Top android smartphones under Rs 10,000
Android phones no longer cost exorbitant prices. Here are your options for a budget of under Rs 10,000.
Back in 2008, owning an Android smartphone was an expensive dream, the reason being that the operating system was relatively new and only leading handset makers were manufacturing phones on this platform.
These handful of smartphones, therefore, had hefty price tags. Things have changed over the years. Along with the big players, Indian handset companies have looked beyond dual-SIM devices and have been eyeing the Android market.
As a result, we now have more choice of Android machines priced under Rs 10,000. While the prices are enticing, you shouldn't expect the best of hardware when you buy one of these phones. Consider the display size, processor speed and RAM-specs that will boost the overall performance of the handsets-to make the best use of them.
Here are a few that are worth their price.
MICROMAX A70
Specs:
Android v2.2; 3.2 inch capacitive display; 160 MB memory, 256 MB RAM; 5 MP camera; 85 gm.
The company has moved forward, beyond dual-SIM phones and is aggressively trying its luck in the Android space. One of its three offerings on this platform, the A70, comes with a 3.2-inch capacitive touch display.
The decent metallic look is accompanied by the traditional Android design comprising four keys-back, home, search, options-and the Micromax branding at the top.
On the internal hardware front, it packs in a 600 MHz processor, 256MB RAM and runs on Froyo, Android v2.2. In performance, this phone is neither super fast nor can it be called sluggish. Accept that this handset cannot stand comparison with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S series.
Also, the onscreen keypad isn't the best and one might take some time getting used to it. Basic connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, bluetooth and 3G are onboard along with a 5 MP camera, a music player, a video player and an FM radio. The 1450 mAh battery manages to do the required tasks for as long as a day and a half.
MOTOROLA FIRE
Specs:
Android v2.3; 2.8 inch capacitive display;256 MB RAM, memory expandable to 32 GB; 3.15 MP camera; 110 gm.
The Motorola Fire has a 2.8-inch capacitive display which you can navigate using the screen as well as a physical QWERTY keypad. It may have a regular 600 MHz processor and 256 MB RAM, but it scores over some of the other Androids since it sports the latest version of the operating system, Android v2.3.
Capable of handing emails, web browsing, quite a few applications and multimedia with ease, it comes with a 3.15 MP camera and the ability to record 480P videos at 24 frames per second.
Predictive text input, document viewer, digital compass, etc, are the other options available. This phone packs a 1420 mAh battery.
SONY ERICSSON W8
Specs:
Android v2.1; 3-inch capacitive display; 128 MB storage, expandable to 16 GB; 3.15 MP camera;104 gm.
Although Sony Ericsson is pushing it as a music phone, labelling it a Walkman device, the W8 is still an Android smartphone. Compact and good looking, it has a scratch-resistant display.
Sadly, it runs on outdated Android v2.1 and is powered by a 600 MHz processor and only has a168 MB RAM.
Although it scores lower than the Micromax and Lava phones on the spec sheet, the W8 is better in term of hardware and user interface.
The 3.15 MP camera captures usable images and the music player is top notch. The phone handles emails, browsing and app downloads with ease.
KARBONN A1
Specs:
Android v2.2; 2.8-inch resistive display; 210 MB memory, expandable to 32 GB; 3.2 MP camera;105 gm; 1,100 mAh battery.
Being a budget phone, Karbonn's Android smartphone, the A1, has a plastic look and feel; its 2.8-inch resistive display doesn't respond fluidly to the touch of the finger.
Unlike other Android phones, this one has a physical D-pad with navigation keys and a call answer and call reject key. Hiding under the hood is a 600 MHz processor, 162 MB RAM and the Android Froyo operating system.
An Advanced task manager for killing apps running in the background, Aldiko (an eBook reader), AccuWeather, Documents to Go Viewer, Swype keyboard input and a call back list application are preloaded on the phone.
MTS LIVEWIRE
Specs:
Android v2.2, 2.8 inch resistive display; 3MP camera; 600MHz processor; 256 MB RAM; 1,000 mAh battery
There were talks about sub-$100 Android smartphone but none were priced below Rs 5,000. The MTS Live Wire is the most affordable Android smartphone but only for CDMA users. With a 2.8 inch resistive display, a stylus has been placed at the back for operating the device.
