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Profile Arvind Vohra

Country CEO & Managing Director, Gionee India

Spotlight

Vodafone-Idea: Merger in the times of disruption

Tested

Vivo V5 Plus, Nubia Z11 Mini S, OnePlus Icons, HTC U Play, Vivo Y55 S and more...

Chief Speak

Vikas Agarwal, General Manager, India at OnePlus

Apps Best Selfie Boosters Traditional Games In Digital Avatar 4G Feature Phones India to Lead

Editorpage

firstcall

he much anticipated Vodafone India and Idea Cellular merger has finally been sealed which in turn will create India’s largest telecom entity. This move should largely be seen as

EDITORIAL

a response to the ongoing disruption and changing

Pankaj Mohindroo |

dynamics in the Indian telecom space. This is also a

Shelley Vishwajeet | Editor

part of the ongoing consolidation in the telecom industry which has been happening for quite some time now.

Editor-in-Chief

Gagandeep Kaur | Contributing Editor

So what does it mean for the Indian consumer – the

Ramesh Kumar Raja | Assistant Editor

ultimate stakeholder! I would like to believe and wish

Haider Ali Khan | Senior Correspondent

that this would lead to tariff rationalization, better

Vanshika Malhotra | Reporter

service while ensuring strong and fair competition in the market to enable the benefits of competition to flow to Indian consumers. I also believe that the current tariff war is neither good for the Indian telecom sector nor is it sustainable. One does hope that all players and stakeholders will ensure a level playing field in the true

DE S I G N Ajit Kumar Parashar | Sr. Graphic Designer

M AR K ETIN G Puja Mohindroo | Manager - Business

competitive spirit. India continues to be a unique mobile handset

Sandeep Kumar | Sr. Manager – Marketing

market. A latest research has pointed out that no less than 200 million 4G enabled feature phones will be sold in the country in the next five years. This is largely being

O P ERATION S

enabled by innovation in chip design which is enabling

K. Rajagopalan | Advisor-Legal, Accounts & Administration

4G capabilities in feature phones and allowing them to

Deepak Kohli | Manager – Accounts

leapfrog to 4G networks. More importantly from ‘Make

Varun Lama | Sr. Manager – Human Resources

in India’ point of view, this means new multi-billion dollar hardware manufacturing opportunity within the country. This is indeed a huge opportunity and we must seize it. Consumers in the coming days too should be a happy lot as smartphones are now coming packed with increased specs, better build quality while cut-throat competition is ensuring extremely competitive device price. In the prestigious profile series, we have covered

B. G. Mathur | Manager- Production

CIRC U LATION Bhupender Singh Bisht | Manager – Circulation

AD V I S OR Y B OARD Bejon Misra Rajan Mathews S.D. Saxena Subhash Chandra

Arvind Vohra, CEO and Managing Director, Gionee India.

Sunil Dutt

Arvind has bared his soul like never before and to the

Sonu Bhasin

readers it would be a delight to know what really moves

Uvaraj Natarajan

the man on the move. And as always it makes me happy to point out that nobody packs information on mobile eco-system like we at My Mobile do. This issue too would be a delight.

G ET IN TO U CH Editorial : shelley@mymobile.co.in Marketing : sandeep@mymobile.co.in

Happy Reading! n

Circulation : bhupender@mymobile.co.in Phone : 011—46206161 Fax : 011—41520637 Edited, published, printed and owned by Pankaj Mohindroo, Published from Flat No. 25, First Floor, Shankar Market, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110001. Printed at HT Media Ltd. B-2, Sector 63, Noida.

Pankaj Mohindroo editor-in-chief

04 | april 2017

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and the views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged.

Volume XII, Issue III, april 2017

MYMOBILE

contents

38 42

64 Style Notes 10 letters 12 mobile Doctor 14 NEWS 18 big NEWS 94 Rumor Mill 111 My Guide

46 Profile Arvind Vohra – Never Say Die!

Sanpshot 50 Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro 78 HTC U Ultra Face to Face 52 Manvendra Shukul, CEO,

breach

64 In Focus Iris Scanner – The next big thing in smartphone!

Burn Tests 66 Vivo V5 Plus 68 HTC U Play

Lakshya Digital

70 Vivo Y55

26 just in We take a close look at all new

72 Nubia Z11 Mini S

mobile devices in the market

Nikhil Agarwal - Co-founder,

Zophop Mohd Wassem - MD &

Co-founder, Bobble

38 Chief Speak

Vikas Agarwal, General

ClickTable

Varun Gupta – Founder,

42 Spotlight Vodafone-Idea: Merger in the times of disruption

76 One Plus Icons

80 Bazaar Bargain Four phones which are smart buy today

Manager, India at OnePlus

06 | april 2017

counter-strike on information

Industry Insight 56 Smartwatch – Good times ahead

Enterprises get ready for

Special Feature 82 Traditional Games – Return of the natives

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What's Inside

contents 102

Selfie Boosters – Apps that

work best

134 Smartphone Camera Lens -

93 Cell Speak

140 Add Ons

What those who matter in the

Best accessories & tech gadgets

world of tech are saying

for you – From Bluetooth

Driving innovation

95 Personality 90 Market Insight 4G Features Phones – India

speakers to mobile camera lens

Amit Gupta – The maverick

146 Vantage Point

techie

Why offline sales channels remain critical - Arijeet

to lead

96 Trends

Talapatra, Transsion Holdings India (itel Mobiles)

The Age of Drones

98 In Focus Cat S60 – Thermal Vision

132 By Invitation Things to remember while buying a powerbank – Gaurav Dureja, Director, Ambrane

102 111 Total number of pages = 148

08 | march 2016

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CHINESE SMARTPHONES

EXPANDING HORIZONS

Profile Narendra Bansal CMD, Intex Technologies

Tested

Asus Zenfone 3S Max, Oppo A57, Honor 6X, Samsung Gear S3, Oakter Smart Switches & Sockets and more...

Special Report Mobile Gaming Leads the Way

which you have been

—Faiz Ahmad, Hyderabad

covering these days are

My Mobile has been

magazine, one would get the

downloaded from any

wonderful like the last issue

associated with me since I

idea about any particular

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of March (Chinese

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informative, well timed and

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magazine present in the

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timely as people had this

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tendency to keeping away

and technology domain.

coverage. While the Big

young age, I have been

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admired as the one who

the case anymore. The

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—Richa Arora, New Delhi Dear My Mobile team, it gives me an immense knowledge of mobile ecosystem which you guys deliver through the magazine and it’s simply brilliant. I would also suggest you to add few more devices and gadgets like you did of Samsung Gear S3 in your burn tests. Majority of

10 | april 2017

e ave th

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ream in a d ellpho c y e t k u o o st zy ab ew lines? an als n the late e a r c c d u n f o u hav o a Are y al to pen a for news our hands u think yo o y ti se poten have a no rave to lay t them? If y CV to r u le, c u Do yo e? Do you world abo . Rush you My Mobi in e in ou headl and tell th king for y your name o s o e o l to se gizm u, we are .co.in ine. o e y l i n b i o it az mym e mag team@ best mobil India’s

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Q&A

MobileDoctor smart keyboard with a word prediction option . It is considered to be safe as it has been published by Google.

I am looking for a phone that is very good at playing games. What should I keep in mind and what do you think should be my budget? -Sanjana Matthews, Delhi Dear Sanjana, If you are looking for a phone that is very good at gaming then you should be looking at the flagships from the likes of LG and Samsung - devices like the Galaxy S7 Edge and trhe LG G5 which have the processing power, graphics and muscle to give you a very good gaming experience. So your budget in that case should be in the region of Rs 40,000 - 50,000. However if you find that to be on the higher side, you can also consider devices like the OnePlus 3 and the LeEco Le Max 2 which pack in the latest processors and lots of RAM at under Rs 30,000. I have been trying to install the Google Keyboard on my Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus but everytime I am doing so, I see a message that says the app will be able to read whatever I type. Is this app safe to use? Should I install it? -Robert Verghese, Delhi This is normal as it is a

12 | april 2017

I want to buy a smartphone that has superior audio output and has a longlasting battery. Budget is not a problem for me; all I need is a phone through which I can enjoy different genres of music. Please suggest me a good phone. -Tripti, Bengaluru,

similar tasks needing a big screen. My budget is Rs 12,000. What do you think is the best phone in this budget for this purpose? ––Nitansh Kathuria, Kota If you are looking for a phone with a big display and a large battery then I would suggest that you g for the Xiaomi Mi Max which comes with a 6.44 inch full HD display and a massive 4850 mAh battery. it is powered by a Qualcmm Snapdragon 650 processor and comes with 3 GB RAM

I want to buy a good phone for Rs 25,000 and I want the latest processor, high quality display and excellent camera. Right now, I have shortlisted the Xiaomi Mi 5, the OnePlus 3 and the Nexus 5X as my options. Which of the three would you recommend for me? Is there also any other fourth option. -Manohar Lal, Siliguri In these 3 I would suggest the OnePlus 3, as it offers a good and stable performance and its camera is outstanding. I want the best smartphone out there in the market, and cost is not an issue. Should I go for an Android or an iPhone and which are the best options in there? –Ritwik Kumar, Chandigarh There’s been always a debate between iPhone and Androids. Both are good but the iPhone has a restricted OS so flexibilities on apps, etc., is limited. For best Android phones the options are Samsung S7 , S7 Edge and the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. n

If you looking for high end device Samsung S7 is very good device and S7 edge has a good battery as well, which comes with Hifidelity music, best camera and screen too. I want a phone with a large display that can also serve the purpose of a tablet for browsing the Web and other

and is available well within your budget. The phone is on the larger side but as you say that you want a phone that occupies the middle ground between a tablet and a phone, and the Mi Max sits in that space comfortably. It also has a more expensive 4GB RAM/ 128 GB storage variant.

