Gionee GPad G5 5.5-inch hexa core phablet unveiled for Rs 14999

The Gionee GPad G5 phablet may have a hexa core processor, but it’s a downgrade in a manner of speaking when compared to its predecessor and this shows in the price of Rs 14999 attached to it. The GPad G4 is currently pegged at Rs 16999 officially even though it was launched for Rs 18999.

The only advantage the Gionee GPad G5 possesses at present is the fact that the Mi 3 has stepped away from the limelight temporarily. Otherwise, it’d be racking up a lot of criticism considering its price is Rs 1000 heavier than the Xiaomi phone’s tag.

And it’s not like the GPad G5 has anything spectacular to show in comparison. Apart from having a hexa core processor, its specs sheet isn’t too impressive. There’s 1GB of RAM onboard and 8GB of ROM, though it does come with expandability of up to 32GB unlike the Mi 3 and GPad G4.

The new GPad takes some design cues from the Mi 3 although it would have done better to borrow more tips on the internal components. The phone is sharp on all four corners and has an easy way about it on the back with its slightly curvy build which should offer a good grip.

This forthcoming Gionee phablet embeds dual SIM slots and 3G connectivity, but no 4G LTE. Its 5.5-inch IPS display which is protected with Dragontrail Glass would have been more interesting if it did full HD instead of sticking to 1280 x 720p resolution .

At least there’s Android KitKat inside and a decent capacity 2400mAh battery that will let you squeeze about 12 hours of 3G talk time out of it. You also get two SIM card slots and an 8MP camera with flash on the back. You’ll have to make do with a 2MP lens for video calls.

Gionee GPad G5 key specs at a glance:

- 5.5-inch 1280 x 720p IPS Dragontrail Glass screen
- Android v4.4 KitKat OS
- 8MP main camera w/ LED flash, 2MP front lens
- 1.5GHz hexa core Cortex A7 processor
- 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage
- 32GB memory expandability
- 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
- Dual SIM card slots
- 2400mAh battery, 12 hours 3G talk time
- 157.3 x 77.6 x 7.9 millimeters
- Black and white color options

The Gionee GPad 5 is not up for sale yet, but it will be made available soon enough through the company’s very own store as well as via other retailers.

Xolo Play 8X-1100 featuring 1.7GHz octa core SoC revealed in India at Rs. 14999

The all new Xolo Play 8X-1100 octa core Android gaming smartphone has been rolled out for a tempting price of Rs 14999 so soon after the company launched its Q700s Plus and Q1000s Plus handsets. The Xolo Play 8X-1100 is just one among a few other devices released by the brand with mobile gaming enthusiasts in mind.

We’ve also seen similar offerings like the octa core Xolo Play 8X-1200 and the hexa core Play 6X-1000 previously. As for the Play 8X-1100, it has yet to show up officially on the company’s website. It sports a 1080 x 1920p full HD display measuring 5 inches and ships with Android KitKat.

As you’re going to need powerful components to properly enjoy gaming on the Play 8X-1200, Xolo has stuffed it with an octa core processor accompanied by a 700MHz Mali 450 GPU and 2GB of RAM. There’s 16GB of ROM for hoarding all your entertainment as well as a microSD card slot for adding up to 32GB of extra space.

The Xolo Play 8X-1100 smartphone isn’t only built to please gamers, in case you’re asking. The company has also equipped the handset with a 13MP main camera enhanced by a Sony Exmor RS sensor and an LED flash unit. The webcam appears to be an impressive addition too, with its BSI sensor and 88-degree wide viewing angle.

Yet another highlighted feature of the 3G-capable Play 8X-1100 is its Hotknot file sharing that’s apparently speedier than regular Bluetooth. The system lets users transfer data files between compatible devices by simply touching their screens to each other.

Xolo Play 8X-1100 handset: Quick look at the specs

- 5-inch 1080 x 1920p touchscreen
- Android v4.4 KitKat OS
- 1.7GHz octa core processor
- 700MHz Mali 450 GPU
- 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal space
- 32GB memory expandability
- 13MP main camera w/ flash
- 5MP front lens
- Dual SIM card slots
- 2100mAh battery

The Xolo Play 8X-1100 is currently being sold through retail outlets across the country in white, though we have no doubt that it will hit online stores soon enough.

Oppo Neo 3 handset out for Rs 10990, is competing with Asus ZenFone

For some weird reason, the Oppo Neo 3 thinks you’ll be willing to pay Rs 10990 for it when there are competitors with better specs costing much less. Take the new ZenFone 4 which has superior specifications on a few counts, but still asks you to cough up only Rs 6999 for it.

And then let’s not forget the Xiaomi Redmi 1S handset which is priced even more competitively at Rs 5999 in spite of featuring impressive components for a device of its ilk. So let’s tell you what you’ll be getting for Rs 10990 with the Oppo Neo 3 smartphone.

