The Karbonn A34 and A37 represent Karbonn's entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at a low price point, they differ in their core processing power. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the Mediatek MT6515 in the A34 stacks up against the dual-core processor in the A37, and who each phone best serves.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light web browsing, the Karbonn A37 offers a slight advantage due to its dual-core architecture. While the A34's MT6515 is a capable processor, the dual-core setup in the A37 provides a more responsive experience for multitasking, even if both are limited by RAM and other components.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 2100 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013. Released 2013 | 2013. Released 2013 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 197 x 124 x 12.3 mm (7.76 x 4.88 x 0.48 in) | 197 x 124 x 12.3 mm (7.76 x 4.88 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 335 g (11.82 oz) | 335 g (11.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~133 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~133 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 139.5 cm2 (~57.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 139.5 cm2 (~57.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6515 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX531 | - |
| OS | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 4.1 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 240 h | Up to 240 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray/White | Black/White |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Karbonn A34
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market conditions)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Single-core processor limits multitasking
- Likely slower app loading times
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Karbonn A37
- Dual-core processor offers improved multitasking
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly better performance for running multiple apps
- May be slightly more expensive than the A34
- Still limited by the older Cortex-A9 architecture
- Likely similar display and camera quality to the A34
Display Comparison
Information regarding display specifications (resolution, panel type, brightness) is unavailable for either device. Given their price point, it's reasonable to assume both utilize low-resolution LCD panels with limited color accuracy and brightness. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided beyond the existence of cameras on both devices. Given the target market, image quality is unlikely to be a strong point for either phone. Expect low-resolution sensors and limited low-light performance. Any camera comparison would be speculative without further details.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU. The Karbonn A34 features the Mediatek MT6515, a single-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor. The Karbonn A37 boasts a dual-core 1.0 GHz CPU, though the specific architecture isn't specified. This dual-core configuration provides a significant advantage in multitasking scenarios. While both CPUs are based on the older Cortex-A9 architecture, the A37's ability to handle two threads simultaneously will result in smoother app switching and a more responsive user interface. However, both processors are limited by the likely amount of RAM (information unavailable) and the overall system optimization.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified for either device. Considering the low-power processors, both phones should offer at least a full day of standby time and moderate usage. However, without knowing the battery size, it's difficult to estimate talk time or video playback duration. Charging times will likely be lengthy due to the probable use of a standard 5W charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Karbonn A34 if you need a phone primarily for essential communication – calls, texts, and WhatsApp – and are comfortable with a potentially slower experience when switching between apps. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a very basic backup device. Buy the Karbonn A37 if you prefer a slightly smoother multitasking experience and anticipate occasionally running multiple apps simultaneously, even if those apps are lightweight. It's a better choice for users who want a bit more responsiveness from their device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Karbonn A37 struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the A37's dual-core processor is better equipped than the A34's single-core, both phones are running on an older architecture. Facebook and WhatsApp should function, but expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially with multiple chats open or when viewing image/video-heavy content. Optimizing app usage (closing unused apps) will be crucial.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
No. The processors in both the Karbonn A34 and A37 are far too underpowered to run graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at playable frame rates. Attempting to do so will likely result in significant lag, stuttering, and a generally poor gaming experience. These phones are best suited for simple 2D games.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on the Karbonn A34 and A37?
Storage details are unavailable. However, given the price point, it's highly probable that both phones offer limited internal storage (likely 8GB or 16GB) and support microSD card expansion. Users should plan to utilize a microSD card to store photos, videos, and other files.
