The Micromax Canvas XL2 and Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus represent a segment of the market where value is paramount. Both devices aimed to deliver a smartphone experience to budget-conscious consumers, but they approached it with different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the better overall package in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother everyday performance and a more modern chipset, the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus emerges as the better choice. While the Micromax Canvas XL2 offers a comparable experience, the MT6737T's Cortex-A53 cores provide a noticeable edge in responsiveness and app loading times.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, August | 2016, November. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm (5.70 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | - | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 960, 16:9 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6589M (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6737T (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@15fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | VGA | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide) |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 59 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 255 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 12 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | - | SM-G532F |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
Micromax A109 Canvas XL2
- Potentially lower price point
- Established Mediatek MT6589M chipset
- Simple and functional Android experience
- Older Cortex-A7 CPU architecture
- Likely slower performance compared to the Grand Prime Plus
- Potentially less efficient battery usage
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus
- More modern Cortex-A53 CPU architecture
- Slightly faster clock speed (1.4 GHz)
- Samsung brand recognition
- May be slightly more expensive
- MT6737T is still a budget chipset
- Likely similar battery life to the Canvas XL2
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 28nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over premium display features. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are unavailable, but given the target market, we can assume both employ basic LCD panels. The Grand Prime Plus likely benefits from Samsung's display tuning, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their age and price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring basic sensors. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Grand Prime Plus may benefit from Samsung's image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly more pleasing photos in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant image quality improvements. Focusing on the main sensor's capabilities is more relevant.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Micromax Canvas XL2 utilizes the Mediatek MT6589M with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, while the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus features the Mediatek MT6737T with a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The Cortex-A53 architecture is a significant improvement over the Cortex-A7, offering better performance per clock cycle and improved energy efficiency. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Grand Prime Plus. While both are 28nm, the A53's design is more efficient. The 1.4GHz clock speed on the Grand Prime Plus further contributes to its performance advantage, though the difference won't be dramatic.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is unknown for both devices. However, given the similar chipsets and target market, we can expect capacities in the 2000-2500 mAh range. The MT6737T's improved efficiency in the Grand Prime Plus could translate to slightly longer battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely to be slow (5W) on both devices, resulting in several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax A109 Canvas XL2 if you need a functional, basic smartphone and are heavily constrained by budget, prioritizing longevity through a simpler, well-established chipset. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience, benefit from a newer processor architecture, and value the Samsung brand recognition, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6737T in the Grand Prime Plus capable of running modern apps?
While the MT6737T is a budget chipset, its Cortex-A53 cores are sufficient for running most common Android apps. However, demanding games or heavily-optimized applications may experience lag or reduced performance. It's best suited for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
❓ Will either phone receive Android updates?
Given the age of both devices, it's highly unlikely that either the Micromax Canvas XL2 or the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus will receive any further Android updates. They are likely stuck on the version of Android they shipped with.
❓ How does the Cortex-A53 architecture in the Grand Prime Plus improve performance compared to the Cortex-A7 in the Canvas XL2?
The Cortex-A53 is a more modern and efficient CPU architecture than the Cortex-A7. It offers better performance per clock cycle, meaning it can execute instructions faster, and it consumes less power, leading to improved battery life. This results in a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience on the Grand Prime Plus.
