Apple changed the definition of what a smartphone should be in 2007, when the company introduced its first ever iPhone. But Steve Jobs didn't manage to make a huge dent in the India.
However, Indian users have finally found a replacement of Apple in the form of Xiaomi - a strong Chinese player with an expertise in churning affordable handsets.
Today, the famed Chinese handset maker has launched its much anticipated Redmi 1S in India. It is priced at Rs. 5,999, and will go on sale in the country, starting Sep. 2 onwards. Like the MI 3, the Redmi 1S will be sold in an exclusive partnership with India's Flipkart.
Those anticipated in buying the Redmi 1S can register on Flipkart starting today. The phone was earlier announced at Rs. 6,999, but the firm thought of selling it for cheaper - to rival the Moto E and Asus' Zenfone 4.
Xiaomi Redmi 1S - What about specifications?
The Redmi 1S was unveiled earlier this year and will be shortly available in the country. The phone features a 4.7-inch HD display with Gorilla Glass 2 protection. It is powered by a 1.6GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor with 1GB RAM, 8GB of native storage and a microSD card slot ( up to 64GB).
In the imaging department, it offers an 8MP rear-facing camera with an LED Flash and a 1.6MP front-facing shooter. The makers have added a 2,000mAh battery. The device runs on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with MIUI layer on top. Other connectivity options include: 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, dual-SIM and more.
Xiaomi - An Overview
The company entered Indian handset market scene last month with the launch of its Mi 3. In fact, the device has already achieved a cult status by selling a close to 70,000 units in a month's time frame. The media is abuzz with the Mi 3 ‘shortage'. The company is expected to launch the Mi 4 - the successor to the Mi 3 in India later in the year. We were also able to confirm that Xiaomi will be launching the Redmi Note and Mi Band in India at the earliest.
Why Xiaomi's Redmi 1S is a killer handset at Rs. 5,999? Based on our experience, we've highlighted top 5 reasons to buy this very device. Dive in!
The Latest Xiaomi Redmi 1S Smartphone Gallery
Huge Battery Life
The Redmi 1S offers a huge 2,400mAh battery fitted inside. For comparison sake, the Asus ZenFone 4 has a mere 1600mAh battery, where as the Moto E packs a 2,070mAh battery. In respect of battery, at least, the Redmi 1S is miles ahead of the Moto E- which is often touted as a bestseller in the low-end category.
Awesome Imaging Optics
Recently we got a chance to explore the Redmi 1S's camera. And we instantly fell in love the back camera. For the record, the device offers an 8MP camera and an LED Flash. The handset seemed to outperform the Moto E, which has a 5MP back camera. So yes, it does make sense to consider the Redmi 1S, if you are into mobile photography.
Processing Powerhouse
Not just the camera, the Redmi 1S has an excellent processing capabilities, too. There's a 1.6GHz quad-core processor (Snapdragon 400), paired with 1GB of RAM. Amusingly, the Moto E is priced at Rs. 6,999, and has a dual-core processor under the hood.
Appealing Interface
Even though the Redmi 1S doesn't come with the Android 4.4 (KitKat) on-board; still the slapped UI (MIUI v.5) on top seemed to be more intuitive and personal. Users can get a number of themes and cool enhancements, making the over experience joyful.
Retail Price does matter
To be made available on Flipkart, starting Sep. 2, the Redmi 1S is a cost effective way to experience wholesome experience at a fraction of cost. The Redmi 1S is priced at just Rs. 5,999 , compared to the Moto E, which now retails at Rs. 6,999. This has to be the most affordable Android powered handset we've seen in a while.
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