Overview

Celkon A88: A 3G Android based phone

Overview of Celkon A88

The design of Celkon A88 is sleek, stylish and you will find it resembling some smartphones from Nokia and HTC etc. Regarding the features, specifications and apps, let us start from the network support. This handset is well engineered to support two networks at the same time with the dual SIM compatibility. From the list of its features Celkon A88 comes equipped with Android 2.3 OS, Wi-Fi, GPS, 3.5 inch Touch screen Display, 650MHz processor, Bluetooth, Social networking etc. Furthermore, there are facilities for entertainment such as games and music player and video player also.

Design and Build Quality

The affordable Celkon A88 has a 3.5 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen that comes in a candy bar style design. It is going to look like your run of the mill smartphone with an average plastic build quality.

User Interface and Comfort to Use Celkon A88

Equipped with Android 2.3 operating system, the A88 will be familiar to any Android-user. The capacitive touchscreen is much easier to navigate than other devices that use a resistive style.

Phonebook and Telephony

You can virtually store an unlimited amount of entries in the phonebook. In addition, you can create caller groups and have multiple numbers per contact. There is also picture and ring ID capability. You can also search by first or last name to get to a contact much easier.

Messaging and Emails

Access to text and pictures is available on the device. There is also e-mail support and instant messaging capabilities. Your communication mediums are very much all covered with the A88. In order to access the Android market, you must connect to a Gmail account, so be ready to set one up if you do not already have one.

Gallery, Photo Viewer and Video Player

The photo gallery is a generic one that looks like any other Android-based device. You do have some ability to organize your gallery. Video formats like MP4, H.264, and H.263 are all supported. The quality of the videos will be average at best.

Celkon A88 Music Player and FM Radio

MP3, WAV, and eAAC files will all be music file formats that can be played on the device. There is also a stereo FM radio player for live music listening needs. Audio quality is decent and the 3.5mm head jack will enable you to put in your own headphones when you don't want the whole world to hear your music. The headphones that come with the device are cheap and if there weren't thrown in the box, would not be worth money to buy.

Celkon A88 Still Camera and Image Quality

A 3.0 MP camera also allows you to geo-tag. The resolution on the camera comes in at 2048x1536 pixels. It lacks auto focus, ambient light sensor, and flash, so you will not have a great photo shooting experience.

Video Camera and Video Quality

There is a video camera in the front for video calling. The video camera itself is lacking just as much as the camera is for recording video.

Celkon A88 Connectivity Options

With dual-SIM capability, you have access to GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands. Data can be contacted via EDGE, and GPRS. There is also Bluetooth, 802.11 b Wi-fi, USB, computer synch, and OTA sync available.

Web Browser and Applications

There is a built-in browser and access to the hundreds of thousands of applications via the Android market.

Google Maps and GPS

Due to its Google-based operating system, Google Maps is supported on the A88.

Value for money

With a price tag of INR 6499 (approx., may vary), the Celkon A88 is a mid-range smartphone device.

Verdict

Due to the poor camera features and slow 650 MHz processor, in the mid-range category, the A88 under-delivers. There are more solid devices out there for the price.