It’s Diwali season, which for most of us, is shopping season. Looking to gift someone a budget smartphone? The market is flooded with different models and brands, and you may be spoilt for choice. Here are some recommendations by Gadget Diary to help you decide.
Google Android One
The Google Android One is the best smartphone that you can buy if you are on a budget. There are three Android One phones that Google has launched in India. The Karboon Android One Sparkle V is available for Rs. 5,999. It has great built quality and is a pretty powerful device for this price. It comes with a 5 MP back camera, 4.5 inch display and a 1.3 Ghz quad-core processor. The only drawback of this device is that it does not have an HD display. But overall, it scores very well in terms of performance, hardware and software.
Xiaomi Redmi 1S
This phone comes with an HD display in the same price segment. If you’re looking for an HD device, the Xiaomi Redmi 1S is available on Flipkart in India for Rs. 6,000. It has a 4.7 HD display and a 1.6 Ghz quad-core processor. The user interface is quite smooth and it sports an 8 MP back camera. One of the issues that a lot of users had faced is that it gets heated up, but the company has launched an update to fix this. Flipkart only releases these phones in flash sales on its websites, so be on your toes to beat the long list of people that want to purchase it too.
Nokia Lumia 530
The Nokia Lumia 530 is available for Rs. 5,500 in the Indian market. It is a good entry-level Windows phone, in case you are looking for something other than an Android phone. It comes with a 4-inch display, a 5 MP rear camera and a quad-core processor. The specifications may not be similar to an Android phone but Windows requires lower specifications to run the same applications and games. The phone comes in a variety of back cover colours and should be your choice if you wish to purchase something different.
Firefox-based Smartphones
There are two variants available with the Firefox OS, one from Intex and the other from Spice. Both these models have similar specifications and are available for around Rs. 2,000. The Firefox OS is relatively new and is only available on the low-end entry-level smartphones. The specifications do not hold up to the other phones mentioned in this post, but if you are on a limited budget, these phones are a great steal. These phones are ideal for user who want to switch from a feature phone to a smartphone.
Salora Arya Z2
The Salora Arya Z2 is a new phone that not many have heard of. But it is one of the most good-looking and high on performance phones in this category. It is available for Rs. 7,000 on Amazon India. It has a rubberized feel to it, an 8 MP camera and a 5-inch HD display. With a 1.3 Ghz quad-core processor, it is very smooth and easy to use. It has one of the best displays that you can buy on a budget.