With the ability to provide easy access to Google Services and Android market for downloading apps, it runs on Android v2.2. For prepaid users, the phone is price at Rs 4,999, however, postpaid users can get it for Rs 2,999 by paying the balance as monthly rental and has access to limited calls, data and messages for free.
MTS MTAG 3.1
Specs:
Android v2.2, 8.0 inch capacitive display; 256 MB ; 3.0 MP camera; 1,000 mAh battery.
Of all the smartphones on these pages, only the ones offered by MTS are meant for CDMA users. Priced relatively higher than the LiveWire, the MTAG3.1 one has a 2.8-inch capacitive display and the matt finish makes it look elegant.
This phone runs on Android v2.2 with a 600 MHz processor. But, in addition, it comes with applications such as Task Manager and call recording. The 3 MP camera along with VGA quality video recording are the other highlights of this affordable Droid.
LG OPTIMUS NET
Specs:
Android v2.3; 3.2 inch capacitive display; 150 MB storage, 512 MB RAM, expandable to 32GB; 3.15 MP camera; 1,500 mAh battery.
After the success of the Optimus One, LG has come up with two new Androids phones, of which the Optimus Net is the better option. Even though high-end Optimus devices ran on the old Android v2.2, the Net proudly runs on Gingerbread.
Moving ahead from a 600 MHz processor, this one has an 800 MHz processor and a 512 MB RAM.
These make this phone at the very top of this list and significantly better than the ones available in the market in this price bracket. Also, the device looks stylish with its curved edges, extending to below the display near the physical keys as well.
Multimedia features include a 3.15 MP camera, FM radio, YouTube, and GoogleTalk.
LAVA S12
Specs:
Android v2.2; 3.2-inch capacitive display; 120 MB memory expandable to 32 GB; 5 MP camera;120 gm.
The Lava S12 is a good-looking Android smartphone with a curved, textured design at the back. Despite the plastic, it has a sturdy build quality and weighs 120 gm. It has a 3.2-inch capacitive touch display.
On the specs sheet, it boasts similar dimensions as the Micromax A 70-600 MHz processor, 120 MB onboard storage, 3G, Wi-Fi, and Android v2.2. Even with the custom 3D menu on board, the phone isn't slow and manages to perform smoothly.
The 5 MP camera fared better than average and the music output is impressive. This device comes with one year free subscription to Zenga Mobile TV and a 2GB memory card in the sales box and has a 1,300 mAh battery.
These handful of smartphones, therefore, had hefty price tags. Things have changed over the years. Along with the big players, Indian handset companies have looked beyond dual-SIM devices and have been eyeing the Android market.
As a result, we now have more choice of Android machines priced under Rs 10,000. While the prices are enticing, you shouldn't expect the best of hardware when you buy one of these phones. Consider the display size, processor speed and RAM-specs that will boost the overall performance of the handsets-to make the best use of them.
Here are a few that are worth their price.
Specs:
Android v2.2; 3.2 inch capacitive display; 160 MB memory, 256 MB RAM; 5 MP camera; 85 gm.
The company has moved forward, beyond dual-SIM phones and is aggressively trying its luck in the Android space. One of its three offerings on this platform, the A70, comes with a 3.2-inch capacitive touch display.
The decent metallic look is accompanied by the traditional Android design comprising four keys-back, home, search, options-and the Micromax branding at the top.
On the internal hardware front, it packs in a 600 MHz processor, 256MB RAM and runs on Froyo, Android v2.2. In performance, this phone is neither super fast nor can it be called sluggish. Accept that this handset cannot stand comparison with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S series.
Also, the onscreen keypad isn't the best and one might take some time getting used to it. Basic connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, bluetooth and 3G are onboard along with a 5 MP camera, a music player, a video player and an FM radio. The 1450 mAh battery manages to do the required tasks for as long as a day and a half.
Specs:
Android v2.3; 2.8 inch capacitive display;256 MB RAM, memory expandable to 32 GB; 3.15 MP camera; 110 gm.
The Motorola Fire has a 2.8-inch capacitive display which you can navigate using the screen as well as a physical QWERTY keypad. It may have a regular 600 MHz processor and 256 MB RAM, but it scores over some of the other Androids since it sports the latest version of the operating system, Android v2.3.
Capable of handing emails, web browsing, quite a few applications and multimedia with ease, it comes with a 3.15 MP camera and the ability to record 480P videos at 24 frames per second.
