP main cameras). Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and neither device is expected to excel in low-light conditions. The MT6735’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced than Spreadtrum’s, potentially leading to slightly better image processing, but the difference will be marginal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset architecture. The Intex Aqua 4G+ features the Mediatek MT6735, built on a 28nm process and utilizing four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.3 GHz. This is a well-established architecture known for its power efficiency and reasonable performance in entry-level devices. The Micromax Canvas Spark 4G Q4201, on the other hand, uses a Spreadtrum chipset with the same 1.3 GHz quad-core clock speed, but lacks the architectural refinement of the Cortex-A53. Spreadtrum chipsets often prioritize cost reduction over raw performance, resulting in a less responsive user experience. The 28nm node of the MT6735 also suggests potentially better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the similar hardware and target market, both likely feature batteries in the 2000-2500 mAh range. The Mediatek MT6735’s power efficiency, stemming from its Cortex-A53 cores and 28nm process, could translate to slightly longer battery life compared to the Micromax Canvas Spark 4G Q4201. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support standard 5W charging, resulting in relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Intex Aqua 4G+ if you need a device that can handle basic multitasking and 4G connectivity with a degree of reliability, and if you value the broader software support ecosystem associated with Mediatek chipsets. Buy the Micromax Canvas Spark 4G Q4201 if your primary concern is absolute lowest price and you only intend to use the phone for very basic calling, texting, and light app usage, accepting potential performance limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Intex Aqua 4G+ handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
The Mediatek MT6735 should provide a reasonably smooth experience with apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, but expect some lag when multitasking or using more demanding features. It's designed for basic usage, not intensive app switching.
❓ Is the Spreadtrum chipset in the Micromax Canvas Spark 4G Q4201 likely to receive software updates?
Software update support for the Micromax Canvas Spark 4G Q4201 is highly unlikely. Spreadtrum chipsets often have limited manufacturer support, and budget devices are rarely prioritized for updates. Expect a static software experience.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games, but don't expect a good experience with modern 3D titles. The MT6735 will offer slightly better performance, but even then, frame rates will be low and graphics settings will need to be minimized.
