Intex Cloud FX : most inexpensive smartphone in India

Intex has announced the availability of Cloud FX on snapdeal (http://m.snapdeal.com/product/intex-cloud-fx/1356760619). At 1999 ₹ it is the cheapest smartphone and is powered by Firefox OS. 

I think this is definitely a phone that I would recommend over a feature phone. I will be reviewing this handset over the coming weeks, so stay tuned. 

Redmi 1s: The new affordable flagship?

Mi India has just listed Redmi 1s for 6,999 INR (see http://www.mi.com/in/redmi1s/), exactly the price for which Moto E is selling. While the spec sheet of Redmi 1s beats Moto E in every respect with a wide margin, the only forte remaining for Moto E is guaranteed OS update.

Spice Fire One : the first Firefox phone in India

Multiple media outlets are reporting that Spice Fire One is officially launched by Spice Mobiles (see: http://www.financialexpress.com/news/spice-launches-fire-one-mi-fx-1-smartphones-in-india-for-rs-2299-ties-up-with-snapdeal/1281641 and http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/spice-launches-indias-first-firefox-based-smartphone-at-rs-2299/articleshow/40690677.cms?curpg=2).

This is the first Firefox phone to be launched officially in India with an MRP of 2,299. With this price it easily beats out feature phones. I have not yet had a change to look at the device, but once it is available online I might be able to tell how good is the device.

Apart from the price the reason I am interested in Firefox is because it is totally opensource and community created as opposed to Android, which I classify as only 'partially open'. Jolla is also another interesting opensource platform, but their target is more mid-range rather than affordable segment.

Update: It seems the device will be available from snapdeal.com starting from 29th of August.

Karbonn A1 + Super : another affordable Kitkat

Feature phones are dead. They are really. If you plan to get a feature phone, you may as well be dumb, or might really want some super good battery life.
Karboon A1 + Super is just another reason to not get a feature phone but a full smartphone with the latest Android OS on it. That too well below 4K INR.

Magic Swift: Kitkat @ 3K INR

Yes, the prices of the smartphone claiming to run Kitkat Android OS are hitting a new low. This time it is plain 3K (http://www.rage-mobile.com/Rage-Feature-Phones/SmartMagic-Series/Magic-Swift). And it has possibly everything you need.

10 Smartphones you can buy under 5K now (via Gizbot)

Gizbot has a compilation of 10 smartphones you can buy under 5K in India right now (see: http://www.gizbot.com/mobile/top-10-smartphones-you-can-buy-india-under-rs-5000-news-018548.html). It is an interesting list. My personal favorite from the list is Karbonn Smart A11 Star.

Lumia 530 : the new affordable WP from Microsoft

Microsoft today announced single and dual sim version of Lumia 530 (http://conversations.nokia.com/2014/07/23/lumia-530/). It would be priced at about $115 (6800 INR), and will be available in India in August 2014. If Microsoft actually prices this near 6K and towards 5K, this device will be a hit like Lumia 520, and would be a tough competitor for Moto E. But at a price that is closer to Moto E, it is difficult to recommend Lumia 530 over the earlier.

Nokia (err .. Microsoft) thinks they have a winner: