Android One Smartphones Facing Stiff Rivalry from Other Android Handsets

It hasn't been long since Google took the wraps off its brand new Android One initiative. While the new initiative looked a grand one with the aim of reaching over to those who still don't have an Android device, sales numbers may have a different story to tell.

As reports have suggested, according to analysts keeping a keen eye on proceedings, sales haven't been encouraging for the handsets that were released for the new initiative. The Android One initiative was launched in partnership with local handset makers Micromax, Karbonn and Spice.

"Android smartphones in the same price band usually sell about 200,000 units, but Android One numbers have been half to one-third of those," an industry tracker aware of the combined sales figures of the three companies told ET in anonymity.

The world's most popular search engine released three models in the Rs 6,299 to Rs 6,499 area back in September. However, the fact that the handsets are available only online and that it wants to connect the next 5 billion people together doesn't really go hand in hand.

And this is especially when half of the country doesn't even have access to proper Internet. However, the companies in the Android One mix are currently contesting the claims and is on the verge of offering the devices via physical retailers as well.

Stay tuned to GizBot for more updates!