The Micromax Canvas Blaze 4G+ Q414 and XOLO Era 4K represent a segment of the market where value is paramount. Both devices aim to deliver a smartphone experience at an incredibly affordable price point, but subtle differences in their underlying hardware could make one a better fit for specific users. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world implications rather than raw specifications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience and potentially better software support, the XOLO Era 4K edges out the Micromax Canvas Blaze 4G+. While both utilize the same CPU, the MT6735P chipset in the XOLO offers a marginal performance boost, making it the better choice for multitasking and app loading.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 5, 40 | 3, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, November. Released 2015, November | 2016, February. Released 2016, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 131 x 65.5 x 8.2 mm (5.16 x 2.58 x 0.32 in) | 143 x 71.8 x 9.2 mm (5.63 x 2.83 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM/ Micro-SIM) | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 119 g (4.20 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~65.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6735M (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6735P (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 200 h | Up to 624 h (2G) / Up to 528 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h | Up to 32 h (2G) / Up to 17 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1750 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Blue, White |
Micromax Canvas Blaze 4G+ Q414
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable basic functionality
- Established Micromax brand recognition
- MT6735M chipset is slightly less performant
- Potentially limited software updates
- Likely lower build quality
XOLO Era 4K
- MT6735P chipset offers a slight performance edge
- Potentially better software support
- Slightly more responsive user experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Build quality is likely similar to the Micromax
- Camera performance is likely comparable
Display Comparison
Neither Micromax nor XOLO provide detailed display specifications beyond the screen size. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding resolution, brightness, or color gamut suggests both displays are geared towards basic visibility rather than media consumption. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either model.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given the lack of detailed sensor information. Budget smartphones in this price range typically prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and image quality. Expect adequate performance in well-lit conditions, but significant noise and a lack of detail in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of a 2MP or 5MP front-facing camera on both is standard, suitable for basic video calls. Any claims of 'advanced' camera features should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
Both the Micromax Canvas Blaze 4G+ Q414 and the XOLO Era 4K are powered by a Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, but the key difference lies in the chipset: the Micromax uses the MT6735M, while the XOLO employs the MT6735P. The 'P' variant generally indicates a slightly refined process or higher clock speeds within the same architecture, resulting in a marginal performance advantage for the XOLO. While both chipsets are based on a 28nm process, the MT6735P may exhibit slightly better thermal efficiency under sustained load. Both devices will likely struggle with demanding games, but the XOLO should handle everyday tasks like browsing and social media with a bit more fluidity.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the similar chipsets and likely display technologies, battery life should be comparable between the two devices. Expect a full charge to last a full day with moderate usage (calls, texts, light browsing). Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely falls in the 5W-10W range, resulting in relatively slow charging times – potentially 3-5 hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax Canvas Blaze 4G+ Q414 if you need a reliably basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and are comfortable with potentially limited software updates. Buy the XOLO Era 4K if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience, anticipate running multiple apps simultaneously, and value a potentially longer software support lifecycle, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While both phones can run WhatsApp and Facebook, expect occasional lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple chats or media-heavy content. The XOLO Era 4K, with its MT6735P chipset, will likely handle these apps slightly more smoothly.
❓ Are software updates likely for either the Micromax Canvas Blaze 4G+ or the XOLO Era 4K?
Software update support is limited for budget smartphones. While both manufacturers may provide initial updates, long-term support is unlikely. The XOLO Era 4K, being a slightly newer model, *might* receive updates for a longer period, but users should not expect major Android version upgrades.
❓ Can these phones play PUBG Mobile?
Playing PUBG Mobile on either of these phones is not recommended. The MT6735 chipset lacks the processing power and GPU capabilities to run the game smoothly, even at the lowest settings. Expect significant frame rate drops and a generally poor gaming experience.