Camera and Internal Storage
The primary camera is a 13 MP unit with LED flash, AF, HDR and Full HD video recording. At the front a 5 MP fixed focus camera is present for modest selfies. Camera app also lists software trickery like object tracker. The camera module and software looks similar to what Micromax is using on Micromax Canvas Nitro A310 with a similar model number, software and SoC. Canvas Nitro performed great in full light conditions but faltered in terms of details in low light shots. Internal storage is ample 16 GB and you can further extend it by another 32 GB using MicroSD card slot. The storage will be sufficient for most users.
Processor and Battery
The processor used is MT6592 True Octa core clocked at 1.7 GHz and aided by 1 GB RAM. 1 GB RAM doesn’t make much sense at this price point in today’s market. Even original Canvas 4 launched last year was expected to sport more than 1 GB RAM prior to its launch. Since its an important performance parameter, long term performance will be affected. Canvas Nitro improved things a bit with 2500 mAh battery, but with Canvas 4 Plus Micromax is back to 2000 mAh units which we find in most Canvas series devices. Micromax promises 7 hours of talk time and only 205 hours of standby time (less than Canvas 4). Although it wouldn’t be wise to write it off just yet, but we would have liked a bigger battery in Canvas 4 Plus one year down the line.
Display and Other Features
The display is the highlight of Canvas 4 plus. Micromax has used a 720P HD AMOLED display panel 5 inches in size. AMOLED displays, conventionally seen in Samsung high end phones are characterized with excellent blacks, high contrast and oversaturated colors. The whites however aren’t superior to IPS LCD panels. This makes AMOLED displays quite apt for watching videos and other multimedia content. Since each pixel is powered individually you can reduce battery consumption by keeping a dark background. Software is Android 4.4.2 KitKat and the customizations which we saw on Canvas Nitro are present on Canvas 4 Plus as well. You can swipe to the left most home screen for blink feed like updates, Icons have been customized and you can also define custom gestures or use pre-installed ones. Other features include
Comparison
Micromax Canvas 4 Plus will compete with phones like Micromax Canvas Nitro, Zenfone 5, Alcatel One Touch Idol X+, Xiaomi Mi3, HTC Desire 816G and the new Moto G in India.
Key Specs
What we Like
16 GB expandable internal storageAndroid KitKat
What we Don’t like
Only 1 GB RAM2000 mAh battery with 210 hours of 2G standby time
Conclusion
Micromax Canvas 4 Plus seems slightly overpriced at 17,500 INR. Canvas Nitro from the same camp offers more for a lesser price. The highlight seems to be the AMOLED display and if you aren’t particularly charmed by it, there are plenty of other options which might serve you better.
