Micromax X550 Qube

Overview

The QUBE experience

Overview of Micromax X550 Qube

Micromax X550 Qube is a phone which is full with features. The phone has a 3D interface and it is a very attractive phone. The phone supports dual standby and the phone is sleek and lightweight which keeps this cell phone ahead in the market. The phone comes with a TFT resistive touchscreen which supports 256k colors. The screen is of 3.2 inches. The phone also supports micro SD up to 16GB and it has Bluetooth capabilities too. The phone also comes with a built in Facebook and Nimbuzz application and it has class 10 GPRS capabilities. The talk time of Micromax X550 Qube is up to 8 hours.

Micromax X550 Qube Design and Build Quality

The dual-SIM capable, Micromax X550 is a candy-bar style touchscreen that uses resistive technology. The device is made primarily out of plastic with a thin purple metallic strip that runs across the body contours. This gives it a sleek, attractive look and has a solid build quality feel.

User Interface and Comfort to Use Micromax X550 Qube

A unique 3D Cube user interface makes the X550 a well-organized and neat appearance. You will find the 3D interface nearly everywhere on the device. Each of the three sides of the cube incorporates three different sections of apps and services. One side of the cube is usually left blank. While this is a nice touch to a touchscreen interface, the resistive screen itself leaves less than to be desired navigation. The screen is simply sluggish and inaccurate when inputting messages, particularly ones that are lengthy. It comes bundled in with a retractable stylus, but most users will not want to use it on display that only measures 3.2 inches.

Telephony and Phonebook

Up to 1000 contacts can be stored onto the phonebook memory of the X550.

Messaging and Emails

You have access to both SMS and MMS text messages on the X550. Emails can also be accessed via the device. Because of the resistive touchscreen, sending messages will be a frustrating experience.

Micromax X550 Qube Music Player and FM Radio

The music player will support MP3 and AAC+ files and you also have a stereo FM radio feature. The loudspeaker when you are listening to music/radio is very average.

Micromax X550 Qube Still Camera and Image Quality

Image quality for any pictures taken on the 2MP camera will also be very average.

Video Camera and Video Quality

Video playback on the X550 will be reasonable, though there is nothing that sets it apart from other devices in its category. There is support for AVI, 3GP, and MP4 format videos.

Connectivity Options

As a dual-SIM device, you will have access to GSM 900 and 1800 bands. In addition you have 2.0 USB and Bluetooth 2.0 support. The Bluetooth file transfer itself is very slow and probably not the best way to send larger files.

Web Browser and Applications

A WAP 2.0, Opera Mini will give you access to the internet. There is no Wi-Fi so you will have to deal with slow 2G speeds. There is a built0in Facebook and Nimbuzz application.

Google Maps and GPS

GPS is not a supported feature on the X550.

Distinctive Features of Micromax X550 Qube

One nice feature on the X550 is the TV-Out option that allows you to connect to a TV for larger viewing space. Due to the low resolution, any pictures or videos you view on a TV will more than likely look pixelated.

Value for Money and Verdict

You can find the X550 for a range between Rs. 5000 and 5500 (approx., may vary). Battery life on the X550 is rated at 8 hours of talk time and 144 of standby. However, this doesn't appear to be true as the battery life seems to be far less than what it is advertised. Coupled with inoperable resistive touchscreen, the X550 is not a good choice in device.