Is your mobile phone acting strange? Email your queries at team@mymobile.co.in and our mobile doctor Arshdeep Singh will suggest remedies for your ailing device. Disclaimer: The views expressed by Arshdeep Singh are his own and do not necessarily coincide with those of My Mobile.

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What’s Up

newsbits Xiaomi starts second manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi recently unveiled their second manufacturing unit at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh along with the launching of a new budget smartphone called, Redmi 4A. The new manufacturing unit of Xiaomi is in partnership with Foxconn and manufacturing plant is going to employ 5,000 people out of whom 90 per cent are women, said Xiaomi. This plant is going to manufacture one phone per second and also fulfill the 95 per cent of Xiaomi units to be made in India. The company set up its first manufacturing unit two years ago in August 2015. Xiaomi claims to have sold over one million Redmi Note 4 smartphones in India since its launch. It was the second leading smartphone manufacturer in the country in Q4 of 2016, according to research firm IDC. Amitabh Bachchan roped in as OnePlus brand ambassador

Chinese mobile technology company OnePlus has roped in Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador

14 | april 2017

in India. The company said that Bachchan resonates well with the brand personality of OnePlus as he is not only the finest and the most admired actor but also a person of immense credibility. The company said that association with Bachchan is a milestone for the brand’s growth story in India as he is a successful actor and someone who has been instrumental in pushing the envelope in the Indian entertainment industry. It said in a statement that Bachchan has redefined what can be done as an actor with each of his performances, something that OnePlus endeavours to achieve with every new product they launch. Google set to unveil new Pixel phone later this year

US tech giant Google will release a new Pixel smartphone later this year. The device, with the built-in personal Google Assistant, will directly compete with the Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. “The device will remain ‘premium’ in its next iteration and the company is not interested in offering a lowcost version, preferring instead to let that segment be addressed by its external hardware partners,” media reports quoted Rick Osterloh, Google SVP of Hardware as saying. Launched last year, Pixel is the first smartphone that works as an intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator. The 5-inch smartphone is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset, 4GB of RAM and runs on Android Nougat 7.0 operating system. The device also has Pixel Imprint -- a fingerprint scanner on the back

of the smartphone for quick access to all apps, texts and e-mails. OPPO to set up mobile phone unit in Greater Noida

Leading Chinese cellphone manufacturer OPPO will start manufacturing smartphones in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh before the end of the year. The company had bought 110 acres of land from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) for Rs 145 crore to set up a manufacturing unit, and its representatives completed the registry process with the stamps and registry department of Gautam Budh Nagar recently. In an attempt to promote industry in the city, the state government has also conditionally waived off stamp duty amounting to Rs 9.70 crore for OPPO. “OPPO is likely to invest a total of Rs 2,000 crore for setting up their main and ancillary units. The company plans to generate employment for about 30,000 people,” Deepak Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer of GNIDA, said. China’s iVOOMi enters India with affordable smartphone Chinese electronic major iVoomi has entered the Indian market, looking to launch midrange and budget smartphones. To begin with, the company has launched the iVoomi iV505 at Rs 3,999 and the smartphone is available via ShopClues. The iVoomi iV505 comes with dualSIM card (MicroSIM) slots, both

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capable of supporting 4G VoLTE networks. Running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the smartphone sports a 5-inch qHD (540x960 pixels) IPS display. It is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor. It houses a 3000mAh battery with ‘flash charging’ support. The brand is also planning to launch four smartphone models in India ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000. The company has a broader plan for Indian market and intends to establish its research and development and manufacturing unit in India by 2019. Ericsson deploys OSS fulfilment suite for Jio in India

Telecom equipment maker Ericsson has deployed a solution for newcomer Reliance Jio that will allow faster onboarding and quality service for customers. “Ericsson has successfully deployed an end-to-end OSS fulfillment suite for Reliance Jio Infocomm, the world’s fastest-growing operator,” Ericsson said in a statement. This OSS deployment includes order management, inventory management and activation solutions, it said, adding that the deployment has helped Jio achieve faster onboarding and provide quality service to its 100 million users. Paolo Colella, Head of Region India for Ericsson, said the business-critical platform is robust, scalable and fully supports Jio’s ambitious expansion plans. “With proven capabilities in OSS/BSS and system integration, Ericsson will continue to partner with Jio in enabling its vision of providing a future-ready network for every Indian,” Colella added. E-Commerce majors plan offline push to sell smartphones Amazon and Flipkart, the two of the

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country’s largest marketplaces, are set to push sales of their online exclusive smartphones through brick-and-mortar stores, according to reports. The move is aimed at expanding the business in India and preparing for the goods and services tax (GST) regime, which will reduce the price difference between offline and online markets. GST is expected to be rolled out on July 1. Amazon will start with brands like Coolpad, Motorola, Lenovo, Huawei and One-Plus and is talking to Samsung and Xiaomi to extend it to their popular models like Samsung On5 Pro and Mi, respectively. The company had earlier tested the waters with offline distribution of smartphones when it had excess stock after demonetisation, but has now firmed it up as a proper business in India. Flipkart is yet to finalise its plans, but it has given an indication to the brands that it will look at expansion of the smartphone business through the offline distribution and sales route.

“We have received approval of the CCI for the proposed Scheme of Arrangement for demerger of the Wireless division of the Company into Aircel Limited and Dishnet Wireless Limited,” the telco in a statement said. The Mumbai-based company has already received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) for the proposed merger. The dual technology telco has also applied for approval of the scheme with the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The company and the present shareholders of Aircel will hold 50% each in Aircel Ltd., according to RCom statement which further added that the proposed transaction is subject to other necessary approvals.

What’s Up

newsbits

BSNL to install 28,000 mobile sites, start 4G in 2018

RCom gets CCI nod to merge with Aircel

Anil Ambani-driven Reliance Communications (RCom) recently said it has received an approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to combine its cellular business with Aircel.

State-run BSNL will install around 28,000 new mobile base stations across the country to replace all 2G sites with 3G and roll out 4G services at select locations by end 2017-18. “Under phase-8 expansion, we are replacing all 2G base stations and old equipment with modern base stations which can provide 3G and 4G services. At select locations, we are planning to start 4G services. We expect to complete phase-8 by FY18,” said Anupam Shrivastava, the chairman and MD of BSNL. The company plans to use part of its 3G spectrum for 4G services. European firms Nokia and Ericsson and Chinese telecom equipment firm ZTE are in the fray for the project.

april 2017 | 15

What’s Up

newsbits Youzu Interactive sets up India operations

Chinese gaming giant Youzu Interactive is entering the Indian market with plans to launch local Indian casual strategy games this year through its unit set to come up in Pune. The company is said to be investing $10 million to create local games, scout for acquisitions and for investments and partnerships in gaming and entertainment startups in India. While the company plans to largely target tier-I and II cities, looking at individuals who own smartphones worth over Rs 10,000 in the 18-40 year age group, they will also cater to users at the lower end of the smartphone spectrum in smaller cities. The Chinese company, which is testing the waters in India through casual strategy and social casino games this year, has plans of creating midcore and hardcore games for the Indian market in the coming years.

android courses for students to skill them in app development and, as part of Google Cultural Institute project, creating a digital repository of architectural and cultural heritage of the state is part of the plan. Thanking the state government for its support, Google India director (public policy) Chetan Krishnaswamy said, “We are delighted to support the government in its vision of a digitally empowered state. We look forward to working with the state government to create an enabling environment and ecosystem to help the people.” India to get weather alert technology sans internet

Google to reboot Telangana’s digital plan

Telangana recently inked an MoU with Google India after a meeting between IT minister KT Rama Rao and company representatives. Google India will provide Google Cloud credits and access to all cloud platform to start-ups in T-hub as well as provide technical mentors to various startups. Making government sites mobilefriendly, helping local businesses get online,

16 | april 2017

In order to connect people in areas with lower connectivity and data availability, IBM and The Weather Company, owned by IBM Business, recently rolled out the country’s first mobile alerting platform that will deliver weather alerts without internet. The technology uses peer-to-peer connections on a “mesh network” to send critical weather alerts to people in remote areas. The technology links other nearby phones to extend the signal to help keep citizens connected and informed, and in the most severe conditions, might even help save a life. Peer-to-peer technology converts mobile devices into links within the mesh network, allowing devices to “talk” directly to each other without using cell tower infrastructure. Each smartphone becomes a node that stores the message and securely passes it to the next nearest device, creating a daisy chain to reach more devices and remove the need for a cellular network. According to a 2016 report by the International Telecommunications Union, nearly 75 per cent of India’s population don’t use or have access to the internet.

