The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. We pit the Spice Mi-492 Stellar Virtuoso Pro+ against the Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350, two devices aiming to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. Given the limited publicly available information on the Spice Mi-492, this comparison will focus heavily on contextualizing the known specifications of the Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus and inferring the Mi-492's positioning based on brand history and market trends.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known quantity, the Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 emerges as the slightly more predictable choice. Its Mediatek MT6580M chipset provides a baseline level of performance, while the Spice Mi-492 remains largely an unknown entity, relying on brand recognition in a crowded market.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, September. Released 2013, September | 2016, July. Released 2016, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 133.8 x 68.2 x 10 mm (5.27 x 2.69 x 0.39 in) | - |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 123.3 g (4.34 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | , - | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6580M (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | - | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 2 MP |
| 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 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 350 h | Up to 350 h |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h | Up to 17 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1730 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Gray, Copper Gold, Champagne Gold |
| Models | - | Q350 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 50 EUR |
Spice Mi-492 Stellar Virtuoso Pro+
- Potential for unique software features (Spice brand)
- May offer competitive regional pricing
- Unknown factors could offer unexpected benefits
- Lack of publicly available specifications
- Uncertain performance and camera quality
- Limited brand recognition outside of specific regions
Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350
- Known chipset (MT6580M) provides performance predictability
- Affordable price point
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Outdated processor architecture
- Low-resolution cameras
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Details regarding the Spice Mi-492's display are unavailable. The Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 likely features a basic IPS LCD panel, common in this price bracket. Given the target market, expect resolutions around 480x854 pixels. Neither device is expected to offer high brightness or color accuracy; the focus is on basic readability. The absence of display specifications for the Mi-492 suggests a similar, cost-optimized approach.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Spice Mi-492 are absent. The Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 likely features a basic 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. The 2MP front camera is primarily for video calls rather than detailed selfies. Expect limited features and image processing capabilities. Without specific details on the Mi-492's camera, it's safe to assume a similar level of performance.
Performance
The Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 is powered by the Mediatek MT6580M, a 28nm quad-core processor clocked at 1.3 GHz with Cortex-A7 cores. This chipset is designed for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. The Spice Mi-492's chipset remains unknown, but given the price point, it's unlikely to significantly outperform the MT6580M. The MT6580M's Cortex-A7 architecture is relatively dated, but efficient, prioritizing battery life over raw processing power. Users should expect noticeable lag when multitasking or running demanding applications on the Micromax, and the Mi-492 will likely offer a comparable experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is unknown. However, given the MT6580M's efficiency, the Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Spice Mi-492's battery life will depend heavily on its chipset and software optimization. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, relying on micro-USB connectivity. Expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Spice Mi-492 Stellar Virtuoso Pro+ if you are a loyal Spice customer seeking a potentially unique software experience or a specific regional promotion. Buy the Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 if you prioritize a device with documented specifications and a known chipset, offering a degree of performance predictability within the ultra-budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6580M chipset capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6580M is sufficient for running basic social media applications like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, expect some lag when loading images or videos, and avoid running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ Given the limited information on the Spice Mi-492, is it a risky purchase?
Yes, purchasing the Spice Mi-492 carries a higher risk due to the lack of publicly available specifications. Without knowing the chipset, RAM, or camera details, it's difficult to assess its performance and value accurately. The Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 offers more certainty.
❓ Will the Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 be able to play basic Android games?
The Micromax Canvas Spark 2 Plus Q350 can handle very basic Android games with low graphical requirements. However, don't expect to play demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty smoothly. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may experience significant lag.
