When Reliance Jio unveiled its ultra-affordable JioPhone earlier this year, all phone makers where expected to follow suit from there on. But have we really seen the trend picking up? Not yet.
Instead, what we’re seeing is the popularity of Android as a mobile ecosystem growing manifold, resulting in the foray of more brands making entry-level smartphones. This is exactly where the Xiaomi Redmi 5A fits in, and reports indicate that Micromax will do the same with its upcoming Bharat 5 smartphone.
The fact that we haven’t used or seen the device means that we’re going to comment on the quality of the device but here’s our take on the new trend building up in the mobile space.
Redmi 5A, as claimed by Xiaomi caters to the needs of a first time smartphone user, with option to expand storage, offering long battery life without charging a bomb. But the most important ingredient of all has to be Android, which gives millions of non-smartphone users access to apps like WhatsApp and Facebook among others.
Many experts pointed out that the lack of WhatsApp and other popular apps on JioPhone could hinder its popularity, and with the focus switching to entry-level smartphones yet again, the concerns could be making sense after all.
The big reason for entry-level phones not finding takers is its limitations, doesn’t give them a wholesome Android smartphone experience. By offering memory up to 3GB on this one, Xiaomi hopes to change that mindset, which could go a long way in bridging the gap between those who use a smartphone, and those who don’t.
Airtel and Vodafone have also done something similar recently, by partnering with brands like Karbonn to subsidise the cost of phone and bundle them with affordable data plans.
Also Read: Airtel Does a Jio, Launches 4G Smartphone at Effectively Rs 1,399
Everyone wants access to internet, but in India, the ratio of people looking to compromise over value is fairly uneven.
Does the revival of entry-level smartphones means the end of smart feature phones like the JioPhone?
No, we’re not saying that, but the broad spectrum and demographics of user base in the country, affords everyone to try their luck.
After all, they’ve got nothing to lose by experimenting. Which is why, we aren’t surprised about reports that suggest Jio might be working on an affordable 4G smartphone as well.
4G is the True Catalyst Here
To make the deal for Redmi 5A even sweeter, Xiaomi and Jio have joined hands to offer a Rs 199 4G data plan that promises 1GB data per day for 28 days, voice-calling, free SMS, and access to Jio apps.
While the average revenue per user (ARPU) for India in general is marked at around Rs 160, but with entry level plans as this one, should appeal to those who can’t afford high-priced plans but still manage to convert them into a heavy user.
Also Read: Don’t Want JioPhone? Check out These Affordable 4G Phones Instead
Before everyone starts shouting about the potential of 5G, we need to make the best of what 4G LTE has to offer right now.
Most entry level devices till date weren’t receptive to supporting the load of 4G connectivity (some from Samsung and Moto to be specific) but it’s good to see the trend changing, and that’ll only mean good news for the overall internet subscriber base of India.
Dual SIM devices sell big in India, and with respectable set of cameras in tow, Xiaomi is making sure they don’t leave any boxes unticked for the consumer. Can Micromax match or better this feat with the Bharat 5? We sure hope so, for the sake of the millions, who are dying to get their hands on internet for the first time.
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