Kerala becomes first state to declare Internet as basic right

Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Issac recently announced that free internet connections will be provided to 20 lakh poor families, to others at subsidised rates. Calling it a decisive step towards eliminating the digital divide, Issac said, “Kerala is poised to become one of the rare regimes where internet facility will be the right of a citizen. This will provide hindrance-free access to government and non-government services including education, health, social welfare and entertainment.” “It is estimated that by 2017-18 almost all government transactions will become IT-based. Thus, the right for basic internet facility will become a prerequisite for providing civic services universally through electronic medium,” he added. The internet would be provided to every citizen via a fibre-optic network called K Phone. The K phone network will be similar to the KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board) network. Spotify reaches 50 million paid subscribers

Digital music service Spotify has reached 50 million paid subscribers, growing 25 per cent in less than six months and extending its lead over its closest rival, Apple Music. Spotify, which has not yet shown a profit as it spends to grow internationally, is

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considering a potential US stock market listing, according to reports. The Stockholm based company announced a major expansion in New York in February. Spotify, one of Europe’s most highly valued venturebacked startups, will move its New York office to the World Trade Centre from the Midtown area of Manhattan, adding more than 1,000 new jobs. Launched in 2008, Spotify had 40 million paid subscribers in September last year. Apple, which launched its music service less than two years ago, had about 20 million subscribers in December. Google ‘Playables’ will let you try games before you buy

CSA+ certification will offer broad-spectrum validation of knowledge and skills required to configure and use cyber-threat detection tools, perform data analysis and interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities, threats and risks to an organization. It certifies knowledge of a data-driven approach to information security. “In an increasingly digitized world, we are all becoming extremely vulnerable to misuse of personal, professional and even national security data. In this scenario of data leaks and misuse, which could lead to grave financial loss, apart from loss of privacy, the emergence of a certification like CompTIA CSA+ is very important,” said Pradipto Chakrabarty, the regional director of CompTIA India. Amazon Prime Music to arrive in India early next year

Search engine Google recently announced a feature dubbed “Playables” which will let developers advertise their games to users who can try games without installing them. The new Playables feature is being promoted as mini-game or teasers of gameplay without the need of a download. Sissie Hsiao, Director of Product Management for Mobile Advertising, stressed that the new feature will be useful for both developers as well as users who can put their money only after trying it. According to reports, the new feature utilises HTML5 to create fully playable version of games right within the ad. The new Playables will start rolling out to users in the coming months. Google at its annual Google Developer Day at the Game Developers Conference announced the new updates to its Google Play. CompTIA unveils new cybersecurity certification

World’s leading information technology (IT) association CompTIA has unveiled a groundbreaking, vendor-neutral certification, CompTIA Cyber security Analyst (CSA+), the first of its kind to bring behavioral analytics to the forefront of assessing cyber threats. The CompTIA

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What’s Up

newsbits

in an effort to promote rural digitisation. The app, called Mera iMobile, will allow users in rural areas to access banking services as well as information on agri services. The app can also be used by non-ICICI Bank customers. The Mera iMobile app provides around 135 services, available in English and 11 Indian languages. The main aim of these services is to save time and cost to personally visit the branch. Around 14 frequently used banking services can also be accessed without mobile Internet connectivity. BOE Technology enters Indian consumer electronics market

Amazon is preparing to wade into India’s crowded music streaming market by early next year and is in discussions with record labels including T-Series to acquire music rights, according to reports. Amazon Prime Music, launched in the United States in 2014 as an add-on to Amazon’s video streaming service, will compete with music streaming apps Saavn, Gaana and Apple Music in India. It is independent of Amazon Music Unlimited that was launched in October with a catalogue of millions of songs; this isn’t available in India. The planned launch of the Prime music service follows the introduction last year of Amazon’s video streaming service in India, for which the company has allotted Rs 2,000 crore. ICICI Bank launches ‘Mera iMobile’ app for rural customers ICICI Bank recently unveiled a new mobile banking app that is aimed at rural customers

BOE Technology, China’s leader in display panel technology, announced entry into the Indian market with aggressive expansion plans, riding on the rapid growth of TVs, mobile phones and Internet of Things (IoT) markets. The Beijing-headquartered BOE’s products and services are used in a broad spectrum of applications including mobile phones, tablets, notebooks, monitors, TVs, vehicle displays, digital information displays, healthcare, finance, and wearable devices. BOE India Pvt. Ltd., the company’s Indian subsidiary, is already offering innovative products and solutions to Indian companies, jointly promoting the Indian market for display, intelligent systems, and health services and products. BOE’s global marketing and service network covers Europe, America and Asia markets. n team@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 17

What’s Up

bignews

UCWeb launches content-publishing platform in India

eading the user-generated content ecosystem in India, Alibaba Group’s mobile business unit UCWeb recently launched WeMedia Reward Plan 2.0, a self-creating content platform in the country with an initial investment of Rs 50 million. The internet major is investing Rs 2 billion for driving content distribution in India over the next two years. UCWeb’s content distribution platform UC News, launched in June 2016, has registered a new milestone by becoming one of the fastest growing apps in the country with a Monthly Active Users (MAUs) of over 80 million in India. Announcing the initiative on his visit to India, He Xiaopeng, Co-Founder UCWeb and President, Alibaba Mobile Business Group said, “Dominance of mobile and digital proliferation is leading to an increased adoption of mobile internet and is making India ‘Digitally Ready’. UCWeb is realising its vision of “Serve half the population of the planet”, and we are moving forward to the era of “GUF” (Google, UCWeb and Facebook). The investment falls under Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group’s targeted investment of $7.2 billion in content over the next three years.” “Content consumption on mobile is rapidly rising while the We-Media ecosystem is still at a nascent stage. According to our data, there are at least 400,000 self-publishers in India already with a huge scope to grow the market, especially in the niche categories. UC Browser was launched with an aim to solve browsingrelated problems while UC News and We-Media program aim to meet the increasing demand of varied content by users and build a well-established ecosystem. With our strengths in technology like Big Data AI and vast experience in markets like China, UCWeb will augment its focus on digital content aggregation and distribution in the world’s second largest internet market, India. We aim for UC

18 | april 2017

We-Media to open a gateway to more opportunities in India’s content industry and emerge as the No. 1 content generation and service platform in 2017,” Xiaopeng added. UCWeb is also upgrading its content and services portfolio by adding more short video-related content. Short Videos are fast becoming the most popular form of content consumed in China today and UCWeb sees huge potential for this concept here in India as well. UC News aims to provide upgraded content and services to its users and, going forward, will make significant investment in this category. According to the company’s latest Content Consumption Trends Report, video content has risen 30% in the last quarter alone. The company is in the process of setting up a separate team to handle the Short Videos section and is scouting for relevant partners to support this for UC News India. Under the We-Media Reward Plan 2.0, which is said to be a game-changer in the content ecosystem, about 1000 writers will be recruited in India and Indonesia who will be able to earn at least Rs 50,000 per month through the UC News platform. UC News is a big-data powered content distributor, serving as a one-stop source of trending and curated news content covering all popular categories that Indian users can consume on the go, with featured channels including news, cricket, technology, entertainment, movies, lifestyle, health, humor, etc. Late last year, Alibaba Holdings announced its new digital media arm, Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment, in a major reorganization of the company’s entertainment assets. The transformation marked a total consolidation of Alibaba’s media businesses, including video website YoukuTudou, UCWeb and Alibaba Pictures Group as well as the company’s sports, games, literature, music, and the digital entertainment divisions. n

MYMOBILE

Netflix signs multi-platform partnerships to connect with millions in India P

opular video streaming service provider Netflix recently entered strategic partnerships with three major companies in India Airtel, Videocon d2h and Vodafone - making the world’s leading Internet TV network and its critically-acclaimed programs like House of Cards, Narcos and The Crown more easily accessible to consumers across direct-to-home and mobile platforms throughout India. “India is one of the most important and vibrant countries in the world and we are delighted to be teaming up with three of its leading companies to make it much easier for consumers to enjoy Netflix,” said Reed Hastings, Co-founder and CEO of Netflix. “In the months and years to come, we look forward to bringing our Indian members more compelling stories from all over the world, an everimproving viewing experience and incredible joy.” Under the agreement, Bharti Airtel will integrate the Netflix app into its direct-tohome service throughout the country. Said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel, “Airtel has been a pioneer in bringing the best of global content and products to its customers. We are delighted to partner Netflix to bring their popular content to our customer on one of our key digital platforms.” Netflix will also be integrated into the Videocon d2h set-top box, allowing viewers to instantly access Netflix by clicking a dedicated Netflix button on the remote control. “We are delighted to have Netflix as a partner on our HD Smart Connect STB. This partnership strengthens our DNA of innovation by providing an instant TV screen experience for Netflix users in a seamless manner,” said Saurabh Dhoot, Executive Chairman, Videocon d2h. In the mobile space, Netflix will partner with Vodafone on prepaid programs and will enable payment integration, allowing Vodafone customers in India to pay for their Netflix subscriptions via their monthly bill. “We are proud to be the first mobile partner of Netflix in India and look forward to offering its rich content to further delight our millions of customers,” said Sandeep Kataria,

