When the smartphone market is flooded with budget Android smartphones, it becomes important to assess whether these mid-range smartphones really offer value for money or is affordability the only factor in driving their sales skyward? IBNLive's technology journalist Ankit Tuteja shared his perspective on this subject with IBNLive readers.
Q. As the topic asks, are budget android phones really worth it? Asked by: sandhya
A. Yes, budget smartphones are really worth it. You can have a good end-user experience without having to spend a hefty sum of money. While the market is flooded with a lot of budget smartphones, your task is to make a buying decision wisely.
Q. Is it true that one should opt for android only in the "above 15 k" bracket? Asked by: nobodyimp
A. Yes, I would recommend you to opt for an Android phone above Rs 15,000. A mid-range Android phone offers a better end-user experience than a low-cost Android phone. After all using a smartphone is all about experience.
Q. School going students placing demand on parents for a smartphone is justified? Some go Crazy on this demand and fight it out with parents. Is it just to be in sync with next door Johnny? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. Yes, their demand is justified. A smartphone not only keeps them connected, but it is also a great educational tool. Also, in today's competitive era, technology is must and it contributes in a lot many ways. But yes, they should not fight with their parents for a petty thing like smartphone. :) Make them understand, and I am sure they will understand.
Q. I have heard crazy stories about Android not really being the best operating system for a smartphone and given the rave reviews Lumia 720 has been getting, I feel it is better for me to opt for that. What do you think? Asked by: Maria
A. I wonder where you have heard this from. But it's not like that. Today, Android accounts for over 70 per cent of the world smartphone market and is the leader in the smartphone operating system. And yes, the Nokia Lumia 720 is a great phone, but you need to decide whether you want to opt for an Android phone or a Windows-based smartphone.
Q. Please provide your thoughts on non-Micromax, Karbonn, Xolo companies, like Iberry, Wickedleak, etc. Asked by: Nihar Shah
A. Today, Indian manufacturers and many second-rung manufacturers are coming up with great phones at great prices. While all devices from them are not impressive, but some of them are incomparable given the price at which they are launched. Aggressive pricing strategy is what driving their sales. But what I have always looked with suspicion is their after sales services. Reliability is another factor that stops a lot of users from buying their products.
Q. Smartphones in range of Rs5000. Please tell me. Asked by: Ishan
A. While there are a few phones available in this range but the end-user experience on the low-cost Android phones is not good. I would suggest you to increase your budget to have a good experience.
Q. Does Budget Android Phone like Micromax and others use the same Quad core Processor ones found in High- end Phones? If not what's the difference? Asked by: Utsav Sriarm
A. Processors in budget Android phones differ from the ones used in high-end phones like the HTC One or Galaxy S4. While the processors used in mid-range phones are designed to be cost-effective, and therefore cannot generally match the performance of those used in the more expensive phones.
Q. Confused between nexus 4 and galaxy s 3. Which one to buy? Asked by: Aalap
A. A question that is actually confusing many people, but thankfully there is an answer. Let me clear the air. Both phones have their own share of pros and cons. The Nexus 4 is the latest offering from Google and LG. It runs stock Android and is almost bloatware free. The only downside here is that you can't expand its memory, and this is where the Galaxy S3 has an advantage over the Nexus 4. But I think that 16GB internal storage space of the Nexus 4 should suffice a user. I would recommend you the Nexus 4. You can read our review of the Nexus 4 here: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lg-google-nexus-4-review-all-value-no-frill/395872-11.html
Q. Do you think Micromax is just about proper Marketing,Advt and word of mouth OR is it actually a good Indian brand. Asked by: Rajiv Soni
A. I find Micromax a good Indian brand. We have seen a lot of good smartphones from Micromax. Launched early this year, the Micromax Canvas HD A116 review impressed me a lot. The company knows how to market and reach out to people.
Q. What is the role of internet service providers like Reliance/Docoma/Airtel/Vodaphone/Idea in promoting the Smartphones? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. The purpose of a smartphone is defeated if there is no data plan. These service providers have a spate of data plans for the smartphone users to help them stay connected to the rest of the world anytime, anywhere.
Q. Has the gadgets like smartphones helped individuals in becoming more knowledgeable and SMART than those who do not have it? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. Yes, you got it right. Today, the definition of a smartphone has changed. Gone are the days when a smartphone was only used to call or text. Today, a smartphone lets people do what they could not do from a smartphone seven or eight years back. A smartphone today is a tool of both education and entertainment.
Q. Which is the best deal Smart phone in the market today? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. If you can shell out Rs 25K, I would suggest you the LG Nexus 4. Also, there are many options available under Rs 20K - the Lumia 720, Samsung Galaxy Grand Quattro, Micromax Canvas HD A116. While we are yet to review the latest offering from Micromax - Canvas 4, therefore, I can't give any comment on the same yet.
Q. Hi Ankit, I am a bit afraid of buying budget (cheap) smart phones. My friend has one and I receive echo whenever he talks to me with speaker on. Another downside, they flatter about their battery life. Service facility is really poor. Is it worth to invest 20,000 Rs. for such a worthless device? Asked by: Kamlesh
A. Budget smartphones have a lot of potential. Today, there are a lot of smartphones available for under Rs 20K in the market like the Samsung Galaxy Grand Quattro, Micromax Canvas HD A116. But if you can increase your budget and can shell out Rs 25,000, then go for the LG Nexus 4. You won't regret. :)
Q. Mobile phones for teletalk and sending/receiving SMS have penetrated the rural mass. Will smart phone companies target this segment also for marketing? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. Yes, of course. With increasing Internet penetration even in rural India, smartphones are the obvious next step up for both the users as well as manufacturers.
Q. So do you think a windows smart phone is better than the mid-range android budget phone? Asked by: Maria
A. It depends on your usage and what you are looking for. Windows-based phone from Nokia or other manufacturers available in the market has good build quality and design, but the ecosystem of Windows is not as wide as Android. If apps are what you are looking for, then you should opt for Android. Also, you have a wide range of devices in Android to choose from than Windows.
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