Micromax Canvas 1 vs Sony Xperia XA Ultra: A Detailed Comparison

The Micromax Canvas 1 and Sony Xperia XA Ultra represent different approaches to the affordable smartphone market. The Canvas 1 aimed for extreme budget-friendliness, while the XA Ultra attempted to deliver a more premium experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, display, and battery to help you decide which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing smooth multitasking and a more responsive experience, the Sony Xperia XA Ultra is the clear winner. Its octa-core Helio P10 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the Canvas 1's quad-core MT6737. However, the Canvas 1 remains a viable option for basic users on a very tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Micromax Canvas 1 Sony Xperia XA Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - F3211, F3215, F3212, F3216
4G bands3, 5, 401, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - F3211, F3212
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - F3215, F3216
Launch
Announced2017, July. Released 2017, August2016, May. Released 2016, July
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions143 x 71 x 8.3 mm (5.63 x 2.80 x 0.33 in)164 x 79 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 3.11 x 0.33 in)
SIMDual SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight150 g (5.29 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
Display
Protection-Scratch-resistant glass
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~367 ppi density)
Size5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.0 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~76.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6737 (28 nm)Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm)
GPUMali-T720Mali-T860MP2
OSAndroid 7.0 (Nougat)Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal16GB 2GB RAM16GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.0eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF21.5 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.4", 1/2.4", PDAF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single5 MP16 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/2.6", OIS
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP4.1, A2DP, LE, aptX
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radioFM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Music playUp to 15 hUp to 65 h
Stand-by-Up to 558 h (2G) / Up to 708 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 7 h (3G)Up to 13 h (2G) / Up to 12 h (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 2500 mAh, removableLi-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsMatte Black, Chrome BlackWhite, Graphite Black, Lime Gold
ModelsC1F3212, F3216, F3211, F3213, F3215
PriceAbout 7000 INRAbout 250 EUR
SAR-1.27 W/kg (head)     0.37 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.72 W/kg (head)     0.43 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -92.9dB / Crosstalk -92.5dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 55h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1071 (nominal), 2.906 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 88dB / Noise 79dB / Ring 82dB
Performance- Basemark OS II 2.0: 987Basemark X: 6754

Micromax Canvas 1

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Decent battery endurance (55h)
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks

  • Weak processor performance (MT6737)
  • Limited multitasking capabilities
  • Camera likely lacks advanced features

Sony Xperia XA Ultra

  • Significantly faster processor (Helio P10)
  • Improved multitasking and gaming performance
  • Likely better camera quality due to Sony's expertise

  • Higher price compared to the Canvas 1
  • Battery life may be impacted by the more powerful processor
  • Details on battery capacity are missing

Display Comparison

Both the Micromax Canvas 1 and Sony Xperia XA Ultra share a similar contrast ratio of 1071 (nominal) and 2.906 (sunlight). This suggests comparable visibility in direct sunlight. However, details regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) and resolution are missing for the Canvas 1. The XA Ultra, being a slightly higher-tier device, likely benefits from better color accuracy and viewing angles, though specific measurements are unavailable. The shared contrast ratio indicates a similar level of black depth and color pop.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing are absent. Given Sony's camera expertise, the XA Ultra likely features a more sophisticated camera system with better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of details on the Canvas 1 suggests a more basic camera setup focused on everyday snapshots. Without further information, it's difficult to make a definitive comparison beyond brand reputation.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Micromax Canvas 1 utilizes the Mediatek MT6737, a quad-core processor based on the Cortex-A53 architecture clocked at 1.3 GHz. The Sony Xperia XA Ultra, however, boasts the Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10, an octa-core processor featuring a combination of 2.0 GHz and 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This configuration provides a significant performance advantage for the XA Ultra, particularly in multitasking and demanding applications. The Helio P10's more powerful GPU also translates to a better gaming experience. While both are built on a 28nm process, the architectural advantage of the P10 is substantial.

Battery Life

Interestingly, both the Micromax Canvas 1 and Sony Xperia XA Ultra share an endurance rating of 55 hours. This suggests similar battery life despite the XA Ultra's more powerful processor. This could be due to optimizations in the XA Ultra's software or a larger battery capacity (which is not specified for either device). The shared endurance rating indicates that both phones can comfortably last a full day of moderate use, but the XA Ultra's faster processor might consume more power during intensive tasks.

Buying Guide

Buy the Micromax Canvas 1 if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Sony Xperia XA Ultra if you prioritize smoother performance for multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more refined user experience, and are willing to spend a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Sony Xperia XA Ultra struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
While the Helio P10 is capable, PUBG may require lower graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The XA Ultra will perform significantly better than the Canvas 1, but it's not a dedicated gaming phone. Expect playable frame rates at medium settings.
❓ Is the battery life of the Xperia XA Ultra noticeably shorter than the Canvas 1 when using power-intensive apps?
Despite both having a 55-hour endurance rating, the XA Ultra's more powerful processor will drain the battery faster when running demanding apps like games or video editing software. However, for typical usage (calls, texts, browsing), the difference should be minimal.
❓ Can the Micromax Canvas 1 handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag?
Yes, the Canvas 1 should be able to handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without major issues. However, expect slower loading times and occasional lag when switching between apps or scrolling through content-heavy feeds.
❓ Does the Sony Xperia XA Ultra support fast charging?
While the context data doesn't specify, Sony typically included fast charging capabilities in their mid-range devices. Researching the XA Ultra's original specifications would confirm the exact charging wattage and 0-100% time.