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Director Commercial, Vodafone India. Netflix launched its service globally in January 2016, including India. Since that time, the service has added more high-quality Indian content, brought dozens of critically acclaimed and exclusive original films and series to consumers and added features that Indian consumers love, including mobile downloads. “In 2017, we’ll be working on making our Indian service better in every dimension,” said Hastings. “Working with some of India’s top artists, we cannot wait to bring more locally-produced series

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and films to our more than 93 million members households around the world.” Coming soon on Netflix will be Marvel’s Iron Fist and new seasons of Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. Later this year, members will also have exclusive access to such highly-awaited Netflix original films as War Machine, starring Brad Pitt and Sir Ben Kingsley, Okja starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton and Paul Dano, Our Souls at Night from acclaimed Indian director Ritesh Batra and starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, and Bright, starring Will Smith and Joel Edgerton. n april 2017 | 19

What’s Up

bignews Intel Security, Micromax join forces to safeguard the digital lives of Indians

ntel Security recently signed a strategic partnership with Micromax, to protect its range of smartphones against growing and increasingly complex mobile threats. These devices will come integrated with McAfee Mobile Assistant that will help provide a secure mobile experience to Micromax users in India. According to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), today, 133 million phones in India are connected to the internet. As the country moves towards integrating mobile in the economy, there has been a surge in usage of mobile wallets, online transactions and app downloads, making the smartphones even more vulnerable and a playing field for cyber criminals. “With smartphones becoming an integral part of our connected lives, it is important consumers realize threats that exist in the digital world and understand how to safeguard their valued data,” said Christopher Young, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Intel Security Group. “Intel Security is focused on championing cyber security and we believe in protecting every device. Globally we have secured over 220 million users. The partnership with Micromax is another step forward in realizing our vision of being the No. 1 security partner of choice.” According to McAfee Labs Threat Predictions report, mobile malware will continue to grow and target vulnerable consumers. As more consumers use their mobile devices in day to day activities from online banking to managing their connected devices, malware writers are rapidly evolving their techniques to exploit unsuspecting

users to gain access to their information, further underscoring need for robust protection. “As India leads the world with growing smartphone penetration and is witnessing an increased usage of mobile wallets, it is imperative to build products and services that are secure and do not compromise on data security,” said Vikas Jain, Co-Founder of Micromax Informatics. n

India’s very own mobile congress to be held in September

ith a special focus on reaching out to the South East Asian markets, India will organise its first mobile congress in September this year. According to media reports quoting Rajan S Mathews, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India, “There is Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and an edition in Shanghai. There is nothing in between for South East Asia. India is emerging as one of the global leaders in telecom which we will also showcase in the Indian Mobile Congress.” He said that the Department of Telecom and the Ministry of Electronics and IT have laid their emphasis on Indian Mobile Congress and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) will drive it.

20 | april 2017

The GSM Association, which organises annual global event of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, has agreed to associate with the three-day event that will be held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi starting September 27, Mathews said. The COAI Director General said he along with the Government of India delegation had held discussion with British and Swedish Trade Ministers for their engagement in IMC. “We have held meeting with official representatives of other governments as well,” he said. Mathews said that all Indian mobile operators, Facebook, Huawei, Ericsson, Cisco etc are likely to participate in the mobile congress. “We have asked other Indian business association to come together and be part of it. The event will focus on knowledge sharing, exhibition, start ups, skill development and all pillars of Digital India including Make in India,” he said. n

MYMOBILE

Nokia, BSNL join hands to develop 5G ecosystem in India

innish gear maker Nokia and state-led telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) recently partnered to accelerate the development of a 5G ecosystem in India. With this partnership, Nokia will help the transition of BSNL through Nokia’s 5G FIRST end-to-end 5G solution, including its AirScale radio access portfolio and AirFrame datacenter platform to demonstrate 5G capabilities. “This joint initiative will go a long way to help us meet the future data demands in a most cost-effective way,” Anupam Shrivastava, CMD of BSNL, said. The state-run telecom major will leverage Nokia’s 5G-ready product portfolio to develop use for both enterprise and retail customers while Nokia will help BSNL in spectrum assessment and in optimisation of the same to deliver 5G. The companies will also utilise technologies such as SDN (software defined networking), Multi-access Edge Computing and

cloud to help BSNL evolve and leverage the opportunities of the programmable world. “We will leverage our global experience in 5Grelated industry projects and collaborations to enable BSNL to evolve their networks for the programmable world,” Sanjay Malik, head of India Market, Nokia, said. The move comes after Samsung partnered with Reliance Jio this week to bring 5G connectivity in India. Earlier, the Finnish company joined hands with Bharti Airtel, the country’s largest telecom operator, to create a strategic roadmap for network evolution to the 5G technology standard and management of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The latest agreement follows a big-ticket 4G deployment and expansion contract worth around $500 million that Nokia bagged from the Sunil Mittal-led telecom operator. n

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bignews

India added 268.9 million new Internet users since 2014

ndia accounted for over half of the 500-million new Internet users globally who have come on board in the last three years, said a report by software firm Adobe. As per the Mobile Adobe Digital Insights (ADI) Report, India has a strong position in driving

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momentum of smartphones and number of new internet users globally and in the Asia Pacific region. The report is based on the global analysis of 1.7 trillion visits to more than 16,000 websites between January 2014 and January 2017. India delivered a staggering 268.9 million new consumers. This was followed by China and Indonesia that accounted for 97.4 million and 15.7 million new internet visitors respectively. The report said smartphone traffic in India increased by 290 per cent since 2014, while desktop traffic was recorded as six per cent lower, and tablet traffic stayed stagnant at three per cent. When it comes to app installation growth, the report showed that India led the pack with a 49 per cent increase since 2014, in contrast to most countries like the US and UK that have experienced a nine per cent and 38 per cent decrease in the use of apps respectively. The report found that consumers in developing countries are bypassing desktops and laptops and going straight to smartphones to access the internet. These regions have 34 per cent higher smartphone-share growth, compared with affluent nations. According to the report, India, which already has a high share of internet smartphone traffic, is showing no signs of slowing growth. n

april 2017 | 21

What’s Up

bignews TRAI seeks inputs on ease of doing business in telecom sector

elecom regulator TRAI has sought views from stakeholders on identifying obstacles in the current regulations hindering mergers and acquisitions in telecom sector, along with those complicating allotment, sharing and trading of airwaves. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has unveiled a wide-ranging discussion paper that aims to make regulatory and business environment more comfortable for companies in the sector by simplifying rules. “Promoting ease of doing business is amongst the priority work items for unhindered growth of the telecoms sector, and it is important to identify bottlenecks, obstacles or hindrances that are making it difficult to do telecom business in India, and thus require regulatory intervention, TRAI said in the paper issued recently. It said that various processes that a telecom licensee is required to go through, “should be simplified and combined to the extent possible to economise on efforts on part of telecom service providers (TSPs) as well as the government”. The sector regulator has sought stakeholder inputs by April 11, after which it will analyse them and take a call on additional steps towards simplification of processes. The latest discussion paper

on easing the telecom business environment comes at a time when the regulator and incumbent carriers have been at loggerheads over various issues such as call drops and those around newcomer Reliance Jio Infocomm’s continuing free promotional offer beyond the stipulated 90 days. As part of the latest paper, the regulator has also invited suggestions on ways to make the issue of unified licences and associated rollout obligations simpler and the spectrum liberalisation process easier. n

Government to auction 5G spectrum above 3,000 MHz

aking an early move to initiate rollout of latest communications technologies, the Government of India is reportedly set to go for 5G spectrum auction this year. The government will also go for a fresh auction in 700 MHz band, which drew a blank last year as companies complained of high reserve price. According to reports quoting industry sources, the 5G auction will be conducted by selling spectrum in bands over 3,000 MHz, and sale will be conducted here for the first time. Also on sale will be any remaining spectrum in bands such as 800 MHz, 900, 1,800, 2,100, 2,300 and 2,500 MHz. 5G spectrum will be sold in bands such as 3,300 MHz and 3,400 MHz and the government expects that these will be put up for use of a host of new-age initiatives and services, including internet of things (IoT), machine-to-machine communications, instant high-definition video transfer and downloads, and connected smart cities. As per the latest global mobility report by Ericsson, 5G networks are expected to be commercially available in 2020. By 2022, Ericsson forecasts 55 crore 5G subscriptions and coverage of 10% of global population for the technology. The government had dropped hints about making spectrum auctions an annual affair and officials said this was being done to “end complaints about spectrum scarcity. Last time, the 700 MHz band got no response due to a pan-India reserve price of Rs 55,000 crore per block of 5MHz. As per reports, this would be “re-calibrated” this time around. While the government appears optimistic over auctions, the industry is complaining about being financially weak after the entry of Reliance Jio, which created steep competition and hit financials of existing telecom operators.n

