Monday 23 July 2012

Spice Mi-355 Stellar Craze Review


Targeting the customers who look for cost-effective yet powerful Android devices, Spice has recently launched three Android smartphones – Mi-425, Mi-355, and Mi-500. While Mi-425 has already marked its triumph in the indigenous souk, the Mi-355 –Stellar Craze - is getting ready to hit the market with vigor. Let’s see what is good and what is bad in this smallest and cheapest dual-SIM Android phone in the series.
Quick Spec - Rundown
·         Dual SIM (GSM+GSM)
·         Android v2.3 Gingerbread OS
·         800MHz Snapdragon Processor
·         3.5″ Inch capacitive touchscreen display
·         Rear Camera: 5.0 Megapixels - Front camera: 0.3 Megapixels
·         Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
·         GPS Navigation
·         Preloaded Netqin Anti-Virus
·         1420mAh Battery

Spice Stellar Craze Mi-355 hands-on video


Esthetics
The phone radiates elegance with a clean glossy finish, rectangular profile, and sturdy feel. The phone seems to be optimal to hold in your palm. The device sports a silver color bezel, which enhances the look and makes it similar to iPhone. Spice could have bestowed its customers with a bigger screen in the given real estate; the current 3.5 inch screen leaves a lot of free space on top and bottom face of the mobile.

At the top of the front face, you can see the proximity sensor and a VGA front camera for video chat. A 3.5mm audio jack assumes its position on the top along with lock/power key. Volume rocker is given in the left hand side, while a micro USB port is given at the bottom side. The right hand side is wholly bare.
The interior of the phone looks well designed with two SIM card slots aligned side by side. Having a hot swappable SD card slot would have added some convenience to users, unfortunately it is not.



User Interface
 At the bottom of the screen four capacitive keys have been given: home, accessing options, back and Google search key. Long pressing home key opens recently opened apps to give quick access to frequently used apps. You can pull down the notification bar from the top and have quick access to notifications; you can also control Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, screen rotation and much more from your notification bar! 

You have five homescreen to make use of. Adding shortcuts, widgets, folders and wallpapers is so simple; you just need to long press the screen and add your favorite widgets. Apps can be accessed easily by flipping menu screen horizontally. At the bottom of the touch screen, you can have access to alpha-numeric dialer, contacts, messaging, and app drawer.
You can retrieve separate call logs for Master and Slave SIMs. You have separate calling buttons for Master and Slave SIMs and call logs, which again can be separated for each SIM - an exalt for a dual SIM phone.

Touch & Display
As I said earlier, the  screen looks small in the given front space of the device. Images and text look incredibly crisp on the screen that has a resolution of 320 x 480 and color depth of 262K. The default wallpaper that illustrates water droplets on a grey background makes it even more similar to iPhone, while you can pick any live wallpaper and set on it to match your moods.  Screen visibility on sunlight is middling, when the brightness is maximized, but the screen looked as dark as a slate, when the brightness is lowered. Very smooth touch response is the most virtuous aspect I found in this device. It supports multitouch gesture, which makes Internet browsing and gallery viewing a pleasure.

Camera
The Stellar Craze Mi-355 comes packed with two cameras, which, in the given price bracket, is a big achievement. The 5MP back camera comes with dual LED flash and 4x digital zoom. Images clicked in well-lit conditions looked satisfactory. But the power of the dual LED flash not seems to be adequate to light up objects in poorly lit conditions. It has a number of additional camera features like exposure adjustment, scene modes, picture size adjustment, picture quality adjustment, color effects, and anti-banding. As far as the video recording capability is concerned the video given below will speak vociferously for it. A VGA front camera has been provided for video chat.
Sample photos





Music
I would not call music the main forte of this handset, yes, it does not pack a punch like the high end Sony models. But it does sport a pretty strong speaker that, according to me, is at least three times stronger than the same of Samsung Galaxy Y ( I used to have the handset once), which will cost you around thousand bucks more than this mobile. And for quality of sound, you have the liberty to connect a high definition headset all the time. By all means, the Stellar Mi-355 passes the acid test in the music genera.
Connectivity
The phone comes with dual-SIM connectivity. The Master SIM supports 2G as well as 3G, while the Slave SIM supports only 2G. Like any other Android phone, Spice Mi-355 also comes with connectivity options including GPRS, EDGE, 3G, WI-FI and WAP. It supports Bluetooth v2.1 and USB to transfer data locally. The device has integrated GPS with A-GPS support. Aircel users may get the additional offer of 100MB data usage free each month for the period of 12 month with every Stellar device.

Processor/ RAM/Memory
The device comes with an 800MHz Snapdragon processor. For a device in the six thousand range, the processor looks decent. It comes with a dedicated GPU that helps play graphics more smoothly.  140MB phone memory is available for users to download and install apps.


