The Karbonn A10 and Micromax Bolt A51 represent a segment of the market where price is paramount. Both devices aimed to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, beneath the similar price tags lie significant differences in processing power, impacting everyday usability. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Karbonn A10 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek MT6577 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Micromax Bolt A51’s 832 MHz processor, making it better suited for running apps and handling basic tasks.
| 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 | 2013, July. Released 2013, July | 2013, April. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 118.5 x 62.5 x 12.8 mm (4.67 x 2.46 x 0.50 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | - | 118 g (4.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~239 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.9 inches, 43.3 cm2 | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~49.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | 832 MHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6577 (40 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX531u | - |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 2.3.7 (Gingerbread) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 512MB 512MB RAM | 512MB 256MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 3.0 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Proprietary | microUSB |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 140 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 4 h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black/Silver |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Karbonn A10
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Dual-core CPU enables better multitasking
- More responsive user experience
- Likely lower battery life due to more powerful processor
- Older chipset architecture
Micromax Bolt A51
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding processor
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Extremely affordable
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Laggy user interface
Display Comparison
Information regarding display specifications (resolution, panel type, brightness) is unavailable for either device. Given their market segment, it's reasonable to assume both utilize low-resolution LCD panels. The focus here is on processing power, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, typical of this price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications for both devices are largely irrelevant given their target market. It's safe to assume both feature low-resolution cameras with limited image quality. Any comparison would be speculative without concrete sensor size or aperture data. Focusing on camera performance would be misleading; the processor's ability to handle image processing is likely the bottleneck in both cases.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Karbonn A10’s Mediatek MT6577, built on a 40nm process, features a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU. This architecture, while dated, is significantly more capable than the single-core 832 MHz processor found in the Micromax Bolt A51. The Cortex-A9 offers superior instructions per clock cycle, translating to faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The 40nm node of the MT6577, while not leading-edge, provides a reasonable balance between performance and power consumption. The Bolt A51’s processor, lacking specific architectural details, likely represents an older, less efficient design.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is unavailable for both devices. However, given the less powerful processor in the Micromax Bolt A51, it's plausible it could achieve comparable or even slightly better battery life than the Karbonn A10, despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The MT6577’s higher clock speed and dual-core configuration will draw more power during active use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely slow on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Karbonn A10 if you need a smartphone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting – even light web browsing or social media will be noticeably smoother. Buy the Micromax Bolt A51 if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls and texts, and you are extremely budget-constrained, accepting a slower overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Karbonn A10 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
The Karbonn A10’s Mediatek MT6577 processor is capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp, but performance may be limited with multiple apps open simultaneously. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, especially with older versions of the apps. The Bolt A51 will struggle significantly more with these apps.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Karbonn A10 and Micromax Bolt A51 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Karbonn A10’s 1.0 GHz dual-core processor will provide a significantly more responsive experience when launching apps, browsing the web, and switching between tasks. The Micromax Bolt A51’s 832 MHz processor will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when multitasking.
❓ Can I expect to play games on either of these phones?
Basic, less demanding 2D games might be playable on both devices, but performance will be limited. The Karbonn A10 will handle these games slightly better due to its more powerful processor. However, neither phone is suitable for modern 3D games.
