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The Wolverine smartphone is Obi Mobiles’ attempt at capturing the sub-₹8,000 segment, the most recent entrant to which is the much talked about Google Android One series. This price segment, in which there is a large amount of competition due to the high sales that are generated, is where the scope for differentiation is vast. At the same time, there is very little room for error; the key is in getting a few simple things right.
Let’s take a look at how well the Wolverine has fared and whether it has a chance against the Google Android One media darling.
Design and PerformanceUnlike its elder sibling—the Octopus, which comes with a rather cookie-cutter design— the Wolverine S501 tries to strike out on its own. The device takes its cues from LG’s latest line of smartphones, with the power and volume buttons being placed on the back of the phone. Unlike the LG G3’s button placement, however, one gets used to the Wolverine’s design choice quicker as the back of the phone is done up with plastic-leather finish. The buttons, which are smooth and tactile, can be found and used with a higher degree of ease.
In terms of pure specifications, the Wolverine, while decent, just barely matches the Android One line-up. The smartphone comes with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor (The Spice Android One Dream UNO comes with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor), 1GB of RAM, a 1,500 mAh battery (The Spice device has a 1,700 mAh battery) and a 5 megapixel rear camera.
Nevertheless, in terms of performance, the Wolverine is no laggard. There are no grave performance issues, apart from the occasional freezing and stuttering expected, and the device gets the job done. It at no point feels like a sub-standard phone; though the 5-inch IPS display delivers an average colour reproduction performance.
A pleasant surprise is the fact that comes with the latest version of Android (4.4.2 KitKat), our test device came with it, and even if does not, the company points out it is upgradeable to KitKat.
VerdictThe Wolverine is unlikely to enjoy the media blitz that the Android One series is bound to receive in the coming weeks—but that should not put off potential buyers. At its ₹7,850 price tag, it’s a smidge higher than potential competitors, but it is nevertheless a good bundle of design and performance.
₹7,850
Love- Differentiated design
Hate - Average display
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