The Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348 and Canvas Pace 4G Q416 represent Micromax's attempts to capture the budget 4G smartphone market. While both aim for affordability, they differ in their core hardware, particularly in processing power. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance versus basic functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional 4G smartphone, the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek MT6582 chipset, built on a 28nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Pace 4G's unspecified CPU, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading, despite the slightly lower clock speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 3, 5, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2015, November. Released 2015, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141 x 68.4 x 7.8 mm (5.55 x 2.69 x 0.31 in) | 143 x 72 x 8.8 mm (5.63 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 110 g (3.88 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~306 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.8 inches, 63.5 cm2 (~65.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.1 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | - |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 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 275 h | Up to 375 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 30 min | Up to 9 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) | - |
Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348
- More powerful processor (MT6582)
- More efficient 28nm chipset
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Display specifications unknown
- Battery capacity unknown
Micromax Canvas Pace 4G Q416
- Potentially lower price point
- Basic functionality for calls and texts
- 4G connectivity
- Less powerful processor
- Likely lower performance
- Display and battery specifications unknown
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are absent for both devices. However, given their market segment, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with resolutions likely around 480x854 pixels. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average, prioritizing cost over visual fidelity. Without specific data, a direct comparison is impossible, but users shouldn't expect premium display experiences from either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a rear camera and a front-facing camera, with the 'Selfie' branding suggesting a focus on the front camera for the Q348. Without megapixel counts or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is difficult. It's reasonable to assume both cameras will produce acceptable images in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly enhance image quality; these sensors often lack the detail and dynamic range needed for compelling macro photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processing power. The Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348 is equipped with a Mediatek MT6582, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor fabricated on a 28nm process. This 28nm node is crucial; it allows for greater transistor density and improved thermal efficiency compared to older, larger nodes. The Canvas Pace 4G Q416 features a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.1 GHz, but lacks any chipset information. This suggests a less powerful, potentially older, and less efficient processor. The MT6582's Cortex-A7 architecture, while dated, offers a performance advantage over likely Cortex-A53 cores found in similarly priced devices. This translates to faster app launches and smoother operation of Android's interface.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. Given the budget nature of these phones, battery sizes are likely in the 1500-2000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown. The MT6582's 28nm process in the Selfie 3 Q348 *may* offer slightly better battery life due to its improved efficiency, but this advantage will be minimal without knowing the actual battery capacities. Expect both phones to require daily charging with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348 if you need a phone capable of handling basic multitasking, social media, and light app usage without significant lag. It's ideal for users who occasionally play less demanding mobile games. Buy the Micromax Canvas Pace 4G Q416 if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and very basic app usage, and you prioritize a potentially lower price point over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6582 processor in the Selfie 3 Q348 should handle Facebook, WhatsApp, and similar social media apps without significant lag. While not a powerhouse, it's sufficient for these everyday tasks, especially given the relatively lightweight nature of these applications.
❓ Is the Micromax Canvas Pace 4G Q416 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Canvas Pace 4G Q416 is not ideal for gaming. Its unspecified CPU is likely less powerful than the MT6582 in the Selfie 3, resulting in slow loading times, low frame rates, and potential stuttering, even in less demanding games. It's best suited for basic tasks rather than gaming.
❓ How much storage space do these phones likely have?
Given their budget positioning, both phones likely offer 8GB to 16GB of internal storage. This is expandable via microSD card, which is essential for storing photos, videos, and apps. Users should expect to utilize a microSD card to avoid running out of storage quickly.