New Delhi: Google Inc. on Monday launched its much-awaited Android One smartphones, pricing them at around Rs 6,399 to capture the low-cost segment of the world’s fastest growing smartphone market.
The US-based company says it plans to expand Android One to Indonesia, Philippines and other South Asian countries by the end of 2014 and in more countries in 2015.
In terms of specifications, all the three manufactures have adhered to the minimum requirements set by Google. The phones have a 4.5-inch display (845 x 480 pixels), dual SIM support and run a stock version of Android 4.4. Hardware specifications include a quad core Mediatek processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB storage, microSD card for expansion (up to 32GB supported) and dual cameras. This specification set ensures a fluid experience for the user, as opposed to many cheaper Android phones that are already available in the market.
Like Nexus and Google Play Edition products, Android One smartphones will get automatic software updates from Google.
Each brand has been paired with one e-commerce website for an exclusive tie-up. Spice will be available on Flipkart, Karbonn will sell on Amazon India and Micromax’s offering can be purchased from Snapdeal. The smartphones will go on sale starting 3.30pm on Monday and they will also be available across physical stores from October 2014 onwards.
According to research firm IDC, smartphone sales in the country grew almost three-fold to over 44 million in 2013, buoyed by affordable devices made by local firms such as Micromax and Karbonn.
In the second quarter of 2014, 18.42 million smartphones were shipped in India. Though Samsung is the leader with a 29% market share, Micromax (18%), Karbonn (8%) and LAVA (6%) are close competitors.