The smartphone market is flooded with budget options, but finding the right balance of performance and features can be challenging. We pit the Micromax In 1b, a relatively recent entrant leveraging Mediatek's Helio G35 chipset, against the Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019), a device representing an older generation of entry-level smartphones. This comparison aims to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing everyday tasks and basic functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Micromax In 1b is the clear winner. Its octa-core Helio G35 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Panasonic Eluga I7’s quad-core processor, making it significantly more responsive for multitasking and app usage. While both phones target the budget segment, the In 1b delivers a more modern experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148.8 x 70.9 x 9.3 mm (5.86 x 2.79 x 0.37 in) | 164.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio with RDS | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Blue | Blue, Purple, Green |
| Models | - | E6523, E7533 |
| Price | About 9990 INR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019)
- Potentially lower price point (depending on availability)
- Established brand (Panasonic)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated quad-core processor
- Likely limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor performance with modern apps
Micromax In 1b
- Octa-core Helio G35 processor for improved performance
- 5000mAh battery with reverse wired charging
- More efficient 12nm process
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- May not have the same brand recognition as Panasonic
- Build quality may be less premium
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications for the Panasonic Eluga I7 are scarce. Given its 2019 release and budget positioning, it likely features a standard IPS LCD panel with a resolution around 720p+. The Micromax In 1b also utilizes an IPS LCD, but the focus here is on the processing power to drive the display. Without knowing the Eluga I7’s brightness or color accuracy, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the In 1b’s newer chipset may offer slightly better image processing capabilities.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without specific sensor details for the Eluga I7, it’s safe to assume a similar level of image quality to the In 1b’s primary camera. The In 1b’s camera system is likely the stronger performer due to the image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Helio G35 chipset, which handles image processing and noise reduction. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the In 1b allows for better image quality in various lighting conditions, even if the sensor itself isn't high-end.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Panasonic Eluga I7’s quad-core 1.5 GHz processor is a generation behind. The Micromax In 1b’s Mediatek Helio G35, built on a 12nm process, boasts an octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This translates to a substantial improvement in multitasking and app loading times. The Helio G35’s architecture, while still entry-level, is far more efficient and capable of handling modern applications with greater ease. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency compared to older, larger node processors.
Battery Life
Battery capacity information for the Eluga I7 is unavailable. The Micromax In 1b features a 5000mAh battery and supports 10W wired charging, with the added convenience of reverse wired charging. This allows the In 1b to function as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent in the Eluga I7. While 10W charging isn’t fast, it’s adequate for a phone in this price range. The larger battery capacity of the In 1b, combined with the more efficient Helio G35 chipset, should result in longer battery life compared to the Eluga I7.
Buying Guide
Buy the Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019) if you absolutely need a phone with a known brand reputation and are operating on an extremely tight budget where even a small price difference matters. Buy the Micromax In 1b if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and the benefit of reverse wired charging for accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Micromax In 1b suitable for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 is a gaming-focused chipset, PUBG Mobile will likely need to be played on lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not designed for high-end gaming, but it's capable of handling less demanding titles and casual gaming sessions.
❓ How does the reverse wired charging on the Micromax In 1b work, and what can I charge with it?
The Micromax In 1b’s reverse wired charging allows you to use the phone as a power bank for other devices like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even another smartphone. You’ll need a USB cable to connect the devices, and the charging speed will be limited to 10W.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the Panasonic Eluga I7, given its 2019 release date?
Given the Eluga I7’s age, it’s unlikely to receive any further major software updates. Security patches may be limited or non-existent, which could pose a security risk. The Micromax In 1b, being a newer device, is more likely to receive ongoing software support.
