A few months ago, the Jio Phone grabbed significant attention for offering smartphone-like features at a feature-phone price, triggering a price reduction for VoLTE-enabled devices. The Bharat 1, launched by Indian device maker Micromax in partnership with BSNL to take on the Jio Phone, is one such product in the category of a dumb phone with WhatsApp.
Micromax Bharat 1 Design
The Bharat 1, though a feature phone, boasts a design that holds promise for the budget-conscious consumer. Sporting a 2.4-inch display with a 240×320 pixel resolution, it hosts a VGA selfie camera and a 2-megapixel primary camera at the back, adding a touch of modern functionality to the dumb phone with WhatsApp. The numeric keypad, LED torch, and removable 2000mAh battery complement the compact and practical design of the Bharat 1.
Micromax Bharat 1 Specifications and Software
Powered by a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 processor, and 512MB of RAM, it offers 4GB of internal storage, expandable using the microSD slot. The phone supports 4G and VoLTE on the first SIM, with the second SIM restricted to 2G/3G networks. Though it lacks NFC, it compensates with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, USB tethering, and Bluetooth connectivity, reinforcing its position as a dumb phone with WhatsApp capabilities.
Micromax Bharat 1 runs on a customized version of Android, with a tiled menu interface, accessed using the D-pad to navigate and the center button to select. Despite some navigation challenges, the preloaded icons for WhatsApp and Facebook Lite, enhance the phone’s utility, even though these need to be downloaded before use.
Micromax Bharat 1 Performance, Cameras, and Battery Life
The Bharat 1’s hardware and underlying software are basic, leading to average performance and occasional lags. However, the battery life stands out. With light use, including calls and WhatsApp messages, the phone can last over two days, although using it as a hotspot drains the battery faster. The rear camera, without autofocus, is basic, with a laggy viewfinder and limited settings, but fulfills basic photography needs.
Additional Features
Additional features include GPS functionality, an LED torch on the top, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, adding to the Bharat 1’s versatility as a dumb phone with WhatsApp. The phone’s support for video calling on WhatsApp further enhances its appeal for customers seeking affordable options for modern communication.
In conclusion, the Micromax Bharat 1, with its combination of features, design, and affordability, offers a competitive choice for those seeking basic smartphone-like capabilities in a feature phone. Its specifications, performance, and additional features like GPS and WhatsApp support, make it a notable contender in the dumb phone with WhatsApp category, offering value and functionality for budget-conscious consumers.
