Micromax Canvas Win W121 Unboxing

Micromax Canvas Win W121 is the company’s first phone running Windows Phone 8.1. The Canvas Win is here to compete with the Lumia 630 and comes with more RAM but a slower processor. Micromax is a Windows Phone partner and we might see more devices launch soon as well. But for now let’s see Micromax's first effort with Windows Phone, the Canvas Win W121.

Unboxing Video

In the Box

Micromax Canvas Win W121 too comes with the usual accessories within the box including the following:

• Micromax Canvas Win W121 Handset
• USB Wall Charger
• Micro-USB Data-syncing/Charging cable
• In-ear Headset
• Free Screenguard
• Warranty Statement and User Guides

Micromax Canvas Win W121 Hardware Specifications

In terms of specs and design the Canvas Win W121 is a carbon-copy of the Canvas Elanza 2 A121, you will find a:

• Display: 5-inch 720p HD IPS, 720x1280 Pixels
• Processor: 1.2 GHz Quad-core, Snapdragon 200
• GPU: Adreno 302
• OS: Windows Phone 8.1
• Memory: 1 GB RAM, 4 GB ROM expandable up to 32 GB
• Connectivity: 3G, Dual-SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM Radio, GPS
• Battery: 2000 mAh

Build Quality

At first look you might mistake the Canvas Win W121 with the Canvas Elanza 2, in-fact they are pretty-much the same phone with the OS swapped. Another difference is that the Canvas Win W121 doesn't have a front-facing flash, not that you would be missing it much.

In the front you have the 5-inch 720p HD display, 2 MP front-camera, proximity and light sensors alongwith capacitive buttons for Back, Start and Search. Just below the buttons you have the primary microphone of the device. The display has good viewing angles but is a bit low in brightness and the color saturation is a bit off. The capacitive buttons are backlit.

On the left of the Canvas Win you have the volume rocker which is sturdy and offers good feedback. It is made of the same material as the side-trim of the device which offers an excellent contrast to the white front and back of the device. Back when we reviewed the Canvas Elanza 2 A121, it was still one of the most handsome phones Micromax had ever made and that hasn't changed today. The power button can be found on the right.

At the top you have the 3.5mm audio jack and the micro-USB data-syncing/charging port. While there’s just a space to open the back-cover at the bottom. The Canvas Win is a very light and thin device with excellent construction. The back-cover has a leather-like textured finish with faux-stitching which reminds me of the Galaxy Note 3.

At the back you have the 8 MP primary camera with a protruding camera hump, LED flash and at the bottom the speakerphone. Even the silver Micromax logo looks excellent given the subtle design of the smartphone. On opening the back-cover, which does flex a little bit, you can find two regular SIM card slots, a microSD card slot and the battery compartment. The backcover has an octagonal pattern on the inside which helps secure the battery in place and moreover this prevents any creaking.

The speakerphone is a bit flush with the back and therefore does get a bit muffled when the phone is put flat on its back. Overall the Canvas Win looks excellent and has good build quality to boot.

First Impressions

The Canvas Win W121 is an excellent competitor to the over-priced Nokia Lumia 630 especially with its Sub-Rs. 10000 price point. It comes with better specs but performance is a bit iffy. The Lumia 630 has its own issues but Micromax has done an excellent job at its first attempt.

Windows Phone hasn't found much success in the mid-range segment and its only the entry-level Lumia 520 which has kept the flag flying high. Can the Canvas Win change how we feel about Windows Phone, given Microsoft’s much improved, polished OS and availability of apps? Only time will tell, but for now the Canvas Win is a step in the right direction by Micromax. We will be back with its benchmarks and gaming review.

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