22 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

bignews

n a move that seeks to make transactions through eWallets safer, the government recently released a set of guidelines for wallet firms. The initiative will also strengthen the grievance redressal mechanism for consumers. The draft Information Technology (Security of Prepaid Payment Instruments) Rules 2017 cover the entire spectrum, which includes protecting consumer information, especially financial data. The rules have been released for public

What’s Up

Draft rules to make eWallets safer consultation by the Ministry of Electronics and IT. The rules mandate that each prepaid payment instruments (PPI) company or wallet firm will have a privacy policy posted on its website. It will also have to appoint a chief grievance officer, the contact details of whom will have to be prominently displayed on the website. The grievance officer will have to act upon any complaint within 36 hours and close it in a month’s time. The draft also mandates that companies have enough safeguards in place to avoid any hacking attacks and if there is one, it is to be swiftly reported to the government agencies. The draft added that the policy should include details such as consumer information collected, its uses, period of retention of information, purposes for which information can be disclosed and to whom, especially with law enforcement agencies. It should also have details on security practices and procedures, name and contact details of the grievance redressal officer along with the mechanism for grievance redressal. The guidelines say that the personal information of the customers will be treated under Section 72A of the Information Technology Act, and the financial data of the customer shall be deemed to be sensitive personal data under the “Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, and every e-PPI issuer shall maintain and implement the practices and procedures prescribed in those rules.” n

BSNL, MTNL merger plan on the anvil again

fter a long time, the proposal to merge state-owned BSNL and MTNL is back on the discussion table with top officials at the telecom department once again brainstorming on various options before the two loss-making entities. According to reports quoting highly-placed sources in the telecom department, in the first phase, BSNL is keen on picking up mobile operations of MTNL in Gurgaon, Noida and Faridabad, where it is already offering landline and broadband services. The other option could be the acquisition of MTNL’s mobile operations in Delhi and Mumbai the two metros it operates in. BSNL, on the other hand, operates in rest of India. The idea of merging the two firms was first mooted years ago by the then telecom minister Pramod Majahan and has been deliberated upon a few times since then. On the hurdles to the move, reports said, staffing and salary related issues pose a big challenge. Besides, MTNL is debt-laden and while the move will be a positive for it, BSNL will have to bear the brunt. MTNL’s standalone net loss has widened to Rs 819.96 crore, surpassing its total revenue, during

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the three-month period ended December 31, hit primarily by finance cost. The total debt of MTNL reached Rs 19,418.23 crore at the end of December 31, 2016, from Rs 11,542.3 crore in 2012-13, according to official data. In 2015-16, MTNL reported total annual revenue of Rs 3,197.41 crore and net loss of Rs 2,005.72 crore. The losses of BSNL have narrowed however to Rs 4,890 crore for the nine month period of the current fiscal, from Rs 6,121 crore in the year-ago period. As per telecom regulator Trai, as of December 31, BSNL and MTNL had a market share of about 9 per cent of the total wireless subscriber base of 1.12 billion. n

april 2017 | 23

What’s Up

bignews Spreadtrum launches SC9861G-IA, a high-end LTE SoC platform

preadtrum Communications (“Spreadtrum”), a leading fabless semiconductor company with advanced technology in 2G, 3G and 4G wireless communications standards, launched its 14nm 8-core 64-bit LTE SoC platform, SC9861G-IA at the 2017 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. Built on Intel’s 14nm foundry platform, SC9861G-IA is targeting the global mid-level and premium smartphone market and features Intel Airmont architecture with powerful mobile computing performance. SC9861G-IA has a very efficient power-management design aimed at delivering a delightful experience to smartphone users worldwide. SC9861G-IA platform supports 5-mode (TDD-LTE / FDD-LTE / TD-SCDMA / WCDMA / EGG) full-band LTE Category 7 (Cat 7) communication, as well as Carrier Aggregation and TDD/FDD hybrid networking. The platform offers peak target data transmission rate of 300 Mbps downlink and 100 Mbps uplink, and the superior multimedia configurations by supporting dual cameras up to 26 megapixels with real-time rear/front camera capture/recording, refocusing, image fusion and real 3D shooting. The platform is integrated with ultra-HD 4K2K video recording and playback with HEVC hardware encoding and decoding technology, and supports high-resolution WQXGA (2560 x 1600) displays. It features an integrated Sensor Hub for better user

perception to enable new applications. Spreadtrum’s SC9861G-IA is based on 64-bit 8-core 2.0 GHz Intel Airmont architecture, Imagination PowerVR GT7200 GPU, and developed on Intel’s advanced 14nm process technology via its comprehensive foundry services. It uses Intel Virtualization technology to support a multidomain security system architecture and provides security for smart devices. “The successful launch of SC9861G-IA demonstrates Spreadtrum’s prowess in technology and the breadth of its technology portfolio,” said Dr Leo Li, Chairman and CEO of Spreadtrum. Spreadtrum SC9861G-IA is scheduled to go into mass production in the second quarter of 2017. n

Oppo to be the new sponsor of ‘Men in Blue’

opular Chinese mobile phone brand Oppo has been declared as the new Official Team Sponsor of the Indian National Cricket Team. Oppo’s partnership with BCCI will start from April 1, 2017 and will run for a period of five years. The team sponsorship rights

24 | april 2017

include the right to be called the official team sponsor, and to display a commercial logo on the National Men’s, Women’s, Under-19 and India A teams’ kits. This is a new step of OPPO in the field of cricket after becoming the official Global Partners of the International Cricket Council for four years from 2016 onwards. Speaking about the partnership, Rahul Johri, CEO, BCCI, said, “I would like to congratulate OPPO Mobiles India Pvt. Ltd., on winning the rights and welcome them to the BCCI family. OPPO Mobiles and the BCCI share a common vision and I am confident that we will work together to further grow Indian cricket.” Of the nine companies that picked up the tender document for the sponsorship rights, only Oppo and Vivo actually submitted bids. “Despite being from the same parent company, both have completely separate teams and they compete like crazy,” said a top broadcasting industry marketing executive. Oppo, a late entrant in the Indian mobile market, has witnessed rapid growth, surging to an 11.7% market share in January from 1.2% in December 2015, as per GFK data. Its cricket push has helped the company reach out to the masses. Sky Li, Global VP and President of OPPO India said, “Cricket in India is not just a sport, but also a way of life and culture, especially amongst the youth. The Indian National Cricket Team is the essence of cricket in India and the team’s spirit of marching forward and pursuing newer heights is highly consistent with OPPO’s pursuit of products with unmatched photography experience.” n

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bignews HP’s ‘Centre of Excellence’ to support Digital India

P Inc. recently unveiled its first Centre of Excellence (CoE) in India to showcase locally developed solutions that have the potential to digitally transform the country. The facility has been built in alignment with the Government’s Digital India initiative, to offer solutions that solve real life problems with technological innovations. The 4,000 square-feet facility aims to showcase multiple solutions for sectors such as education, healthcare, BFSI, and manufacturing. Developed in collaboration with over 25 system integrators, including leading IT software companies, the

CoE will be used as a platform to exhibit solutions relevant to Government and businesses. It was inaugurated by P.P. Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Ministry of Law and Justice. “HP Inc.’s Center of Excellence is a perfect showcase of the Government of India’s Digital India vision. It will allow government and non-government stakeholders to have a practical understanding of the solutions making it easier for decision makers to take a step forward towards comprehensive digitisation of the nation,” said Chaudhary. “HP India over the years has delivered transformational technology solutions to help make the Digital India vision a reality,” said Rajiv Srivastava, Managing Director, HP Inc. India. “Our Centre of Excellence aims to demonstrate solutions built on our best-in-class technology to address the growing digitisation needs of the government and enterprises alike,” he added. The CoE showcases futuristic technologies in security & surveillance through command & control center, mobility & healthcare with digital ICT labs, e-health centers and telemedicine and education with digital classrooms. HP has worked on national projects for the Indian railways, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and digitisation projects for Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and several state governments. n

Tricolor Cleantech Capital to invest up to $5 million in JanaJal water ATMs

ricolor Cleantech Capital, a social impact fund based in the USA has committed to invest up to $5 million in JanaJal, the flagship initiative of the Delhi based Supremus Group. JanaJal is a social enterprise committed to making safe drinking water available and accessible to the common man in India through building and operating Water ATMs at various public places such as railway stations, hospitals, bus stands, highways and places of religious worship. Over the past four years, the company has already established a footprint in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and parts of the North East region. The company has recently also secured the contract to install 39 water ATMs at various railway stations in Mumbai and target commissioning of these by March 31, 2017. It will use the funds to expand its footprint at railway stations in India through

