Micromax is not giving up on the ailing Android One smartphone line-up just yet. The Indian smartphone maker quietly re-launched its Canvas A1 with upgraded storage, as it tries to bring more value to budget smartphones.
The new Canvas A1 AQ4502 is the successor to Canvas A1 AQ4501, which was launched last September. Though there are no major changes in the new upgrade, the re-launched Canvas A1 offers twice the storage.
The original Canvas A1 smartphone had just 4GB onboard storage but the new model boasts of 8GB expandable storage. Also, the new Canvas A1 runs on Android 5.1 out of the box, whereas the previous model came with Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Being an Android One smartphone, the older handsets are upgradeable to Android Lollipop.
More onboard space means users can download more apps. Specifications that remain unchanged include 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek processor, 1GB RAM, microSD card slot to support up to 32GB memory and 4.5-inch IPS FWVGA display. The handset also has cameras on both sides, a 5-megapixel shooter with LED flash on the rear and a 2MP front snapper.
Powering up the Canvas A1 is a 1,700mAh battery that offers talk time up to 6 hours, according to Micromax.
Micromax Canvas A1 8GB variant is available for purchase via eBay in India for ₹6,039, which is cheaper than the Canvas A1 AQ4501 launch price of ₹6,499.
Micromax launched several other smartphones recently. Last month, the company launched Canvas Doodle 4 for ₹9,499 and received immense popularity with its YU Yuphoria release. Micromax Canvas Nitro 2 was also launched in May for ₹10,199 as a response to the growing demand for budget smartphones in India.
