Review: Idea Aurus
Budget smartphones aren't known for their build quality or specs, especially when launched by the operators. But it was a surprise with Aurus.
IDEA AURUS
Price: Rs 7,190
Specs: Android v2.3; 3.5-inch display; 800MHz processor; Expandable memory card slot; Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth; 5MP camera; 1300 mAh battery
Budget smartphones aren't known for their build quality or specs, especially when launched by the operators. But with the Idea Aurus, we were in for a big surprise. Manufactured by Alcatel, the Aurus has got a perfect size and a sturdy built. Made of black plastic, the phone has curved edges with a thin metal bezel running on the sides. The 3.5-inch multitouch display at the front gives Aurus with the perfect dimensions for a comfortable grip.
The display is bright and responsive. The three Android touch keys-menu, search and back-are accompanied by a physical home key that comes handy while using the phone. A dedicated camera key has been placed on the left panel of the phone.
The Aurus is a dual-SIM smartphone with the Android v2.3 onboard. The unlock screen of the phone looks different and we can unlock it by dragging our finger from top to bottom. We could browse through many apps in the application launcher. Along with the regulars like Gmail, Play Store, YouTube, Maps, etc, it had many other apps icons such as AntiVirus Pro, Android Manager, Cloud Backup, DRM utility, Currency Converter, Idea TV, Office Suite, PinBall, etc. While some of the apps were installed on the phone, launching the rest took us to the 'install' option on the Play Store. It also had a basic camera, which states 5 MP under settings using interpolations software. There is also a front facing camera onboard that can be used for video calling. The Aurus has an 800MHz processor and an expandable memory card slot. This dual-SIM smartphone has a 1300 mAh battery that gives us a day's usage on a single charge.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? A refreshing budget Android.
Price: Rs 7,190
Specs: Android v2.3; 3.5-inch display; 800MHz processor; Expandable memory card slot; Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth; 5MP camera; 1300 mAh battery
Budget smartphones aren't known for their build quality or specs, especially when launched by the operators. But with the Idea Aurus, we were in for a big surprise. Manufactured by Alcatel, the Aurus has got a perfect size and a sturdy built. Made of black plastic, the phone has curved edges with a thin metal bezel running on the sides. The 3.5-inch multitouch display at the front gives Aurus with the perfect dimensions for a comfortable grip.
The display is bright and responsive. The three Android touch keys-menu, search and back-are accompanied by a physical home key that comes handy while using the phone. A dedicated camera key has been placed on the left panel of the phone.
The Aurus is a dual-SIM smartphone with the Android v2.3 onboard. The unlock screen of the phone looks different and we can unlock it by dragging our finger from top to bottom. We could browse through many apps in the application launcher. Along with the regulars like Gmail, Play Store, YouTube, Maps, etc, it had many other apps icons such as AntiVirus Pro, Android Manager, Cloud Backup, DRM utility, Currency Converter, Idea TV, Office Suite, PinBall, etc. While some of the apps were installed on the phone, launching the rest took us to the 'install' option on the Play Store. It also had a basic camera, which states 5 MP under settings using interpolations software. There is also a front facing camera onboard that can be used for video calling. The Aurus has an 800MHz processor and an expandable memory card slot. This dual-SIM smartphone has a 1300 mAh battery that gives us a day's usage on a single charge.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? A refreshing budget Android.
