Centric G1 Review: Commendable design, display, and average performer

Centric G1 Review: Commendable design, display, and average performer

Some of you may not be aware of this but earlier this year, a Mumbai-based mobile distribution company Priyanka Telecom launched a smartphone brand called Centric in India.

Further, the newly launched brand unveiled four smartphones in the country targeting the sub-Rs. 10,000 price bracket. Basically, the new brand did mention that it was aiming to offer smartphones ranging between Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000. And thus launched several smartphones in the market at different price ranges. The smartphones launched include Centric L1, G1, P1 and P1 Plus. All these are in the entry level category. However, from what we know the budget smartphones segment has been the most competitive segment, and the new brand has now joined in the competition. But again we ask this question, will it make it in the vast smartphone market where other established manufacturers are already coming with top phones at a budget friendly price.

Well, we have had the chance to review one of the premium category smartphones the Centric G1 from the company. The handset does come with decent specifications and features and is considerably priced at Rs. 9,000. While that sounds good, let's find out whether this smartphone will be able to take on the competition or not.

Design Centric G1 comes with a unique design. While most of the smartphone today focus on smooth metal uni-body design, this smartphone comes with a sandstone finish back cover which is removable. The back surface does feel rough when you hold it for the first time but eventually, you'll get used to it. The smartphone provides a decent in-hand sensation. At the same time, the smartphone does feel rigid and the curved back also provides a good grip. At the front, the display features a Dragon Glass and just below the display you have the capacitive buttons but the are not backlit. This could be little bothersome while using the navigation keys at night. The front-facing camera and primary earpiece are placed at the top of the display. Coming to the rear side, there's the camera module at the upper part while at the bottom you will find the speakers which do sound decent.


There's a 3.5mm headphone jack and micro-USB port on the top side of the phone, while the bottom features a secondary microphone. The volume rockers and power button are placed on the right side of the phone and they do feel tactile. But again the smartphone's curved sides sometimes make it hard to reach the buttons. You have to press a bit hard to use the buttons. All in all, the design of the Centric G1 is okay and not something out of the ordinary. And as we already mentioned that most of the smartphones come with metal body design today, the company could have used such design in this smartphone. 


Verdict Well with the introduction of Centric brand, Priyanka Communications might be looking to take on the Chinese brands who have been recently dominating the smartphone market in India. And with its first smartphone the Centric G1 which offers decent performance, study design and build quality, and almost a day's battery life, the Centric G1 could actually compete with some of the brands in the similar price range. On the other hand, if you are wondering if it is good buy or not then the answer to that is if you are a user who is looking for a smartphone that does not fall heavy on the pocket and offers a reasonable performance then this entry-level Android handset will be suitable for you.