Battery
Specs sheet promises that the 1420mAh Li-Ion battery gives talktime of 4 hours and standby time of 200 hours. I really don’t know how to measure these parameters rationally. But certainly I found this battery performance above standard, as a single full charging lasted me one and a half day of average use, which included calling, Wi-Fi browing, music  and gaming.

Messaging
The Android keyboard enables faster typing both in the vertical and horizontal view. The copy and paste can be done just by pressing and holding to select words, stay in selection mode, and copy text for later pasting. After composing the message, you can easily select Master or Slave SIM to send from.
OS and Apps
The phones come preloaded with Android Gingerbread version 2.3.6. The USP of the Stellar is the Mobile Antivirus by NQ Mobiles, which comes preloaded. Recently Spice had a tie up with NQ Mobile for proving security services its Stellar Series. In addition to the common Google apps like YouTube, Google Maps, Google Talk and Google Search, many apps come preloaded such as News & Weather app, Spice Gang,  Whats App etc. Unlike the previous Android models from Spice, the device is not loaded with bizarre apps that are rarely used by users. No worry of wasting precious memory. Other features include anti-theft and Vault- privacy lock for apps like, photos, videos, SMS and call logs & secret contacts. Users can update the virus/malware database for a period of six months absolutely free.
In my final words, I would like to draw your attention towards the high points of the Mi-355. Highly crisp display, front camera, strong speakers and powerful battery are strong enough propositions for an Android phone in the Rs. 6500 range. Go, get your Stellar Craze today!

80 comments:

  1. Gud Job...n gud review...!! :-)
    U sold me dis fone..!!

    Could you Add a video of the review also..it wud b wundrful..!!

    P.S-when is the fone available 4 purchase..?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hopefully before independence day :-)
      Will post some videos shortly.. won't be a video review though. Stay tuned to http://www.youtube.com/user/Vrinda2020

      Delete
    2. does this craze support adobe flash support in web browsing ?? vrinda

      Delete
    3. Yes Punit... You can download and install flash player on this device and open flash websites seamlessly

      Delete
    4. hello vrinda mam thanks for rply and i really need a review about hd games like gta 3 alphast 6 and some gameloft games etc ..... if u could upload it on youtube that wud be a very good choise for us to go n quickly order this phone right away at this awsome price

      if u intend to do a review about hd gaming on spice craze plz let me know at

      punit_pandya@ymail.com

      THANKS VRINDA

      Delete
  2. spice mi 355 launch date?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Expected to hit market before 15th August

      Delete
  3. Dear Vrinda,

    Good review... Appreciate it. When is Spice Stellar Craze Mi-355 launching? I want to buy it ASAP!

    I also want to know if Craze Mi-355 is capable of making native video calls i.e between two 3G operator, say between BSNL 3G network to Vodafone 3G network? Kindly clarify on this one please! I want to buy a phone which is capable of making native video calls on 3G operator network, to stay in touch with my old aged parents living in another city.

    Thanks in advance. Regards, Kunal

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kunal...Mi-355 doesn't support native 3G video calling. Generally this feature is not found in android phones.. Exceptions are there. Manufacturers need to modify the codes to add this feature in android. Unfortunately Spice has not done it. But no need to worry. You always have an option to install Tango, Fring or Skype to enjoy free video calls over 3G or Wi-Fi. Just make sure that the phone used by your parents also has the same client installed in.

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    2. Thanks Kunal:-)
      Mi-355 doesn't support native 3G video calling. Generally this feature is not found in android phones.. though there are a few exceptions. Manufacturers need to modify the codes to add this feature in android. Unfortunately Spice has not done it. But no need to worry. You always have an option to install Tango, Fring or Skype to enjoy free video calls over 3G or Wi-Fi. Just make sure that the phone used by your parents also has the same client installed in.

      Delete
  4. Neeraj Khandelwal27 July 2012 at 03:58

    hey, i too want to know when this phone is being launched and does it support native video calling? the more spice mobile delays the launch of this phone, the more people will lose interest and chose from already available similar models from micromax or karboon! vrinda ji, please ask spice mobile to launch craze model asap or potential consumers will purchase from other phone brands!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi neeraj & kunal... Mi-355 doesn't support native video call. But you have the option to use tango, fring and skype to enjoy video call over 3G or Wi-Fi. respective clients have to be installed at both ends..

      Delete
    2. What do u mean by client (is it mobile operator or the software)

      Delete
    3. Client means a Software... u can download and install for eg... skype on your phone and the receiver's phone, and then enjoy IM, IP calling and video chat.