Predictive text input, document viewer, digital compass, etc, are the other options available. This phone packs a 1420 mAh battery.
Specs:
Android v2.1; 3-inch capacitive display; 128 MB storage, expandable to 16 GB; 3.15 MP camera;104 gm.
Although Sony Ericsson is pushing it as a music phone, labelling it a Walkman device, the W8 is still an Android smartphone. Compact and good looking, it has a scratch-resistant display.
Sadly, it runs on outdated Android v2.1 and is powered by a 600 MHz processor and only has a168 MB RAM.
Although it scores lower than the Micromax and Lava phones on the spec sheet, the W8 is better in term of hardware and user interface.
The 3.15 MP camera captures usable images and the music player is top notch. The phone handles emails, browsing and app downloads with ease.
Specs:
Android v2.2; 2.8-inch resistive display; 210 MB memory, expandable to 32 GB; 3.2 MP camera;105 gm; 1,100 mAh battery.
Being a budget phone, Karbonn's Android smartphone, the A1, has a plastic look and feel; its 2.8-inch resistive display doesn't respond fluidly to the touch of the finger.
Unlike other Android phones, this one has a physical D-pad with navigation keys and a call answer and call reject key. Hiding under the hood is a 600 MHz processor, 162 MB RAM and the Android Froyo operating system.
An Advanced task manager for killing apps running in the background, Aldiko (an eBook reader), AccuWeather, Documents to Go Viewer, Swype keyboard input and a call back list application are preloaded on the phone.
Specs:
Android v2.2, 2.8 inch resistive display; 3MP camera; 600MHz processor; 256 MB RAM; 1,000 mAh battery
There were talks about sub-$100 Android smartphone but none were priced below Rs 5,000. The MTS Live Wire is the most affordable Android smartphone but only for CDMA users. With a 2.8 inch resistive display, a stylus has been placed at the back for operating the device.
With the ability to provide easy access to Google Services and Android market for downloading apps, it runs on Android v2.2. For prepaid users, the phone is price at Rs 4,999, however, postpaid users can get it for Rs 2,999 by paying the balance as monthly rental and has access to limited calls, data and messages for free.
Specs:
Android v2.2, 8.0 inch capacitive display; 256 MB ; 3.0 MP camera; 1,000 mAh battery.
Of all the smartphones on these pages, only the ones offered by MTS are meant for CDMA users. Priced relatively higher than the LiveWire, the MTAG3.1 one has a 2.8-inch capacitive display and the matt finish makes it look elegant.
This phone runs on Android v2.2 with a 600 MHz processor. But, in addition, it comes with applications such as Task Manager and call recording. The 3 MP camera along with VGA quality video recording are the other highlights of this affordable Droid.
Specs:
Android v2.3; 3.2 inch capacitive display; 150 MB storage, 512 MB RAM, expandable to 32GB; 3.15 MP camera; 1,500 mAh battery.
After the success of the Optimus One, LG has come up with two new Androids phones, of which the Optimus Net is the better option. Even though high-end Optimus devices ran on the old Android v2.2, the Net proudly runs on Gingerbread.
Moving ahead from a 600 MHz processor, this one has an 800 MHz processor and a 512 MB RAM.
These make this phone at the very top of this list and significantly better than the ones available in the market in this price bracket. Also, the device looks stylish with its curved edges, extending to below the display near the physical keys as well.
Multimedia features include a 3.15 MP camera, FM radio, YouTube, and GoogleTalk.
Specs:
Android v2.2; 3.2-inch capacitive display; 120 MB memory expandable to 32 GB; 5 MP camera;120 gm.
The Lava S12 is a good-looking Android smartphone with a curved, textured design at the back. Despite the plastic, it has a sturdy build quality and weighs 120 gm. It has a 3.2-inch capacitive touch display.
On the specs sheet, it boasts similar dimensions as the Micromax A 70-600 MHz processor, 120 MB onboard storage, 3G, Wi-Fi, and Android v2.2. Even with the custom 3D menu on board, the phone isn't slow and manages to perform smoothly.
The 5 MP camera fared better than average and the music output is impressive. This device comes with one year free subscription to Zenga Mobile TV and a 2GB memory card in the sales box and has a 1,300 mAh battery.
