In the fiercely competitive sub-$100 smartphone market, the Spice Stellar 439 (Mi-439) and the Micromax Canvas Fire 4G Plus Q412 represent attempts to deliver 4G connectivity at an accessible price. While both devices target the same budget-conscious consumer, they differ significantly in their underlying hardware, particularly in their system-on-chip (SoC) choices. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Micromax Canvas Fire 4G Plus Q412 is the clear winner. Its quad-core Cortex-A53 processor, powered by the MT6735P chipset, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the dual-core Cortex-A7 in the Spice Stellar 439, making it better suited for modern app usage.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | - | 3, 5, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, August | 2015, December. Released 2015, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125 x 63 x 10 mm (4.92 x 2.48 x 0.39 in) | - |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 113.8 g (4.02 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~57.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6572M (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6735P (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@25fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, dual speakers | Yes, dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | A-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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 15 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 58 h | Up to 240 h |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h 30 min | Up to 7 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Brown, Silver | Black |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.85 W/kg (head) | - |
Spice Stellar 439 (Mi-439)
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market conditions)
- Simpler software experience (due to less processing power)
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Micromax
- Struggles with multitasking and modern apps
- Less future-proof due to limited processing power
Micromax Canvas Fire 4G Plus Q412
- Quad-core processor offers a smoother user experience
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More responsive app loading times
- May be slightly more expensive than the Spice Stellar 439
- Potentially slightly lower battery life under heavy load (though offset by efficiency)
- Software experience may be slightly more bloated
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses solely on the chipset, we can infer both likely utilize similar low-cost LCD panels. The absence of information regarding resolution or screen size suggests both are targeting the bare minimum for functionality. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy and viewing angles will likely be limited on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, it's safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. The market segment suggests low-resolution sensors and limited image processing capabilities. Any claims of advanced features should be viewed with skepticism. The absence of OIS or large apertures indicates low-light performance will be poor on both devices. Focusing on the chipset difference, the MT6735P's ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more capable, potentially leading to slightly better image quality, but the sensor itself will be the limiting factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Spice Stellar 439 utilizes the Mediatek MT6572M with a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, while the Micromax Canvas Fire 4G Plus Q412 features the Mediatek MT6735P with a quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The Cortex-A53 architecture is a significant improvement over the Cortex-A7, offering better performance per clock cycle and improved power efficiency. While both are clocked at 1.0 GHz, the four cores of the MT6735P allow for true multitasking, whereas the Stellar 439 will struggle with more than a couple of apps running simultaneously. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 28nm process, meaning thermal performance will be similar, but the MT6735P will deliver more performance *within* those thermal constraints.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but given the budget nature of these phones, it's likely both feature relatively small batteries (around 2000-2500 mAh). The MT6735P's more efficient Cortex-A53 cores will likely translate to slightly better battery life under moderate usage, despite potentially being paired with a similar capacity battery. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely slow on both devices, meaning a full charge will take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Spice Stellar 439 (Mi-439) if you need a basic, functional smartphone primarily for calls, texts, and very light app usage. It's a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Micromax Canvas Fire 4G Plus Q412 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, especially when running multiple apps or browsing the web. The quad-core processor offers a significant upgrade in usability for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax Canvas Fire 4G Plus Q412 handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the quad-core Cortex-A53 processor in the Micromax Canvas Fire 4G Plus Q412 is well-suited for running basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. The dual-core processor in the Spice Stellar 439 may struggle with these apps, especially when multiple apps are open.
❓ Is the Spice Stellar 439 (Mi-439) a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Spice Stellar 439 is a viable option for users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts. Its dual-core processor is sufficient for these basic tasks, and it will likely be the more affordable option. However, be aware that it will struggle with more demanding applications.
❓ Can either of these phones handle mobile gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for mobile gaming. The processors are underpowered for most modern games. While very simple 2D games might be playable on the Micromax Canvas Fire 4G Plus Q412, expect low frame rates and significant lag on both devices when attempting to play more demanding titles.