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IRCTC besides setting up water ATMs in various other cities. “We believe that the vision and execution capability of the management team at JanaJal is time tested and proven and are confident of being able to scale up to a level that will positively impact the lives of millions of Indians in the near future,” said Douglas Vaughn, Managing Partner, Tricolor Cleantech Capital, LLC. JanaJal was co-founded in 2013 by social entrepreneurs and brothers, Delhi based Parag Agarwal and Anurag Agarwal based in the US. “Our goal is to deliver one billion litres of safe drinking water annually by 2018. Creating jobs and offering social entrepreneurship opportunities by imparting training and upskilling individuals is an intrinsic part of our value proposition. We are deeply committed to creating technology savvy agents of change who will serve communities and bring safe health and joy to their lives,” said Parag. n team@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 25

First Look

justin

Panasonic Eluga Pulse, Eluga Pulse X A great blend of style and class

xpanding its Eluga series, Panasonic India has come up with two new smartphones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Eluga Pulse and Eluga Pulse X. The newly

launched smartphones are loaded with 4G VoLTE connectivity, giving maximum speed to reach out to almost anything and letting you take charge of your life. The stylish slim metal finish Eluga Pulse and Eluga Pulse X come with an HD display and IPS screen topped with a scratch resistant Asahi Dragon Trail protective glass. It packs a powerful 1.25 GHz quad core processor with a 3GB RAM for Eluga Pulse X and 2GB RAM for Eluga Pulse that not only lets the user multitask smoothly, but also caters to an enhanced gaming experience. Both the smartphones run on Android Marshmallow 6.0 and come with a 16GB memory expandable up to 128GB. With the 13MP auto focus rear camera, the Eluga Pulse and Eluga Pulse X smartphones let you click pictures the way you want and the 5MP front camera give the perfect selfie shot. The new smartphones are a great blend of style and class which makes them appear really sleek. Connectivity options include 4G, VoLTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. The unique finger print scanner feature, accompanied with Android-for-work security, provides the smartphones with an impenetrable security that can be surpassed only by the user. The new smart Eluga Pulse and Eluga Pulse X are priced at Rs 9,690 and Rs 10,990, respectively n

26 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Cat S60 The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first thermal imaging smartphone

fter unveiling it at MWC 2016, Cat phones recently

storage that is expandable via microSD card (up to 128GB).

launched flagship Cat S60 smartphone in India with

Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n,

an integrated thermal camera allowing users to use their

Bluetooth v4.1, NFC, Micro-USB with OTG, and a 3.5mm

smartphones in detecting heat loss around windows,

audio jack. It is IP68-certified, with the company specifying

spotting moisture and seeing in complete darkness. Cat

the Cat S60 can withstand immersion in up to 5 metres of

phones are ruggedised phones designed, manufactured and

water for up to 1 hour. It also comes with a dedicated SOS

sold by UK-based Bullitt Group under the licence of US-

button, which sends location coordinates to preprogrammed

based Caterpillar Inc.

contacts.

In terms of technical specifications, the dual-SIM (Nano-

The Cat S60 is priced at Rs 64,999 and can be bought

SIM) Cat S60 smartphone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

from multi-brand outlets in the country and on Amazon.n

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It sports a 4.7-inch HD (720x1280 pixels) display with wet finger and glove support, apart from Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection. It is powered by a Snapdragon 617 SoC (4 cores clocked at 1.2GHz and 4 cores clocked at 1.5GHz) coupled with 3GB of RAM. The smartphone sports a strengthened

die

cast

frame,

measures

147.9x73.4x12.66mm, and weighs in at 223 grams. It is powered by a non-removable 3800mAh battery that is rated to deliver up to 30 hours of talk time, and 43 days of standby time. Sensors on board include accelerometer, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, and magnetometer. The newly-launched device houses a 13MP rear camera with underwater capabilities and dual-LED flash, apart from a 5MP front-facing camera. It features 32GB of inbuilt

team@mymobile.co.in

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april 2017 | 27

First Look

justin Motorola Moto G5 Plus Equipped with faster processor and better camera functionality

enovo-owned Motorola has come up with the fifth generation

mobile payments where it is supported.

of its best-selling Moto G series - Moto G5 Plus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in India. The

Camera-wise, the Moto G5 Plus sports a 12MP rear camera

smartphone is available in two versions -- 3GB RAM/16GB memory

and a 5MP front camera. It has a flagship camera sensor with dual

and 4GB RAM/32GB memory. The Moto G5 Plus is equipped with

auto-focus pixels. The large aperture f/1.7 and bigger pixels

a full metal design, faster processor and better camera

combine to let in up to 25 per cent more light than the previous

functionality.

generation Moto G4 Plus.

Talking about the technical specifications, the newly-launched

Sensors on the phone include accelerometer, ambient light

device features 5.2-inch full-HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass

sensor, and gyroscope. Other connectivity options include 4G LTE,

3 and runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 2.0 GHz octa-core

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, GPS/ A-GPS, NFC, Bluetooth v4.2, 3.5mm

CPU along with 650 MHz Adreno 506 GPU. The device has

audio jack, and Micro-USB.

3,000mAh battery with TurboPower charging giving up to six hours

The Moto G5 Plus is available at Rs 14,999 for 3GB RAM +

of battery life in just 15 minutes. The Moto G5 Plus also includes

16GB storage and Rs 16,999 for 4GB RAM + 32GB storage

Moto Actions and a new experience -- One Button Nav, which lets

configurations, exclusively on Flipkart. The phone is available in

you quickly navigate through screens using the fingerprint reader.

Fine Gold and Lunar Grey colours. n

The Moto G5 Plus is NFC enabled allowing you to use it to make

28 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Intex Aqua Strong 5.1+ High on power and performance

n its efforts to build up its 4G-VoLTE portfolio, Intex Technologies recently

introduced Aqua Strong 5.1+ smartphone. The Aqua Strong 5.1+ sports a 5-inch

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FWVGA display that brings photos and videos alive with its display. Powered with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1GB RAM, the device ensures smooth performance, multi-tasking and boasts of seamless Android Marshmallow 6.0 OS. The newly-launched 4G-VoLTE smartphone is packed with VAS or digital services such as MiFon Security which is a 9-in-1 security suite to make the device secure and smarter and VdioPlay which is a Video aggregator app offering access to best of free and premium OTT players in one place. Other unique services like GamePlay offers a gaming destination for all Intex users and QR Code reader scans and decodes the QR code to automatically reveal all relevant information with a single tap. The smartphone also comes integrated with smart tracking â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a feature that allows users to track the phone if stolen/lost. In terms of optics, the Aqua Strong 5.1+ offers a powerful 5MP rear camera with LED Flash to capture vivid images effortlessly and a 2MP front camera to click selfies with various modes. The device is powered by a 2000 mAh Liâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;ion battery which allows users to talk up to five hours with a standby time up to 250 hours. The phone has an in-built 8GB ROM and 64 GB expandable memory. The smartphone is available in Black and Gold colours, and is priced at Rs 5,490. n

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april 2017 | 29

First Look

justin Coolpad Note 5 Lite Sleek metal body gives it a premium look

n yet another addition to its Note series which is known for its

EDGE / GPRS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, Micro

elegant design and superior technology, Coolpad recently unveiled

USB port and 3.5mm audio jack.

the Note 5 Lite, the next edition of their widely popular fingerprint

On the camera front, the newly-launched smarphone sports a

smartphone Note 5. The phone sports a sleek metal body combined

13MP auto focus rear camera and 8MP camera, both equipped

with an 8MP front camera integrated with a fingerprint scanner at

with LED flash light allowing it to capture good selfies in low light

the rear.

condition. The Note 5 Lite also uses an aluminium magnesium

In terms of specifications, the Note 5 Lite is powered with 3GB

alloy making it durable and sturdy yet light weight at 148g. It is

of RAM and 16GB of flash storage along with expandable memory

available with 5-inch HD IPS display (1280X970), with a

using a microSD card. It is powered by 64 bit 1.0 GHz quad core

dimension of 145.3*72.3*8.7mm, which is perfect for one hand

MediaTek MT6735CP processor, assisted by Mali â&#x20AC;&#x201C; T720 GPU

use. The tastefully traced thin metal rims around the back, gives

and 3GB of RAM. It runs on Android 6.0 and is powered by a

this handset a premium look. It comes with scratch resistant, 2.5D

2500mAh non-removable battery, with a stand by time for up to

curved glass on top of its display.

200H. The connectivity options include 4G LTE, 3G / HSPA+,

The phone is exclusively available on Amazon at a price of Rs 8,199. It is available in variants of gold and grey. n

30 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Samsung Galaxy A7, Galaxy A5 2017 Having stylish and powerful features with enhanced camera

aking forward the legacy of the highly successful Galaxy A

lifestyles. They also support fast charging that enables them to

series, 2016, Samsung India recently launched the 5.7-inch

charge quickly and power up in no time.

