The Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348 and XOLO Era 4G represent a segment of the market increasingly focused on affordability. Both devices aim to deliver 4G connectivity at a minimal price point, but they achieve this with different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the better user experience for those on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and slightly better performance, the XOLO Era 4G emerges as the stronger choice. Its 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, based on the Spreadtrum SC9830A chipset, offers a modest but noticeable speed advantage over the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3’s 1.3 GHz Mediatek MT6582, making everyday tasks feel a bit smoother.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2016, February. Released 2016, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141 x 68.4 x 7.8 mm (5.55 x 2.69 x 0.31 in) | 145.5 x 72 x 8.5 mm (5.73 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 110 g (3.88 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~306 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.8 inches, 63.5 cm2 (~65.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) | Spreadtrum SC9830A |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | 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 455 h (2G) / Up to 329 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 30 min | Up to 13 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 10 h 45 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) | 0.26 W/kg (head) 0.23 W/kg (body) |
Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348
- Established brand presence in India
- Potentially optimized software for the Mediatek chipset
- Focus on selfie camera (potentially)
- Slower processor (1.3 GHz)
- Older chipset architecture (MT6582)
- Likely limited software updates
XOLO Era 4G
- Faster processor (1.5 GHz)
- More modern chipset (SC9830A)
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Less established brand recognition
- Potential for less optimized software
- Unknown long-term software support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price bracket, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels, though specific resolutions are not provided. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests both are geared towards functional viewing rather than media consumption. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s safe to assume both feature entry-level cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The 'Selfie' branding of the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 suggests a focus on the front-facing camera, but without specific details, it’s impossible to determine if it offers a significant advantage. Any 'macro' cameras present on either device are likely to be low-resolution and offer limited utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The XOLO Era 4G’s Spreadtrum SC9830A, with its quad-core CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz, holds a clear advantage over the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3’s Mediatek MT6582 (1.3 GHz). While both utilize Cortex-A7 cores, the higher clock speed translates to faster processing of instructions. This difference will be most noticeable when launching apps, browsing the web, or multitasking. The 28nm process node of the MT6582 is relatively mature, but the SC9830A’s efficiency isn’t specified, making a direct thermal comparison difficult. However, the slight performance edge of the XOLO is likely to be more impactful than any potential thermal differences.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. Given the target market, we can expect capacities around 2000-2500 mAh. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting slow charging speeds. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns, but the slightly more efficient Spreadtrum SC9830A in the XOLO Era 4G might offer a marginal improvement in longevity, offsetting any potential difference in battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 Q348 if you prioritize a brand with a longer history in the Indian market and are comfortable with a slightly slower processor for basic tasks. Buy the XOLO Era 4G if you prefer a marginally faster processor for smoother multitasking and app loading, and are willing to consider a brand focused on delivering value-oriented devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the XOLO Era 4G struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While not a powerhouse, the 1.5 GHz quad-core processor in the XOLO Era 4G should handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within these apps. It's designed for light to moderate usage.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6582 in the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3 capable of running the latest version of Android?
The Mediatek MT6582 is an older chipset and is unlikely to receive major Android updates. It likely shipped with Android 5 or 6 and may have received a limited number of minor updates. Expect a dated software experience on the Micromax Canvas Selfie 3.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games. However, don't expect a smooth experience with graphically intensive 3D titles. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may encounter stuttering or lag. These phones are not designed for gaming.
