Micromax’s new Canvas Tab could be the white knight for the company at least when it comes to their tablet business. And the knight is packing an iron fist this time in the form of an Intel 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Atom Processor Z2520 (4 threads, 1 MB Cache) coupled with 1 GB of RAM.
The P666 is the first tablet from Micromax to have an Intel processor and here is what the tablet has to offer to the consumers.
Design and colour: The P666 is simple yet elegant when it comes to the looks. The sides of the tablet have a metal body while the rest is modified plastic. There is a Micromax logo at the back of the phone along with the camera. On the front there are sensors and a front camera along with the voice in speaker module at the top. Without breaking any norm for most tablets, the volume control panel and the power button is present at the tab’s left side along with the microSD and the micro-SIM slot. Also, there is a 3.5 mm jack for sound output at the top. The tab comes with a back sticker which explains to the user how to insert the new SIM or memory card. The tab, which weighs 310 grams and is 7.5 mm thin, is available only in two colours —white and black.
Display, sound and camera: The P666 sports an 8-inch IPS display with a WXGA (1200 x 800 pixels) resolution supported by 16 million colours. The screen also supports optimum brightness for videos. When it comes to sound, the P666 has better sound than any other tablet from its family. It is loud and when used with good-quality sound devices, the output quality is good. As in any tablet, the camera is not the P666’s strong suite. It sports a 5-megapixel back camera with no flash. The back camera can take good pictures in good light conditions. The front camera is a modest 2-megapixel which is not perfect for selfies or groupies but works well for all video chats.
Hardware and performance: This is definitely the P666’s strong suite. The tab as mentioned earlier sports a 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2520 processor which doles out a speedy performance coupled with 1 GB of RAM. No lags were noticed when the tab was running many applications at the same time but sometimes when heavy apps are run together, the tab takes time to respond. The tablet also gave a good gaming experience. The P666 comes with an internal storage of 8 GB with the Android 4.4.2 out-of-the-box installed. It is also backed by a 4400mAh battery that is rated to deliver up to 325 hours of standby time.
Operating system, apps and connectivity: The P666 comes with Android 4.4.2 pre-installed and also with a flurry of pre-installed apps like TrueCaller, Dr Safety, Cleanmate, SwiftKey, BookmyShow and hike. There is Java support for the phone and flash content is also supported by the browser. It also comes with Micromax’s home apps like MSecurity, MInsurance and MPick. The P666 also includes a lot of small casual games in the pre-installed bundle. When it comes to connectivity, the tablet supports 3G along with Wi-Fi.
Verdict: Micromax has been dominating the domestic market when it comes to Indian smartphone/tablet makers and the P666 is the perfect
device that can take up the firm’s fame to a new level but it faces severe competition from other manufactures. It is simple, elegant, easy to use, competitive but its price seems a tad heavy than expected.
* Estimated street price: Rs 10,999
