Micromax Launches Smarty 3.0 A30 With Android 2.3 And 3" Screen, Available For Rs 3900

Micromax has launched a new low-cost Android handset — the Smarty 3.0 A30 (yes, they are actually calling their phones Smarty). It features a 3.0" capacitive touchscreen with QVGA pixel dimensions of 320x240. Since it is an entry-level device, the phone comes with low-power hardware that might adversely affect its performance. To start with, the CPU is clocked at 832 MHz and there is only 256 MB of RAM. The amount of storage is not even mentioned apart from the 512 MB of ROM, thus leading us to believe that you are at the mercy of expandable storage via microSD card (which you must buy separately, but thankfully is not expensive). A 2 mp camera with LED flash is present on the rear. Micromax has included two GSM SIM slots in dual standby mode, of which at least one works in 3G mode for high speed mobile internet access. Here is the specifications sheet:

• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread); Google Play, Mi! Zone, M store, Mobile Tracker.
• Dual-SIM, Dual GSM standby, Dual band (900, 1800 MHz) for both SIMs, 3G WCDMA 2100 MHz.
• 832 MHz CPU with 256 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM, expandable via microSD up to 32 GB.
• 3" capacitive touchscreen with pixel dimensions of 320x240.
• 2 megapixel rear camera with LED flash, 2x digital zoom, night vision, video recording.
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0.
• Gravity sensor, NO GPS.
• 1500 mAh Li-ion battery with 6 hours 2G talk time.
• 4.4" (l) x 2.3" (w) x 0.57" (14.5 mm) (d).
• Package Contents: Charger, Battery, Headset, User guide.

The dual-SIM, 3G capability, and 3" screen are probably the only things favouring this handset, especially for those who like to watch videos on the go. I am sceptical about how many apps and games will run satisfactorily on the dated hardware and OS. Considering the fact that the hardware should not consume too much power, the claimed talk time of 6 hours on 2G seems to be low, especially when it is generally known that real world battery backup is almost always less than what the company claims.
The Micromax Smarty 3.0 A30 carries an MRP tag of Rs 5500, but it can be yours for Rs 3900. It would actually make better sense to go for the Smarty 2.5 A25 from the same company with a slightly smaller 2.8" screen and a more powerful 1 GHz CPU, and you even save money as it is available cheaper, for Rs 3200.