Intex 5030 Triple SIM (GSM + GSM + CDMA) Handset

There was nowhere to go but up I guess and hence we’ve reached the ridiculous point of having a mobile phone capable of supporting three SIM cards. It may seem like a bit of overkill but in a country like ours it just could work. Take a closer look.

Form Factor

On the outside it looks like any other mobile handset. There’s no indication that this handset is designed to support not two but three SIM cards and not all GSM either. The third SIM slot is reserved for a CDMA card. There’s even room for a microSD card, it’s no hot swap but I didn’t expect it to be. The display is easy to view even in bright outdoor conditions and the keypad and other button systems are well laid out and very comfortable to use. The 5030 also has a standard mini USB port for PC connectivity or charging and a 3.5mm handsfree for audio. A couple of LEDs are located on the top for use as a torch.

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It’s a light weight handset that’s not at all bulky and very well designed.

Features and Performance

Interface

The Java based UI is no different from an Intex handset or any other company in this segment is loaded with. It has the same extra menus that pop up when trying to access simple options and a colorful UI. SIM management is not an issue either. When entering a number on the screen the system pulls up a list of your contacts or numbers from your phone log that match which is quite convenient.

Media

The 5030 offers Eq presets for the music player but for further customization you’ll need to go to the setting menu and under the sound settings you’ll be able to edit each preset or create a new one with the aid of an 8 band graphic Equalizer. Sadly these settings don’t really help too much. The decibel level is too low and the audio quality is just not good enough to enjoy music comfortably if you’re in a crowded area or otherwise. The FM radio with its scheduled recording feature worked out quite well though. A voice recorder is also present for voice memos. You will have to keep the handset within 2 feet of you for clear recordings.

The video player was, like in quite a few other cases, unable to smoothly play standard 3GP files. The processor is just not powerful enough to support the slightly higher frame rates. Low quality 3GP and MPEG4 files were not a problem but you will have to compromise on overall quality.

A single Puzzle game is included to help pass the time.

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Connectivity

GPRS and WAP are all that the 5030 supports for net access. There’s no email support and no social networking apps at all. The browser is quite average but not really a big issue. Bluetooth with A2DP and USB connectivity are also available. The handset's camera can be used as a Webcam when connected via USB.

Misc. Features

The additional features provided are strictly average. There’s nothing new or out of the ordinary here. A calendar, Alarm, World Clock, Calculator, Currency Converter and an Ebook reader that doesn’t work too well with special characters are preloaded. In the security department a mobile tracker option is present.

Camera

The 5030 has a 1.3 megapixel camera that comes with all the features you’d find in any other handset in the Java mobile segment. Those features include White Balance, Timer, Continuous shot and a few effect settings. Image quality is not too great. Irrespective of how steady the camera is, images are never in focus. However, all things considered, compared to some of the others in the Java Mobile range, the 5030 is quite average.

Battery

Intex claims that the 1050mAh battery should provide you with about 4 hours of talk time. While testing though the handset averaged in at just about 3 hours, give or take a few minutes.

The Bottom Line

With a price tag of Rs. 5,500, the 5030 triple SIM handset is not really a bad choice if all you want is to have three different numbers active simultaneously. It’s a bit much. Its Multimedia capabilities are a bust and it offers very basic functionality which is ok. But for those looking for a handset that plays well with both GSM and CDMA technology, this one is an option. I’m sure it’s the first of many though so you might want to wait and watch to see what the competition comes up with before deciding. In the mean time for those ultra important people who have more than just work and personal life, the extra card could be designated for an ‘extra-curricular- lifestyle, if you know what I mean.