      Delete
  5. akshay kajrolkar27 July 2012 at 10:22

    hey vrinda i want to buy this phone......
    can u tell me whics one should i choose????
    KARBONN A9 or SPICE MI-355?????
    and 1 more..... is karbonn A9 upgradeable to ICS v4.0???
    pls REPLY...!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @akshay... when u take some of the specs in to consideration A9 has an edge over mi-355
      Processor - A9-1GHz Mi-355 800MHz
      Screen size - A9- 3.8 inch, Mi-355 3.5 inch
      Battery A9-1600 mAh, Mi-355 1420 mAh

      But Mi-355 will be available at a considerable lower price compared to A9

      Karbonn has not announced any ICS update for A9.

      Delete
  6. hiiii vrinda u have done a great job , pls. can u tell when spice craze will be available in market.. in delhiiii ....
    reply pls....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks ritik... expected to hit market very soon.. may be in a couple of weeks

      Delete
  7. If possble pls compare this phone with karbonn a5,a7 and vth micromax ninja2 A56.

    ReplyDelete
  8. troy
    good review vrinda when is spice mi355 will be available in nashik.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey Vrinda,
    Can you tel me the SPICE MI 355:
    a)GPU???
    b)INTERNAL MEMORY??
    c)WHEN CAME IN MARKET???
    d)IS with 2.3 or 4.0 version.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Vrinda, great review... any idea on when the Spice Mi 500 is expected to be released?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks :-) mi-500 seems to take another month to release.. wait patiently

      Delete
  11. troy
    spice mi355 realeased ndtv news. Today.

    ReplyDelete
  12. hi

    how about touch screen response, could you please respond.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Touch response is good. watch videos from http://www.youtube.com/user/Vrinda2020 channel to get an idea on pinch zooming experience while browsing

      Delete
  13. do this phone have adreno gpu. can this phone play hd games smoothly. is there any custom rom and root process available for this phone. please reply me at the earliest I wanna buy this with a day or two.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Zia... Yes..Adreno GPU 200MHz, most of the games play smoothly on this device. Can't get the HD experience

      Delete
  14. i placed order for this fone on saturday,expected to get in 5 days,once iget it,i would post some comments device,,anyways thnks to vrida,based on ur reviews i decided to buy this.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Vrinda

    Is the camera on this phone fixed focus or auto focus? Awaiting your reply for deciding about buying this phone.

    DSP

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Vrinda, I am a music lover. I need gud music quality. I am not expecting the excellent as provided by high end phones because its a budget phone. But is it loud enough in earphones and having good stereophonic sound? I will use good earphones like sony or samsung etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi ajay, the device gives clear and loud sound on earphone..absolutely no complaints.

      Delete
  17. Very nice review.Thanks :)

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  18. please tell me about its video and touch responce. thanx in advence

    ReplyDelete
  19. hi vrinda, do u think the stock must have arrived in india ? as i have booked mine on 5th of august on saholic.com but they are not updating my status from in progress from past 4days when i called them up they were like stock will reach u by 16th of august by max...but when i check their delivery estimate while booking it showed 5days & now after booking these people are taking so much time...i checked with other spice stores here @hyderabad nobody has stock yet...expected to arrive next week but cant be sure about availability by next week too...im totally confused & eagerly counting on hours for 16th to arrive...this one is seriously one hell of a mobile at that price range given of the fact that spice mobiles have always done better leaving few exceptional initiated mobiles..thanks for this review it made me choose this beauty...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey!
    Can this superb smartphone be upgraded to Android 4.0 ICS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @shubham... the phone is ICS upgradable. But Spice is yet to release an ICS update for its Stellar series.

      Delete
  21. yes it does...im so happy with this awesome product got it today from saholic.com thanks vrinda

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hey guys please upload review video of this mobile,Because iam going to buy spice stellar carze mobile.
    Please get the video review of this mobile quickly.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Vinay..
    As you have this phone.. can you review your experience with this phone..like Quardent bench score, internal memory..device behaviour...
    your early response would appriciable..

    ReplyDelete
  24. please put an full review of spice stellar craze in youtube
    i would be highly obilized
    i wanted to buy this phone
    please
    put this review on youtube
    as many people are waiting for this

    ReplyDelete
  25. Please give me the link of specifications to its official site

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://si2imobility.com/spicemobiles/our-products.php?pid=82

      Delete
  26. dear vrinda good review thx for da information

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hey Vrinda,
    SPICE MI 355:
    a)GPU:200, CLOCK: 800 (SNAP DRAGON)
    b)INTERNAL MEMORY:190MB
    c)Android:2.3.6, confirm when 4.0 version will came.

    Please can you upload unboxing video and Benchmark Score for Spice Mi 355

    ReplyDelete
  28. which is better? stellar craze or galaxy y duos?

