Released around the same timeframe, the Lenovo Vibe K5 and Micromax Canvas XL2 represent competing approaches to the budget smartphone market. The K5 aimed to deliver a more modern experience with a Qualcomm chipset, while the XL2 focused on a larger screen at a competitive price. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Lenovo Vibe K5 is the superior choice. Its octa-core Snapdragon 415 processor provides a significant performance advantage over the Micromax Canvas XL2’s quad-core Mediatek MT6589M, despite both being manufactured on a 28nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, August | 2016, February 21. Released 2016, June 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum/plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 142 x 71 x 8 mm (5.59 x 2.80 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | - | 142 g (5.01 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 960, 16:9 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6589M (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8929 Snapdragon 415 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544 | Adreno 405 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@15fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 5 MP, f/2.8 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 255 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2750 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Champagne Gold, Platinum Silver |
| Models | - | A6020a40, A6020a41, A6020l36, A6020l37 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -90.0dB / Crosstalk -91.5dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 64h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 804 (nominal), 2.459 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 70dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 78dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 789Basemark X: 4263 |
Micromax A109 Canvas XL2
- Larger display size for media consumption.
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market).
- Acceptable battery life based on endurance rating.
- Significantly weaker processor performance.
- Likely limited software support due to older chipset.
- Potentially lower build quality.
Lenovo Vibe K5
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 415 processor.
- Octa-core architecture for better multitasking.
- Potentially longer software support.
- Better image processing capabilities.
- Potentially smaller display size.
- May be slightly more expensive than the XL2.
- Similar battery life to the XL2 despite the more powerful processor.
Display Comparison
Both the Lenovo Vibe K5 and Micromax Canvas XL2 share a similar contrast ratio of 804 (nominal) and 2.459 (sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the XL2’s larger screen size is its primary advantage. Details regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) and resolution are missing, but given the price point, both likely utilize TFT panels. The K5’s display, while potentially smaller, benefits from Qualcomm’s image processing capabilities, potentially offering slightly more accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details are absent. Given the market segment, image quality is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Sensor size, aperture, and image processing algorithms are unknown. It’s safe to assume both cameras will perform adequately in good lighting conditions but struggle in low-light scenarios. The absence of details suggests neither phone prioritizes camera performance.
Performance
The Lenovo Vibe K5’s Qualcomm MSM8929 Snapdragon 415 is the clear winner in performance. Its octa-core configuration (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) significantly outperforms the Micromax Canvas XL2’s quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The Snapdragon 415’s architecture, utilizing both faster and slower cores, allows for efficient power management and better multitasking. While both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, the Snapdragon’s more modern design translates to superior real-world performance. The XL2 will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Micromax Canvas XL2 and Lenovo Vibe K5 achieve an endurance rating of 64 hours. This suggests similar battery life despite the K5’s more powerful processor. The Snapdragon 415’s power efficiency likely compensates for its higher processing demands. Charging wattage and 0-100% times are unknown, but given the era, both likely support relatively slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax A109 Canvas XL2 if you prioritize a larger display and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Lenovo Vibe K5 if you need a more responsive device capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and benefit from a more modern chipset architecture for longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax Canvas XL2 struggle with modern apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Micromax Canvas XL2’s quad-core Mediatek MT6589M processor and limited RAM will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns when running modern apps, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. While basic functionality will be possible, the experience won’t be smooth.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 415 in the Lenovo Vibe K5 powerful enough for light gaming?
The Snapdragon 415 in the Lenovo Vibe K5 is capable of handling light gaming, such as casual puzzle games and older titles. However, demanding 3D games may require reduced graphics settings and may still experience occasional frame drops. It's a significant step up from the XL2's processor for gaming.
❓ How does the lack of information about the cameras affect the buying decision?
The absence of camera specifications suggests that neither phone prioritizes photography. Expect similar, basic image quality from both devices, suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Don't expect advanced features or excellent low-light performance.