Galaxy A7 and the 5.2-inch Galaxy A5 smartphones. The Galaxy

The brand new smartphones are available in two stylish colours

A (2017) comes with Samsung’s modern and innovative design

- Black Sky and Gold Sand. The Galaxy A7 and Galaxy A5 are

and technology, giving consumers ultimate convenience to express

priced at Rs 33,490 and Rs 28,990, respectively. n

First Look

justin

their individuality with powerful performance. Drawing inspiration from Samsung’s premium design heritage often seen in flagship smartphones, the Galaxy A features a premium aluminium frame and 3D curved glass back. With a Zero Camera Protrusion and sleek design that fuses the camera and home key perfectly with the body, the devices are more seamless and ergonomic than ever. With its enhanced 16MP camera on the front as well as the rear, the Galaxy A helps users capture amazing memories by taking vibrant and clear photos. Its F1.9 lens coupled with Light+ technology and screen flash allows users to take bright pictures/ selfies in low-light conditions. The camera features innovative floating shutter button, which can be moved anywhere on the screen for ease of taking high resolution, blur free selfies. Simple UI in the Galaxy A 2017 makes it easier to control the camera by just using one hand to swipe the screen, to change modes or instant filters to activate picture effects. Users can also leverage modes such as the Food Mode, to optimize photos and enhance the colour of images. The new devices are water and dust resistance (IP68), which changes the way people use the phone daily. The Galaxy A 2017 also offers a larger memory and battery capacity, with expandable storage support up to 256GB to keep up with users’ hyperactive

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 31

First Look

justin Intex Aqua Trend Lite Offers high audio quality for best sound experience

ome-grown mobile phone maker Intex Technologies recently launched a new budget

smartphone – Aqua Trend Lite – with a strong focus on sound quality. The device is powered with the best audio quality that allows mobile users’ to enjoy music tracks louder, better and sharper. Designed with a highgrade

sound

technology – 1.5 W (Dynamic Type), this smartphone gives users the optimal experience for music anytime and anywhere. Speaking of the technical specifications, the Aqua Trend L i t e 4 G - Vo LT E A n d r o i d smartphone features a 5-inch display with a resolution of 480x854 pixels. It is powered by a 1.25GHz quad-core processor and offers 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM with support for expandable memory of up to 128GB. The smartphone runs on Android Marshmallow 6.0 OS and weighs 160 grams. The handset houses a 2600mAh Li-ion battery which allows users to talk up to 8 hours with a standby time up to 200 hours. In the camera department, the device sports a 5MP rear camera which comes with Dual LED flashlight and can click and record HD images/videos. For selfie lovers and amateur photographers, it offers a powerful 2MP front camera to click selfies with various modes. Priced at Rs 5,690, the device comes equipped with multiple Intex’s in-house Value Added Services (VAS) and features to offer special services. The smart phone is available in Champagne colour. n

32 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

First Look

justin

Vivo Y66 High on camera

n line with its commitment to redefining the perfect selfie experience, global premium smartphone Vivo recently

introduced the Y66 in India. The Vivo Y66 features a 5.5 LCD IPS display with 1280 x

Professional Photo, Filters, Timers etc. The connectivity options include: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, GPS, OTG. Sensors on the Y66 are Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor, E-compass. Vivo Y66 supports

720 HD resolution. It has 64-bit octa-core processor with 3GB

4G FDD-LTEB1/B3/B5/B8 and 4G TDD-LTEB40 in India along

RAM and 32GB storage space. The smartphone has a microSD

with 2G and 3G networks. Dimensions of the phone are 153.8

slot for extra storage space with up to 256GB supported. The

x 75.5 x 7.6mm.

battery on the Vivo Y66 is 3000 mAh, and the phone runs Vivo’s Funtouch OS 3.0 which is based on Android 6.0.

The Y66 also comes with certain additional features such as a ‘Smart Screen-Split’ mode to make multi-tasking easy, an

In the camera department, the newly-launched device sports

“Eye Protection Mode’’ which is basically a blue-light filter for

a 16MP front camera, which has features like Moonlight Selfie,

the display and a 6 month free subscription to Saavn Pro, which

which is basically Vivo’s branding for the front flash. The front

provides an ad-free experience with unlimited song

camera has f/2.0 aperture, while the phone sports a 13MP on

downloads.

the back with f/2.2 aperture and rear flash. Other features of the Y66 camera are: Face Beauty, Panorama, HDR, Night,

www.mymobileindia.com

Priced at Rs 14,990, the smartphone is available in Gold and Matte Black colour variants n

april 2017 | 33

First Look

justin Xiaomi Redmi 4A An entry-level device

n order to take on its rivals in the budget segment, Chinese

comes with 16GB of inbuilt storage that is expandable via

handset maker Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi 4A

microSD card (up to 128GB). The device is powered by a

smartphone in India. It is a 4G-LTE device that comes with IR blaster (an infrared tech that can replace remotes of several devices such as TVs, ACs among others).

3120mAh battery with fast charging support. The connectivity options include 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, GPS/ A-GPS, and Bluetooth v4.1. Sensors on board the

The Redmi 4A sports a polycarbonate body, bears a hybrid

smartphone include accelerometer, ambient light, gyroscope,

dual-SIM card slot, and runs MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0

infrared, and proximity. Dimensions of the new Xiaomi

Marshmallow. It sports a 5-inch HD (720x1280 pixels)

smartphone are 139.5x70.4x8.5mm, and it weighs in at

display, and is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core Snapdragon

131.5 grams.

425 SoC coupled with the Adreno 308 GPU and 2GB of RAM.

The new smartphone is priced at Rs 5,999 and it comes in three colour options - Dark Grey, Gold and Rose Gold. n

The Xiaomi Redmi 4A rear camera has a 13MP sensor with PDAF, a 5-lens system, an f/2.2 aperture, and is backed by a LED flash. The front camera bears a 5MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The device

34 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

First Look

justin

Gionee A1 The selfie-centric smartphone

ionee recently launched its first flagship of the

and comes with the improved

year, A1, in India offering longer battery life. The

Amigo OS for a holistic

smartphone A1 features a 16MP front camera with a selfie

and satisfying smartphone experience.

flash, powered by a 4010mAh battery.In addition to longer

The 4G VOLTE enabled smartphone also

battery life, Gionee A1 also features Ultrafast charging

offers a host of amazing features such as Split

capability which gives users 2-hour talk time in just 300

Screen, Maxx Audio, Virus detection amongst other key

seconds.

features.

The A1 runs on an Octa-Core 64 bit processor that gives

Pre booking for A1 starts from March 31 onwards. Pre

better performance and less power consumption. Powered by

booking customers will be offered a two-year warranty along

a 4GB RAM, the A1 enables smooth multitasking and easy

with a JBL headphone or a Swiss Military Bluetooth Speaker.

operation, while 64GB internal storage (expandable up to

It will also be available on Amazon, Gioneeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official online

256GB) provide ample storage space.

partner for A1. The phone will be available in three

The Gionee A1 is based on the up-to-date Android 7.0

www.mymobileindia.com

colours- Gray, Black and Gold. n

april 2017 | 35

First Look

justin Lava 4G Connect M1 A feature phone with VoLTE support

ava has launched a new feature phone, dubbed the 4G Connect M1 in India. As the name suggests, the highlight

of the device is that it comes with 4G VoLTE support and is priced at Rs 3,333.

of internal storage which can be further expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card. It comes with a VGA rear camera. The 4G Connect M1 sources power from a 1,750mAh

As for the specifications, the 4G Connect M1 sports a

battery. The phone is accompanied by FM radio, Bluetooth,

2.4-inch display with a screen resolution of 320 x 240 pixels.

Box speaker and K Class amplifier, and torchlight. The phone

It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor along with

also offers 2G voice calling and EDGE connectivity, and

512MB of RAM. The Lava 4G Connect M1 comes with 4GB

comes preloaded with apps like Facebook Lite. n

36 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

First Look

justin Oppo F3 Plus First dual front lens from Oppo

ppo, following its sibling firm Vivo, has plunged into the dual-

on the F3 Plus is utilized to expand the field of view, and for

camera circus with the launch of its latest flagship, the Oppo

accommodating a vast landscape or a large group of people. To

F3 Plus. The latest launch from the Selfie Expert fraternity -

augment the quality in low lighting, Oppo F3 plus sports LED flashes

endorsed by a score of bollywood stars including Sonam Kapoor,

for both cameras - dual LED flash on the rear as well as a lone flash

Hrithik Roshan, and most recently Deepika Padukone - will be

on the front.

hosting a dual selfie camera setup.

