Good: Handy, well built, lightweight, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, 1 GHz Processor, Dual SIM, Decent 3.2 Mega Pixel Camera with flash, long battery life. Low budget.
Bad: No 3G, RAM only 256 MB, very limited internal storage of 512 MB, no native Office Productivity tools support.
Summary: Spice Mi-426 is well built, lightweight, 2G only Dual SIM Android Budget phone. We found device performs well on all major tests for Voice/Data. The biggest drawback with the phone is no ‘3G’. If we compare Mi-426, with competitor’s mobiles in same segment (<5000 INR), we find there’re many equal or even better options available at similar or even at lower price tag. The phone is mere stripped down version of Mi-504/5X.
With launch of Spice Mi-426, Spice mobile has come long way in producing the excellent built Android devices at ‘Value for Money’ price tag. The device, if we compare to its predecessor in the same series i.e. Spice Mi-504, is more powerful, well built & scores every bit on all major parameters. It’s built for those, who are looking for budget price Android Smartphone, with dual SIM capability (all Spice devices boasts dual SIM capability) & decent multi-tasking/browsing experience. It would be serious challenger to all top device makers in the budget price range.
The phone has 4 inch, capacitive, touch screen display with resolution of 400 x 800 pixels, little lower than Spice 5X, but we found the touch works far better as compared to 5X without any sluggishness.
Loaded with 1 GHz dual core processor & only 256 MB RAM, we found device behaves well while browsing & simultaneously listening to music/video/FM. Although, it’s not recommended for multi-tasking, the device performs well on benchmark.
The phone comes with Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth but no GPS. The Li-ion battery (3.7V/1450 mAh) works well for regular talk-time. Although company claims that phone has maximum talk time of 5.5 hr, we found it works little better for regular calling and battery could last upto 6-7 hrs on regular day load. In fact, if we compare the battery life with 5X, both performed equally well for all types Voice/Data tests. We are really impressed with battery performance of both the devices.
The phone is equipped with internal storage of 512 MB, which can be expanded up-to 32 GB. The front camera (3.2 Mega pixels with flash) is good enough for regular photo captures & video making. Front camera is pretty basic, which doesn’t have much use on 2G Network.
Phone is well built & weighs around 120 gm, which is far lighter as compared to 5X. With Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), it’s equipped with all basic applications loaded with basic Android phone. With no GPS support, we found some of the applications don’t really do much, especially MAPs. Also there’s no ‘Google Docs’ support available with phone, which is available in Spice 5X. You can also enjoy SpiceCloud storage of 2GB free with phone purchase (http://spicecloud.in). For browsing, users can opt between native Android browser & Opera Mini.
Overall, we found Spice Mi-426 is decent performer in given price range. Various e-portals offer phone at starting price of Rs 4000 only, which is good deal for above configuration. We didn’t find any major issues with phone, but given growing demand for data, a 2G only phone won’t be of much attraction, especially when there’s already budget android dual SIM (2G) phone available (Spice 5X) at little extra price.
Surely, if you are low on budget & don’t mind low RAM/Storage & no 3G, this phone is worth every penny.
See also: Lenovo A369i, LG Optimus Dual SIM E405, Micromax Bolt series phones, Karbonn, Lava .
