The Intex Aqua 4G+ and XOLO Era 1X represent the extreme end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver a functional Android experience at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different chipsets and potentially varying levels of performance. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic, functional smartphone, the Intex Aqua 4G+ emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek MT6735 chipset, while older, generally offers more consistent performance than the Spreadtrum SC9832A found in the XOLO Era 1X, making it better suited for everyday tasks.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, June | 2016, September. Released 2016, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140 x 71 x 9.5 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.37 in) | 145.5 x 72 x 8.6 mm (5.73 x 2.83 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 136.5 g (4.83 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 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 SC9832A |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | Mali-400MP3 |
| 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, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 210 h | Up to 185 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 22 h (2G) / Up to 13 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Black, Brown/Gold |
| SAR EU | 0.26 W/kg (head) | - |
Intex Aqua 4G+
- More established chipset (MT6735) offers better performance.
- Likely smoother multitasking experience.
- Potentially better software optimization.
- Older chipset technology.
- Limited detailed specifications available.
XOLO Era 1X
- Potentially lower price point.
- Spreadtrum SC9832A is power-efficient.
- May offer slightly longer battery life.
- Spreadtrum chipset generally performs slower than Mediatek.
- Potential for software optimization issues.
Display Comparison
Neither Intex nor XOLO provide detailed display specifications. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854 pixels. The absence of information regarding brightness nits suggests neither device will excel in direct sunlight. Color accuracy is also expected to be basic, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity. The display experience will likely be similar on both, focusing on functionality rather than visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It's safe to assume both feature basic rear and front cameras, likely with resolutions around 5MP or 8MP. Image quality will be heavily dependent on software processing and lighting conditions. Without specific aperture or sensor size information, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. Expect limited low-light performance and average detail in good lighting. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant improvements in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Intex Aqua 4G+ features the Mediatek MT6735, a 28nm processor, while the XOLO Era 1X uses the Spreadtrum SC9832A. Both employ quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 1.3 GHz. However, the MT6735 benefits from a more mature architecture and generally better-optimized drivers, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading times. While both are capable of running Android Go, the MT6735 will likely provide a more responsive experience. The Spreadtrum SC9832A, while power-efficient, often struggles with sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity information is unavailable for both devices. Given their budget nature, both likely house batteries in the 2000-2500 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should be able to last a full day with moderate use (calls, messaging, light web browsing). The Spreadtrum SC9832A's inherent power efficiency *could* translate to slightly longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Intex Aqua 4G+ if you need a phone that can reliably handle basic apps like WhatsApp, web browsing, and calls without significant lag. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a dependable secondary device. Buy the XOLO Era 1X if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are willing to accept slightly slower performance and potentially less optimized software. It's a viable option for extremely light users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Intex Aqua 4G+ struggle with popular apps like Facebook or YouTube?
While the Mediatek MT6735 can handle these apps, expect some lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple apps open. It's best to limit multitasking and close unused apps to maintain a smoother experience.
❓ Is the XOLO Era 1X a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
The XOLO Era 1X is a viable option for a first-time smartphone user, but be prepared for a basic experience. The performance won't be comparable to mid-range or flagship devices, but it will provide access to essential smartphone features like internet browsing and messaging.
❓ Can either of these phones run modern games like PUBG Mobile?
No. Neither the Mediatek MT6735 nor the Spreadtrum SC9832A are powerful enough to run PUBG Mobile at playable frame rates. They are designed for basic tasks, not demanding gaming.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices are likely to run Android Go, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and processing power. This helps to optimize performance and reduce data usage.
