In 2014, the Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus and Xiaomi Redmi Note represented a turning point in the budget smartphone market, bringing octa-core processing power to the masses. Both devices leveraged the Mediatek MT6592 chipset, but subtle differences in CPU clock speed and display characteristics created distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offered the better overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly more refined display experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note emerges as the winner. While both phones share the same chipset, the Redmi Note’s 1.7 GHz CPU clock speed (vs 1.4/1.7GHz on the Karbonn) and endurance rating give it a slight edge in real-world usability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, March. Released 2014, April | 2014, March. Released 2014, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.3 x 72.6 x 7.6 mm (5.80 x 2.86 x 0.30 in) | 154 x 78.7 x 9.5 mm (6.06 x 3.10 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | - | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~68.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 1.4/1.7 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6592 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6592 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-450MP4 | Mali-450MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.4 (KitKat), MIUI 9.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 8GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3200/3100 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Models | - | 2014712 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -88.4dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 55h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1016 (nominal), 2.119 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 479Basemark X: 2974 |
Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus
- Potentially lower price point
- Octa-core processing for multitasking
- Runs Android OS
- Less refined software experience
- Unspecified battery capacity
- Potentially lower display quality
Xiaomi Redmi Note
- Better battery endurance (55h rating)
- Optimized software experience
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (1.7 GHz)
- Superior display contrast in sunlight
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still utilizes the Cortex-A7 architecture (aging)
- Relies on Mediatek chipset
Display Comparison
Both the Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus and Xiaomi Redmi Note feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio of 1016 and a sunlight contrast ratio of 2119. This indicates similar panel technology and quality in terms of visibility under bright conditions. However, the Redmi Note’s display benefits from Xiaomi’s software optimizations, potentially resulting in more accurate color reproduction and better viewing angles. The lack of detailed display specifications for the Karbonn suggests a less refined display experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Given the market segment, it’s likely both feature similar sensor sizes and image quality. Without specific details on sensor resolution, aperture, or image processing algorithms, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Xiaomi’s reputation for software optimization suggests the Redmi Note may offer slightly better image processing and more usable photos in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Mediatek MT6592, a 28nm octa-core processor based on the Cortex-A7 architecture. The key difference lies in the CPU clock speed: the Karbonn runs at a consistent 1.7 GHz, while the Redmi Note features a dual-cluster configuration with 1.4 GHz and 1.7 GHz cores. This means the Redmi Note can dynamically adjust performance based on workload, potentially offering better power efficiency during light tasks and boosting performance when needed. While both share the same GPU, the Redmi Note’s optimized software and potentially better thermal management could lead to more sustained performance during gaming.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Note boasts an endurance rating of 55 hours, indicating a well-optimized battery life. While the Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus’s battery capacity is not specified, the Redmi Note’s endurance rating suggests superior power management and potentially a larger battery. The Redmi Note’s ability to dynamically adjust CPU clock speeds further contributes to its battery efficiency, allowing it to last longer on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus if you are seeking the absolute lowest price for an octa-core phone and are comfortable with potentially less optimized software. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note if you prioritize a more polished user experience, slightly better battery endurance, and a display with superior contrast in direct sunlight. The Redmi Note represents a small investment for a noticeable improvement in overall quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6592 chipset still capable of running modern apps?
While the MT6592 was a capable processor in 2014, its Cortex-A7 architecture is now outdated. Expect limited performance with demanding apps and games. Basic tasks like calling, texting, and web browsing should still be functional, but don't expect a smooth experience with resource-intensive applications.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, the Redmi Note, typical of phones in its class at the time, almost certainly supports microSD card expansion. This allows users to increase storage capacity beyond the internal memory, which was often limited in budget smartphones.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on either of these phones?
Given their age, neither the Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus nor the Xiaomi Redmi Note are likely to receive any further software updates. They are likely running older versions of Android and may have security vulnerabilities. Using these devices requires accepting the inherent risks associated with outdated software.
