Karbonn Smart A55 Unboxing

The Karbonn Smart A55 is a budget device but with entry-level specs. You get a dual-core processor, 512 MB RAM and a 3.5-inch IPS display for just Rs. 3700. There's 4 GB of internal storage which is expandable upto 32 GB using a micro SD card. Then you will also have WiFi, Bluetooth as well as an accelerometer built into the device. Sounds too good to be priced so low? Maybe, lets see what we have in our unboxing of the Karbonn Smart A55.

Unboxing Video

In the Box

You get the usual accessories within the box, nothing extra which is what we expected. The quality of the accessories tends towards being a being a bit cheap.

Here are the box contents:

• Karbonn Smart A55
• User Manual, Warranty statements
• Headset
• USB Wall Charger
• USB Data-cable

Hardware Overview

The Karbonn Smart A55 is quite packed for a budget device, running Android 4.2.2 Jelly bean with a 1.2 GHz dual-core MediaTek MT6572 chipset, Mali-400MP GPU with 512 MB RAM. You also have a 3 MP camera at the back with LED flash alongwith a VGA front-facing camera. There's a 3.5-inch HVGA (320x480 pixels) IPS display in the front alongwith 3 capacitive buttons which do light up.

An 1100 mAh battery powers the phone and it comes with dual-SIM capability. You also have WiFi, Bluetooth and an accelerometer or G-Sensor built in. So gaming would be possible on the device. The Smart A55 comes with 2G connectivity with EDGE for data. There's 4 GB of internal storage which is expandable upto 32 GB using a microSD card slot.

Build

On first looking at the device it looks similar to the Samsung Galaxy Star Duos, but doesn't have its excellent build quality. Nevertheless, the build of the Karbonn Smart A55 is actually pretty solid considering its price. In the front  you have a 3.5-inch display, just below it are three capacitive buttons for menu, home and back. Surprisingly they do light up, although the backlight bleeds a little bit echoing the budget price of the device. The microphone can be found on the bottom lip of the front-panel. Then at the top of the display you will find the earpiece as well as the VGA front-facing camera.

You have the volume rocker and the power button located on the left which seems strange and off-putting. They are easily accessible being such a small device but with your index finger and not the thumb which we have become used to. It seems this phone was built keeping left-handers in mind more than anything else. The buttons are a bit clicky but do have good travel and don't wobble, always a good sign.

You can see a glossy dull silver trim on the sides, which does look good plus its shape makes the phone look slimmer somewhat. The buttons are metallic silver in color but blend well into the side trim. There's nothing on the right side. 

You can find the 3.5-mm audio jack at the top while the microUSB data-syncing/charging port is available at the bottom.

Moving to the back you have a 3 MP camera with a LED flash which is utterly useless even as a torch. Karbonn branding just below it and a very wide speaker-grill, which serves to other purpose than to accumulate dust since, the business part of the grill just occupies a fraction of its entire length.

Overall the build of the device is quite solid, there is no creaking or flex anywhere which is great to see at this price-point.

First Impressions

One must remember that the Karbonn Smart A55 is a budget device. Keeping that in mind it has excellent specs which result is good performance. There is no lag anywhere, the UI is almost stock which makes it smoother and the display although just HVGA in resolution doesn't seem all that bad considering the price. It is bright, with decent color reproduction and good viewing angles being an IPS panel.

The build of the device is another solid point in favor of the device, its all plastic but good in quality without any flex anywhere. Plus the phone feels good to hold in the hand without any protruding or sharp edges. The only thing I found annoying in the button placement, both the volume rocker and the power button are on the left, which is not just odd its a bit difficult to get used to as well. That's a design choice that I cannot wrap my head around. Nevertheless, for the price you are getting a much better device. We will be back with its benchmarks as well as gaming review soon, keep tuned into PhoneBunch for more. If you have any questions just hit us in the comments section, or email them to us using the widget on the right.

Unboxing Image Gallery