Motorola Plans to Launch Rs 3,100 Smartphone: End of Feature Phone Market Near?

| Updated: Thursday, January 23, 2014, 16:04 [IST]

Back in 2013, Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt reportedly quoted saying that in the near future we might see a basic smartphone with a web browser for $50.

The ex-CEO of Google predicted the future of ultra affordable Android-powered smartphones in New Delhi based event.

Now almost a year later, Motorola, a Google owned company, plans to bring a smartphone which could be priced as low as $50 or Rs. 3,100

Motorola's cheapest Android-based smartphone, the Moto G, will be officially launched in India on February 5.

In an exclusive interview with TrustedReviews, Motorola CEO, Dennis Woodside, revealed that the company will materialize a phone which may cost consumers $50 or £30 in the market.

Motorola Plans to Launch Rs 3,100 Smartphone

"We're going to look at that and just delivering on that value promise is super important. I mean why can't these devices be $50? There's no reason that can't happen so we're going to push that".

However, the company did not provide any concrete details in respect to Motorola's upcoming $50 phone.

On the premium side, Motorola is expected to bring more customizable options than ever. At the moment, the Moto X is only phone available in the market, which can be customized, as per users demand. The Moto X has been received well in States, and pretty soon, Motorola will start selling the device in Europe.

Moreover, Dennis Woodside, Motorola CEO, stated that even $179 (in reference to Moto G), is a lot of money. Therefore, the cheap version of Moto G could be priced $50. We don't know whether the so-called $50 phone will look as good as the Moto G. Motorola has given clarity on the fact that consumers are interested in cheap Android phones.

The bigger picture is that Motorola will try to tap emerging markets like India and China with its upcoming $50 smartphone. Another noticeable fact emerges from the interview is that the Moto G maker may target Samsung by entering Indian market next year.

Though, Motorola is all said to announce the much hyped Moto G in India next month. Reportedly, the Moto G is expected to be made available via online route, instead of physical retail stores. Motorola does not have retail presence in India, the company closed down its operations in country a couple of years back.

Would you be interested in getting Motorola's $ 50 smartphone? Can Motorola kill Feature Phone market with its affordable smartphone due next year? Let us know your comments below.