If you ask us what’s the difference between the Oppo Neo and the newer device, the addition of flash is the only major change we can spot. The latter handset works on Android v4.2 Jelly Bean mated with Oppo’s proprietary ColorOS user interface.

The dual SIM device sticks to a 4.5-inch FWVGA resolution touchscreen and works on a dual core 1.3GHz processor of unnamed origin, though MediaTek is the sensible bet. It limps along on 1GB of RAM and has 4GB of memory which can be expanded by up to 32GB via its microSD card slot.

Oppo Neo 3 specs at a glance:

- Android Jelly Bean with ColorOS
- 4.5-inch FWVGA 480 x 854p display
- 1GB RAM, 4GB internal memory
- 32GB microSD card support
- Dual core 1.3GHz processor
- 5MP rear camera w/ flash
- 2MP front lens
- 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS/AGPS
- 1900mAh battery
- 65.8 x 132 x 9.2 millimeters
- 130 grams

Spice Fire One – Mi FX1 out for Rs 2229, is India’s 2nd Firefox OS phone

The Spice Fire One – Mi FX1 Firefox OS smartphone should technically be up for the taking at a price if Rs 2229, as announced previously. But online retailer Snapdeal, through which it was supposed to be made available initially, is still to add the device to its listings.

On the other hand, the Intex Cloud FX is already up for grabs as a Snapdeal exclusive for Rs 1999. Spice has yet to reveal all the details of the Fire One – Mi FX1, but we know you’re wondering about the difference in prices between the two handsets.

It starts with the fact that the Spice Fire One has a front camera of 1.3MP unlike its only other current Firefox OS rival in India. Owing to Mozilla’s partnership with Spectrum, we expect to see a processor from the latter inside the Mi – FX1, of course.

Spice Fire One Mi – FX1 main specifications list:

- Mozilla Firefox OS
- 3.5-inch 320 x 480p capacitive display
- 1GHz processor
- Dual SIM card slots
- 2MP rear camera, 1.3MP front lens
- 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity

As you can tell from the specs we’ve lined up above, the Spice phone is a very basic device which is almost totally based on the reference design dictated by Mozilla. A fun fact – just like the Cloud FX, even this handset is practically the first generation iPhone of 2014 if you compare the features.

We’ll give you the word as soon as the Spice Fire One Mi – FX1 hits availability status on Snapdeal. Meanwhile, here’s the link you can follow in order to buy the aforesaid Intex smartphone.

Wickedleak Wammy Note 3 looks like Galaxy S5, retails for Rs 12990 only

The newly announced water-resistant device, the Wickedleak Wammy Note 3 is blatantly copying the Galaxy S5 right down to the way its promotional pictures and press shots have been taken. This handset which looks exactly like the Samsung flagship can be bought in India from September 1 onwards at a price of just Rs 12990.

What’s interesting is that its water resistance attributes are optional. So you need to add another Rs 1500 to your purchase if you wish to grab those. The device ships with a 5.2-inch full HD display and runs on a 1.7GHz octa core MediaTek processor.

2GB worth of RAM is also in the offing, apart from a Mali 450 GPU for fast graphics processing. This dual SIM phone features the Android 4.4 KitKat OS, and offers a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front one. The Wammy Note 3 comes equipped with 8GB of storage which can of course be expanded further up to 32GB via its microSD card slot. Its S Window feature which works with a flip cover allows you to perform many important functions without having to open the protective case.

Here’s a deep look at all the key specs of the Wickedleak Wammy Note 3:

- Display: 5.2-inch 1080p IPS LCD
- OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
- Processor: 1.7GHz octa core
- Memory: 2GB RAM, 8GB storage (32GB expandable)
- Camera: 5MP front, 13MP rear
- Battery: 3800mAh

Like we said, the Wickedleak Wammy Note 3 costs Rs 12990, but if you wish to grab it with its water resisting properties onboard, the asking amount will go up to Rs 14490.

Google to add Celkon and Intex to its India Android One partner list

Google’s Android One project could be getting new partners in India as Celkon Mobiles and Intex are said to be in talks with the search giant. So far, Karbonn, Spice and Micromax are scheduled to launch handsets under the program in the coming months and we could see the roster increase as other OEMs are looking to join the bandwagon.

Google announced the Android One initiative during its I/O conference last month with an aim to offer highly affordable smartphones in emerging markets. The search giant is basically aiming at $99 devices and it has partnered with MediaTek to develop reference designs which will be used for these handsets.

ET notes that Celkon Mobiles is a done deal as the fourth partner in the program. However, Intex is yet to secure its position as the fifth member and it’ll disclose the final outcome in the next 15 to 20 days. The former has confirmed that its first smartphones in the series will be out sometime during Diwali which will take place in the month of October.

There are no details about the handset, but we expect it to be similar to the Micromax one which was showcased at the I/O conference. In the Android One project, Google will basically provide OEMs with hardware and software support to reduce the overall production cost of devices. These handsets will offer a pure Android experience like Nexus phones and software updates will be issued directly from the search giant.

