The Intex Aqua Power and Aqua Star L represent a common dilemma in the budget smartphone market: prioritizing core count for potential performance gains versus optimizing for efficiency. Both devices utilize Mediatek chipsets built on a 28nm process, but their differing core configurations – octa-core versus quad-core – dictate distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing multitasking and demanding applications, the Intex Aqua Power’s octa-core processor offers a noticeable performance advantage. However, the Aqua Star L provides a more streamlined experience for basic tasks and potentially better battery life due to its quad-core design. The Aqua Power is the winner for power users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - 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 | 2014, November. Released 2014, November | 2015, January. Released 2015, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141 x 71.9 x 9.3 mm (5.55 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) | 141 x 72.9 x 8 mm (5.55 x 2.87 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6592M (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6582M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-450MP4 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 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, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 500 h | Up to 220 h |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h | Up to 5 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, black, blue, gray | White, black |
| SAR | 0.72 W/kg (head) | 0.72 W/kg (head) |
Intex Aqua Power
- Octa-core processor offers superior multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially faster app loading times.
- Better suited for demanding applications.
- May experience more thermal throttling under sustained load.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Aqua Star L.
Intex Aqua Star L
- More power-efficient quad-core processor.
- Likely longer battery life.
- Potentially more consistent performance due to less throttling.
- Slower performance in CPU-intensive tasks.
- Less capable of handling heavy multitasking.
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are not provided. However, given the market segment, both devices likely feature similar LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854. The focus here is on processing power, not display fidelity. Expect similar viewing angles and color accuracy, with neither phone likely to excel in this area.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided beyond the device names. Given the price point, expect basic camera modules on both devices. Image quality will likely be similar, with performance heavily reliant on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Intex Aqua Power’s Mediatek MT6592M boasts an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, while the Aqua Star L utilizes the Mediatek MT6582M with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. While both CPUs are based on the same Cortex-A7 architecture, the Aqua Power’s eight cores provide significantly more parallel processing capability. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in CPU-intensive applications. However, the 28nm process node means both chips will generate similar heat, and the Aqua Power *may* experience more throttling under sustained load. The Aqua Star L’s quad-core setup, while slower on paper, could offer more consistent performance by avoiding aggressive throttling.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified. However, the Aqua Star L’s quad-core processor is inherently more power-efficient than the Aqua Power’s octa-core chip. This means the Aqua Star L will likely deliver longer battery life under similar usage conditions. While the Aqua Power might offer a larger battery to compensate, the increased power draw of the octa-core CPU will likely negate some of that advantage. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it difficult to estimate 0-100% charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Intex Aqua Power if you frequently switch between apps, play moderately demanding games, or need a phone capable of handling heavier workloads. Its octa-core CPU provides the headroom for these tasks. Buy the Intex Aqua Star L if your primary needs are calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing. The quad-core processor offers sufficient performance for these everyday tasks while potentially maximizing battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Intex Aqua Power struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While the MT6592M is an octa-core processor, it's still a budget chipset. Expect to play PUBG Mobile on low settings with moderate frame rates. Throttling may occur during extended gaming sessions, leading to performance drops. The Aqua Star L would likely perform even worse.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging, the performance difference will be minimal. Both phones will handle these tasks adequately. The Aqua Power’s advantage becomes apparent when multitasking or running more demanding applications.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
The Intex Aqua Star L is the better choice for users who primarily make calls and send texts. Its quad-core processor offers sufficient performance for these tasks while maximizing battery life, ensuring longer talk time and standby duration.
❓ Does either phone support 4G LTE connectivity?
While not explicitly stated, both phones, given their chipset and release timeframe, likely support 4G LTE connectivity. However, specific band support will vary and should be verified with Intex or your carrier.
