Micromax is launching its first Android phone this week [read the specifications of A60] and the company is betting big on its Android products (expect more Android phones in the coming 6 months).
Micromax A60 runs on Android 2.1 (Eclairs) , has an internal memory of 150 MB (expandable upto 32GB) and 3.2 MP camera.
The company is catering to youth segment (in a way, introducing Android to them) and the price of Micromax A60 is quite affordable (Rs. 8,000 only). The company has even launched MyFirstAndroid.com, in order to promote A6 (and the subsequent Android phones which they are launching aggressively in the coming months).
Now that there are so many Android devices in the market, Micromax plans to differentiate itself packing these Android phones with useful feature sets (maybe, mosquito repellant phone?). The company has focused on some of the pain points which others ignore – most importantly, being battery life.
The challenge for Micromax lies in moving up the brand chain – they have focused heavily on rural market (80% of their sales happens at rural market) and cracking the ‘blackberry/executive’ market (which they are aiming at) or the smartphone market will not be easy, owing to it’s brand perception of being a mass market phone.
What’s your take?
Recommended Read : The Ultimate Smartphone Shootout – Symbian vs Android vs Windows Mobile vs BlackBerry vs iPhone
I think its a fantastic move from Micromax. Android is not an hype for the Indian market, and with the prices set to drop to Rs. 7000- 8000 level, it makes sense for the companies like MicroMax, Lemon Lava to gain early move advantage by launching lot of android options. Key here would be the killer apps which they would have to bundle for free with their phones in order to compete with LG and Samsung. May be we would see focussed phones, for example a Health phone which bundles apps like Calorie counter, exercise diary, health diary, an app for reminding you when to take your medicine, and provides a web portal where your doctor can login and view your health stats anytime. If this phone has dead simple user interface and priced at 7K level, I would be happy to buy it for my parents and I am sure some other would do the same.
One of the executives was sharing in a recent MoMo meet at Delhi, that they are also launching Android based handsets. One of the mobile manufacturers also approached us (LetsGoMo) for creating Android apps for Indian market which can help them launch their Android phone.
Ashish, any insights on the processor speed for this phone, couldn’t locate the processor speed through the link you shared..
Hi Vikas,
A60 is powered by a 600 MHz processor I found it at this blog http://tinyurl.com/39xwapk
I received a Micromax Q7 for review and it has been performing fairly well. In fact, good. The wifi and sound are the best I believe.
For the android phone, I guess its a good enough bet for Micromax. There are umpteen number of people who would want to have an android phone which costs withing 9-10,000, and this one could be their buy.
Even though I did not like the design much, the features could be a good start for an android aspirant.
I am also interested in knowing about Modu, another android based phone by Micromax, yet to be launched.
I think Micromax is moving up the value chain quite fast. They launched Modu T in India and that is one amazing concept. Qube had an innovative display too.
Think they would do well to launch some pricier extremely feature loaded phones now.
@ anshul: I don’t think Micromax Modu is an android phone, but it’s a damn neat handset Eagerly awaiting to see the other additional equipments that’ll be given with this phone- so i hear !
OH! The website says it has an Android OS. Let’s see. But yeah, the looks are quite good, buddy :)
Who is the best person to reach at Micromax to suggest a collaboration. The reason I am asking is that I know of a company who are doing some cool android development.
Where is Karbon, which were also launched at the same time when Micromax launched? What happened to them??
Its really a cool move. but I don’t understand why they didn’t work on FM Radio and specially Bluetooth. These features are clearly missing elements on A60.
The A60 is a 2.8-inch resistive touch screen with 320×240 pixel resolution. The Samsung Galaxy 5 (I5503) has similar specs, but has responsive capacitive touch screen. I would suggest that one go in for this over the A60.
Call clarity on the Galaxy 5 is good. I use it quite a bit for browsing (via EDGE/GPRS) using the pre-installed browser and Opera Mini 5.1 (which I downloaded and installed). I also use it to check/send mail from my Gmail accounts.
The two glaring negatives of the Galaxy 5:
1) the 2MP camera (w/o autofocus or flash) might as well have not been there
2) in bright sunlight the screen is dark and unreadable.
The Galaxy 5 looks very similar to the Samsung Corby handset. I purchased the Galaxy 5 in Mumbai for Rs. 8,500 and am quite satisfied with the handset.