There is a stiff competition in the mid-range smartphone space as new models from companies try to steal consumers' attention. Micromax and Microsoft recently launched new smartphones priced at similar range, so it's only fitting to see a face-off between Canvas Nirto 2 and Lumia 540 Dual to suggest a better handset for consumers.
Microsoft released its Lumia 540 Dual shortly after Micromax's Canvas Nitro 2. Both the handsets are priced around ₹10,000, giving consumers more options. At the same time, it increases the competition and makes the decision tougher for consumers. A direct comparison of Lumia 540 Dual and Canvas Nitro 2 will help shoppers decide which smartphone suits them the best.
Display
Both handsets offer similar sized displays with same resolution. The Canvas Nitro 2 comes equipped with a 5-inch HD IPS display with Oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprint smudges, Gorilla Glass 3 protection, 178-degree viewing angle and 294ppi. Comparatively, Microsoft also packs a 5-inch HD ClearBlack display with a pixel density of 294ppi.
Processor
There is a difference of choice in this category as Microsoft opts for Qualcomm processor compared to Micromax's MediaTek chip onboard. The Canvas Nitro 2 is powered by a 1.4GHz MediaTek tru-octacore SoC with quad-core ARM Mali 450 GPU for graphics. As for the Lumia 540 Dual SIM, there is a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 200 SoC with Adreno 302 GPU. On paper, Canvas Nitro 2 appears to have a better performance than its rival.
RAM & Storage
Micromax Canvas Nitro 2 boasts 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM with microSD card slot to support an additional 32GB. Once again, Micromax has an upper hand over Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual, which sports just 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage expandable up to 128GB via microSD cards. It's worth noting that buyers of Lumia 540 Dual will have the benefit of cloud storage up to 30GB via Microsoft's OneDrive for free. Depending on how you choose to store your photos, videos and music, both phones have their own significance.
Camera
A good camera in a smartphone is always a great add-on. On the rear side, Canvas Nitro 2 features a 13-megapixel AF sensor with LED flash while Lumia 540 Dual packs an 8MP shooter with f/2.2 aperture, Auto focus and LED flash. On the front side, a 5MP camera is common on both phones but Microsoft's offering comes with wide-angle sensor for better group selfies.
Software
Micromax Canvas Nitro 2 runs on Google's Android OS, sadly not the Lollipop but 4.4.2 KitKat version. Android OS has several benefits such as the largest marketplace for apps and more. Whereas the Lumia 540 Dual runs on Microsoft's own Windows Phone 8.1 and it is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile when available later this year.
Battery
The Lumia 540 Dual SIM packs a 2,200mAh battery that promises up to 14.8 hours of 3G talk time. Micromax, on the other hand, packs a slightly better battery than its rival, measuring 2,400mAh.
Price
With all specs in mind, both smartphones are priced almost similarly. The Micromax Canvas Nitro 2 sells for ₹ 10,990 while the Lumia 540 Dual SIM costs ₹ 10,990. The Lumia 540 Dual is bundled with great number of offers. As we noted earlier, deals such as ₹1,000 cash back on recharges (₹200 cash back per recharge for first four recharges valued at ₹500 or higher, via Ola Money), 2 months of free subscription to Gaana and "Double Data for 2 Months" offer from Airtel, bring great value for consumers.
