Hardware

Display

The Micromax Canvas Blaze comes with a 5 inch screen of FWVGA (854 x 480p) resolution. Considering the 11,000 INR price tag, we expected it to have a 720p HD resolution at least. It is disappointing to see Micromax include only FWVGA on a panel as large as 5 inches, with most other manufacturers offering 720p. Regarding screen size, 5 inches is a very safe bet. Most smartphones that have seen a release in the past year feature 5 inch screens, which is enough to prove that it is tough to go wrong with a 5 inch screen on your smartphone.

Camera and Storage

The Blaze features an 8MP shooter on the rear along with a 0.3MP (VGA) front. Devices like the XOLO Q1000 which go for a bit more come with such specs, and Micromax have done well in this regards. However, we hope that the sensor quality isn’t too bad; as we know, the megapixel count isn’t enough to make a good camera. The front VGA shooter will perhaps suffice for most, with selfie lovers feeling the need for a better shooter. Something which power users might find disappointing is that the phone comes with only 4GB ROM like most other budget devices from domestic manufacturers. We really wish to see 8GB ROM minimum in the future, at least with devices priced over the 10k INR mark like this one. Coming back the the Blaze, Micromax have provided a microSD slot to expand the storage further, if the included 4GB (which should have around 2GB of usable space) falls short of your requirements.

Processor and Battery

The Blaze features a 1GHz dual core processor which is a bit of a let down. Many manufacturers like Celkon are offering dual core phones at around 7k INR, which really hampers the value for money aspect of this device. We hope to see a reduction is price in the next few months, that is, if Micromax want to do well with the Blaze. The device features an 1850mAh battery which again isn’t at par with the competition. Most manufacturers include at least 2000mAh units; and buyers these days conduct extensive research before going for a device, making it impossible for manufacturers to slip away with lesser hardware. A 2000mAh or great battery would’ve been more in spirit.

Form Factor and Competitors

Design

There isn’t a lot about the design of the device; a candy bar form factor along with the usual 3 capacitive buttons on the bottom of the screen.

Competitors

Celkon Signature A107+XOLO A500SXOLO Q700

Conclusion

Micromax have teamed up with MTS, and offer 2GB of data, 1000 minutes for MTS to MTS local calling, and 120 free minutes for other local and STD calls per month for the first 6 months to buyers of the Blaze. Although this is lucrative, but not lucrative enough to give up on a quad core processor and 1GB RAM that you can get in this amount. If you aren’t too swayed by the free data and calling offers, we would suggest you to buy a quad core phone from XOLO or maybe even the Micromax Canvas 2 Plus for the amount.