The Android One project will materialize in India and will be made available in other locations around the globe in the near future. With Intex and Celkon onboard, the total number of OEMs will increase to 5.

HTC introduces Desire 616, HTC One E8 dual SIM in India

The HTC One E8 and Desire 616 dual SIM smartphones have been unveiled in India for Rs 34990 and Rs 16900, in that order. The former is a plastic-fantastic M8, while the other is the firstAndroid handset from the Taiwanese brand to run on an octa core processor.

Right off the bat, let’s get the differences between the HTC One E8 and the HTC M8 sorted out. The latest handset ditches aluminum for polycarbonate and replaces the Duo Camera setup for a 13MP snapper on its rear. Otherwise, having the new device on you is as good as owning the flagship.

The HTC Desire 616 Dual SIM is happy to make do with an octa core MediaTek chipset since it keeps the price low, one of prerequisite aspects needed to make a successful push into the Indian market. The other key specs are noted down below for your reading convenience.

HTC One E8 features list:

- Chipset: Quad core 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801
- Display: 5-inch, 1080p resolution
- OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
- Cameras: 13MP and 5MP rear
- Memory: 16GB internal storage, 2GB RAM
- MicroSD card support: Up to 128GB
- Dual SIM support
- Power house: 2600mAh battery

HTC Desire 616 Dual SIM specs at a glance:

- Processor: 1.4GHz octa core MediaTek
- Platform: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
- Touchscreen: 5-inch 720p LCD
- Cameras: 8MP and 2MP
- Memory: 4GB ROM, 1GB RAM
- Expandability: 32GB
- Dual SIM support
- Battery: 2000mAh

HTC has noted MRPs of Rs 35990 and Rs 17200 for the HTC One E8 and Desire 616 Dual SIM smartphones, respectively. The more expensive of the two will hit India in the end of July and its companion will be up for grabs in white and gray, starting from next week.

Samsung Galaxy Star 2 handset gets listed on official website for Rs 4580

The Samsung Galaxy Star 2 smartphone which was officially launched in India earlier this month has been listed on the company’s eStore with a price of Rs 4580. No release date has been provided for the phone as yet, but its arrival online suggests that its availability might not be far off.

The Samsung Galaxy Star 2 was unveiled along with the Star Advance and Ace NXT smartphones. The latter two devices have already been put up for grabs at Rs 7299 and Rs 6925, respectively. The handset in question was originally tagged at Rs 5100 and the reduced price is most likely due to the intense competition in the sub-Rs 10000 range.

The handset is as basic as it gets for Android and it comes with version 4.4 KitKat out of the box, accompanied by the TouchWiz Essence UX. The phone looks no different than the other two aforementioned handsets, but is smaller as the display size is just 3.5 inches with HVGA resolution.

A 1GHz processor does the heavy lifting with 512MB of RAM and there’s 4GB of internal storage. You also get a microSD card slot that support up to 32GB. For connectivity, the phone features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and dual SIM slots with 2G compatibility.

Here’s a roundup of the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 specifications:

- Android 4.4 KitKat
- 3.5-inch 320 x 480 pixel display
- 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, 32GB expandable
- 1GHz single core processor
- Dual SIM support
- 2MP rear camera
- 1300mAh battery

Sony Xperia C3 selfie focused handset launched in India at Rs 23990

The Sony Xperia C3 has been launched India with a 5MP wide-angle front camera that’s accompanied by flash and several other features aimed at tempting those bitten by the selfie bug. After having been unveiled back in July, this smartphone is expected to hit the Indian market in its dual SIM version on September 1 at Rs 23990.

Like we said, a powerful camera and a flash have been granted to its front lens to emphasize its positioning as a selfie phone. On its rear, it houses an 8MP camera which too has a flash sitting beside it. The Xperia C3 handset delivers its visuals on a 5.5-inch 720p HD display, and runs on a Snapdragon 400 chipset equipped with a 1.2GHz quad core CPU.

Android 4.4 KitKat is the OS that’s powering it from within, while keeping it going between recharges at the wall outlet is a 2500mAh battery. The device grabs 1GB worth of RAM and 8GB of storage which can be expanded further owing to the presence of a microSD card slot on the phone.

If you’re interested, here’s a quick glance at all the specs of the Sony Xperia C3 handset:

- Display: 5.5-inch, 720p HD
- Processor: 1.2GHz quad core Snapdragon 400
- Memory: 1GB RAM, 8GB storage (expandable)
- OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
- Camera: 5MP front with flash, 8MP rear with flash
- Battery: 2500mAh
- Weight: 150gm
- Dimensions: 156mm x 78.5mm x 7.6mm

September 1 is when the Sony Xperia C3 will be going on sale in India at the aforementioned price of Rs 23990.