Overview

Karbonn A1: A Budget Touchscreen Phone

Design and Build Quality of Karbonn A1

The Karbonn A1 is a budget touch screen phone that runs on Android 2.2. It features a 2.8-inch display, 3.2 MP camera and other interesting apps like Aldiko (eBook reader), AccuWeather, and Documents to Go Viewer. In terms of connectivity, the A1 comes with 3G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Running on Android 2.2, the phone provides Wi-Fi hotspot functionality which lets users to use 3G/GPRS connection through Wi-Fi and other devices. The phone is also preloaded with popular Google apps like Google Map, Gmail, and GTalk.

Karbonn A1 also provides access to Android Market that serves as a gateway to interesting applications like YouTube, Internet radio Tune Wiki, and the popular Angry Birds. Other features include live motion wall papers, handwriting recognition, new task manager app, 32 GB expandable memory, and the Swype feature that allows users to enter words by sliding a finger from letter to letter, lifting only between words.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Powered by Android 2.2 operating system, the device should feel familiar to anyone who has used an Android device. Karbonn did use a resistive touchscreen display that requires you to put pressure on the screen for it to read inputs. This makes it difficult to navigate through when you have been used to devices with a more responsive capacitive screen.

Karbonn A1 Messaging and Emails

Due to the Android operating system, you will have access to almost any email client out there. Messaging is also a standard feature, though as mentioned before, you may be frustrated with the resistive touchscreen when creating texts.

Gallery, Photo Viewer, and Video Player of Karbonn A1

There is 2 GB of internal memory built into the Karbonn A1 which gives you plenty of space to keep your photos, with microSD support. The resolution on the device is 240x320, so your photos will not look the greatest on the display. You are able to record and watch videos in 3GP and MP4 formats.

Music Player and FM radio of Karbonn A1

You will be able to listen to music on formats such as WMA and MP3. It will be an average music listening experience on the A1. An FM radio is absent from the device.

Still Camera and Image Quality

A 3.2 MP camera will be able to take decent pictures in bright to medium light considerations. There is no flash so in low light, you will get blurry results.

Karbonn A1 Connectivity Options

The Karbonn A1 is works on GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 frequencies. In addition, 3G HSDPA support is available on the 1900 frequency. There is also Wi-Fi support for your internet needs. A Bluetooth and USB port support allows you to connect to other devices.

Web Browser and Applications

A web browser built into the Karbonn A1 enables internet access. It is a fairly average experience due to the poor screen quality and small display. You have the entire Android Market available to you which enables you to find virtually any application you may be interested in.

Organizer and Other Utility Tools

You have a calendar, voice recording, and other standard tools available.

Google Maps and GPS

GPS is supported via A-GPS and with the addition of Google Maps, all your navigation needs should be met.

Distinctive Features of Karbonn A1

One added bonus to the Karbonn A1 is the anti-theft feature. It allows you to trace your phone if you lose it. There is also a mobile TV application that allows you to watch TV shows right on the phone.

Call Quality and Battery

You will get god call quality from the Karbonn A1. Battery performance is very average and you can probably get a day's worth of use out of the A1.

Verdict

If you have a tight budget, the Karbonn A1 is a good smartphone choice. However, if you can manage to pay a little bit more; there are other options with better screen quality and a capacitive touchscreen out there.