    ReplyDelete
  29. what is the SAR value of this phone ?

    ReplyDelete
  30. please put a full review of this set
    touch,battery,wifi,browser ,user interface
    does the space ob the bottom look bad
    please put a full review !!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. what is its screen size as it leaves too much space at the bottom
    does all apps from google play
    are supported in this mobile
    how is the response of mobile
    at rate does the mobile shoot video as it has 5 megapixel camera
    does it supports wifi 802.11 b/g/n
    and when will be ICS upgrade availabe for it
    is touch responsive buttery smooth
    and how is its 5 megapixel camera
    thanks
    regards

    ReplyDelete
  32. I’m planning to buy this. Please clarify few of my doubts.
    -Can you please confirm what is the RAM? Saholic website it shows 512. In spice website RAM information is not there
    -does it have multi-touch?
    -is the device fast while working. i mean navigation between different screens? or is there any delay when operating
    -what is the exact android version? is it 2.3.6?
    -does is support video call using skype/ym/gtalk?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Like in many of the Samsung dual SIM models, are both SIMS simultaneously active for the Mi-355? Please reply ASAP. I am planning my purchase by tomorrow evening (2nd Sept.).
    Thanks in advance.

    ST, Mumbai

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One SIM will be on standby when other is active

      Delete
    2. Thanks you for the reply.
      I chanced on the Mobile Watch website on 01 Sept. while searching for Spice Stellar Craze Mi-355 reviews on Web. You’ve done a great job. The Q&A on the page has undoubtedly been a great help for those contemplating the purchase of the Spice Mi-355 phone.
      Spice should be ashamed of themselves. It is bad enough that their website doesn’t contain comprehensive information and specifications of their cell phone. To compound it, most of their links (e.g. Support) don’t work.
      Since my spouse was more inclined towards Nokia, we purchased a Nokia Asha 311 on the evening of 02 Sept. itself.

      ST, Navi Mumbai

      Delete
  34. Hi guys this stellar craze support all playstore and android applications or not? Pls rply me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can download and install playstore apps or third party android apps

      Delete
    2. Pl let me know if you are looking for a specific application. I can check it.

      Delete
  35. Hai vrinda does it support hd games, how its touch sensitive

    ReplyDelete
  36. i am very much interested in this phone. Does it support motion sensor games. plz reply ASAP i will buy it today...?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Nimbuzz calling working in this phone? Is it LCD screen or TFT?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Can You Tell Me What Its benchmark Score ?? Waiting For Your answer

    ReplyDelete
  39. Can You tell me one Important Think About It, Does Mi-355 Supports E-Mail because It Written In Spice Website It Does Not. Waiting For Your Answer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a mistake :-) The phone supports e-mail

      Delete
  40. Vrinda,
    Saholic mentions that this phone is upgradeable to Android 4.0 ICS. (There are many other sites + official manual which says the same thing).

    But do you know if Spice has released ICS for this phone or do we have to install a custom ROM on it? If yes, which version?

    Also let me know how to update this phone to ICS. I just bought it.

    -Nihar

    ReplyDelete
  41. Whta is the RAM on this phone ? there is confusion regarding this ..plz help.
    Does it play games like temple run and asphalt ? my samsung ace doesnt ..lol

    ReplyDelete
  42. dear does this phone supports grvity games

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi what about the overall performance of the phone...some video review says that RAM is 256MB is it true? Is there ang heating or hanging issues? I want to buy a budget android phone...which lasts for atleast two years..will it be better than Micromax Ninza 4 or Ninza 3?

    ReplyDelete
  44. hi vinda i need to purchese spice mi 355 but i confuse this device supoort videocall on facebook? or i this device supoort live themes and wallpaper?

    ReplyDelete
  45. HI VINDA I WANT TO PUCHESE MI 355 BUT I CONFUSE THIS DEVICE SUPOORT VIDEOCALL ON FACEBOOK OR LIVE WALLPAPER

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi Vrinda i Purchased Mi355 i want transfeer my contact from nokia to Spice can help me for the same

    ReplyDelete
  47. Mam I had a doubt wheather this supports pdf file ... Is adobe reader preinstalled in this phone ...

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hey it doesnot haves document viewer will it open word , excel and pdf files if I download any designated app from google play for eg . Microsoft office suit

    ReplyDelete
  49. hi vrinda does stellar case mi 355 supports video call??????n how i can connect video call on that mobile??/ reply me tank u ......

    ReplyDelete
  50. right now it is not available in the market wht is the reason?????????

    ReplyDelete
  51. Now i Want to buy this mobile..any One can Help Me where this mobile available in the market????????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Gopinath,

      This is an end of life product. Not available in any market :-(

      Delete