Karbonn Smart A52 Plus

The goal with the Smart A52 Plus is to bring Android to the masses. Available for under 3,000, the phone redefines what constitutes a budget device. When you go this low, you re not going to find hardware that's enticing, but the focus with the Smart A52 Plus much like what Google has done with its Android One initiative is to make Android-based handsets available at prices that feature phones usually retail for.

And in that regard, the device excels. You get a 3.5-inch display (IPS, no less) with a resolution of 480 x 320, 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 512MB RAM, 2MP camera at the back that can record video, front camera, dual-SIM functionality, 2G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. There s 4GB of built-in storage on offer put of which you can use 2.5GB as well as a microSD card slot that can accommodate a 32GG SD card. There s a 1,300mAh battery on-board that offers two-day battery life. With dimensions of 61.8 x 115.7 x 10.5 mm and an overall weight of 100g, the device is lightweight. Those looking for customization would be glad in knowing that the phone is offered in white and silver color variants.

On the software side of things, the Smart A52 Plus comes with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, thankfully running a near-stock user interface that doesn t unnecessarily add any bloatware. There are a few e-commerce store clients that come pre-installed, but you can remove them should you wish to do so.

Overall, there isn t much to look at when it comes to the Smart A52 Plus, but when you consider the amount of features on offer and look at the sub- 3,000 pricing, it is incredible what you get. For those making their way to the world of Android for the first time, or for those looking to get a device for basic tasks such as browsing and social networking.