The phone multitasks by using a 4GB RAM and has 64GB

The newest member of the happy selfie family flaunts a full HD

storage for oodles of photographs. The 4,000mAh battery is

6-inch screen and will be powered by a Snapdragon 652 64-bit

expected to suffice your daily engagement with selfies. The phone

processor which is specifically designed for supporting dual camera

currently runs on Android Marshmallow but we expect a Nougat

setups. The main highlights of the phone, its cameras, include a

update in near future. Priced at Rs 30,990, the Oppo F3 Plus will

16-megapixel rear shooter. The front camera is developed by the

compete primarily against its cousin, Vivo V5 Plus. The phone will

union of a 16MP and an 8MP wide angle sensor which will allow

be available at online stores including Flipkart, Snapdeal as well as

120-degree wide selfies. Unlike the Vivo V5 plus in which dual front

Amazon India and will be available starting April 1st, 2017. n

facing camera is used to create bokeh effect, the dual camera setup

www.mymobileindia.com

team@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 37

In Conversation

chiefspeak

“We try to cater to people with a passion for technology”

36 | november 2016

MYMOBILE

chief speak

In Conversation

A recent entrant to the happening mobile market, OnePlus has nonetheless impressed experts and common consumers alike with its distinctive design and top notch specifications. It entered the India market in December 2014 with a bang after some initial hiccups and continues to be among the wishlists of discerning consumers. Deeksha Koli caught up with Vikas Agarwal, General Manager - India at OnePlus who is driving OnePlus’ successful journey in The Country. Prior to joining OnePlus, Mr Agarwal served as Director of Corporate Excellence at IBIBO (part of MIH-Naspers Group) where he led the business operations of their marketplace vertical. He has also been a part of the founding team and the investment team at Ivanhoe Cambridge India (real estate vertical of La Caisse, one of the biggest pension funds in North America). Mr Agarwal is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad. Excerpts from the interview…… Did the OnePlus 3T beat the popularity of the OnePlus One? What has been the company’s success formula to produce such consistent results? As a brand, we always strive to provide our consumers with the best. Back in 2014, we lived up to the market expectations and gained strong fan following with the success of our first flagship OnePlus One. At the beginning of last year, we had a key internal goal of turning back the clock to where it was after the success of OnePlus One in terms of of future anticipation about our products. Based on the positive media reviews and customer feedback about OnePlus 3/3T, we believe that we have successfully achieved that key goal. Our primary focus is on delivering a premium flagship product without any compromises. With the launch of every product, we look at how we can make it even better. for our customers. Hence, our focus has been and will continue to be on the kind of benefits our fans can derive from our products at a price that does not seem like a barrier to them. We have full faith that our focused approach of developing premium products, lean business model and focus on community connect will be the key success drivers of sustainable growth and competitive advantage in the long run. How much of a challenge was it to break through an audience crazy about budget smartphones? Are you thinking about stepping into the budget segment? There is no doubt that India is a price conscious market. However, every consumer desires a product that is value for money as well as provide a seamless experience. We do not attempt to appeal to every single person but try cater to people with a passion for technology. We talk to a certain subset of consumer. Hence, product and proposition underlie our success.

april 2016 | 39

In Conversation

chief speak As a company, we have made a conscious decision to focus only on the premium segment of the market and develop products for the most discerning users who only want the best from their technology products. As industry matures, we expect this segment to grow faster and it is worth the wait to build a strong early mover competitive advantage and a strong brand in the segment. Did the company achieve its targets in 2016, both financially and technologically, in India? What about the global market? In just 2 years, OnePlus is perhaps the only emerging brand to make it to the top 3 in the premium segment ($400 or above) with over 15% in India (Ref: CMR Q3’ 16). OnePlus has consistently delivered technologically superior products that are priced attractively with a smooth pre-purchase and post-purchase experience through our exclusive sales partner Amazon.in and a network of OnePlus Exclusive Service Centres respectively. As the brand operates in a very niche premium segment, our annual goals were set in terms of customer satisfaction measured through customer rating on Amazon. OnePlus 3T has outperformed competition and set new standards on account of superior product features and reliable performance. As per Nielsen’s review of smartphones listed

No doubt that with an aggregate rating of 4.4 among evaluating emerging landscape India is a price conscious all smartphones with minimum 100 and are in talks with the key market. However, every consumer reviews. Likewise, Indian and global players in the ecosystem to media alike has unanimously given introduce features as and desires a product that is value for a thumbs up to OnePlus 3T with when there is a strong money as well as provides a seamless Stuff calling it Best Smartphone opportunity to substantially Ever and CNET giving it their improve user experience. experience. We do not attempt highest rating of 9/10. It’s a big feat for a young brand to appeal to every single person From technology point of view, to get Amitabh Bachchan on the OnePlus 3 comes equipped with board as its brand ambassador. but try to cater to people enhanced user friendly features such as How well do the Chinese people with a passion for the Dash Charge that has fundamentally know Amitabh Bachchan? We are altered the way people charge their phones. proud to have the legendary Amitabh technology. The Dash Charge technology has ensured that Bachchan as our first ever OnePlus on Amazon, OnePlus 3T is ranked highest

the OnePlus 3/3T gives you a day’s power in half an

Star. He is a global icon and is equally well-

hour and ensure users do not have to charge their phone overnight

known in China. This association with Mr. Bachchan is

or for long hours. With 6GB RAM and 128Gb memory, users have

yet another milestone for the brand’s growth story in India and

stopped worrying about apps running in the background or running

further highlights our commitment to the local fans. Mr. Bachchan

out of storage space.

epitomizes perfection and settles for nothing but the best. He perfectly embodies the mantra of ‘never settle.’

Any plans to unite with Indian Government’s “Digital India” mission? Being an online only brand, we are fully committed and supportive

Will the OnePlus 5 have an optical fingerprint sensor? Will it be even

of government’s push to a digital economy. We are optimistic about

called the OnePlus 5? Any other groundbreaking innovation, we could

the steps taken by the government to become a digitally enabled

look forward to? You will have to just wait and watch. For now all I

nation. The recent demonetization drive has improved adoption

can say is Stay Tuned!

of digital currency and made smartphone the first touchpoint to access information or conduct transactions digitally. We are closely

40 | april 2016

Will we see smart wearables from OnePlus in 2017? Currently market

MYMOBILE

makers are selling their products at a price lesser than the BOM cost. How true is that? How sustainable is that? Every brand has their own strategy to allocate funds as per their short term and long term business strategy. Being a young startup, we are conservative Our primary with our limited resources and focus is on delivering a follows an online only business that is managed by premium flagship product model an extremely lean team of 30 people to keep our without any compromises. costs under control to With the launch of every ensure our products are priced competitively. product, we look at how Our products are prices we can make it even marginally higher than cost of producing a flagship device better. consisting the highest quality

materials and the latest hardware. We do not believe selling below cost is feasible or sustainable in any

In Conversation

chief speak

industry. However, considering the high value purchase and size of smartphone industry, it is possible to build a strong business at very low margins especially when expensive distribution and marketing costs can be substantially reduced by leveraging online for Android Wear is still limited and as a startup, we do not want

sales channels and word of mouth driven user loyalty.

to jump into anything too fast. At OnePlus, our focus is on delivering the best possible

OnePlusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sister companies OPPO and Vivo made it to the list of top

smartphones and we are not planning to diversify into any other

five sellers in India in terms of number of shipments, according to a

category in near future. However, there are a lot of other surprises

research. Is OnePlus in a pursuit to join the league? How do you feel

in store for 2017 and you will have to wait and watch for some

about the intense competition? The smartphone market in India is

more time.

still in a nascent stage but it is growing really fast. The market is cluttered because of several existing and upcoming brands but

Is the company planning to lunge into the area of Artificial Intelligence

majority of these brands are unlikely to survive due to no innovation

or launch its own virtual assistant anytime soon? At OnePlus, our focus

of scale benefit. Unlike entry and mid-level market, the premium

is on enhancing core Android experience through performance

end of the market is dominated by only 3 brands: Apple, Samsung

enhancements and nifty features additions. We do not plan to

and OnePlus which together account for over 90% of the market

diversify into AI or machine learning apps in near future.

in $400 or above market. As the industry matures, mid-level users will upgrade to premium whereas mid-level brands are likely to

The developer community was abuzz with the speculation of the

move down to increase their volume share.

company merging its Chinese and non-Chinese custom ROMs -

Our focus has been and will continue to be on the kind of

Hydrogen OS and Oxygen OS, respectively - and developing H2O OS.

benefits our fans can derive from our products at a price that does

What is your â&#x20AC;&#x153;reactionâ&#x20AC;?? We have recently merged team resources

not seem like a barrier to them. We offer products that are premium

to speed up software updates by removing the duplication of

and yet at half the price of a Samsung or Apple. We understand

efforts on testing and bug fixing and by reducing the lead time

that smartphones are no longer status symbols or an item of luxury.

through focus on single UI. The results have been encouraging as

It is a necessity which needs to be addressed as per the feedback

the community builds are released faster and feedback is being

of the end users to ensure that they remain loyal to one brand.

incorporated in almost real time. Currently, OnePlus is perhaps

Thus, our competition is largely our internal ability to launch

the only brand that is releasing software updates in a consistent

one flagship smartphone a year, address supply chain issues to

manner.

seize the strong demand in premium segment and offer a reliable

Some Indian manufacturers like to believe that Chinese smartphone-

post-purchase experience to earn user loyalty. n deeksha@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2016 | 41

In Focus

spotlight

Vodafone India and Idea Cellular merge to create India’s largest telecom entity The move seen as a response to oncoming challenge from Reliance Jio and will cause another disruption in the highly competitive Indian telecom market

42 | april 2017

he much talked about

share. The total revenue would exceed

Vodafone-Idea merger has

to over Rs 80,000 crore.

finally happened. Vodafone

Kumar Mangalam Birla will be the

Group and Idea Cellular

Chairman of this merged entity. Vodafone

have finalized the agreement to combine

will have the sole right to appoint the

their operations in India (excluding

Chief Financial Officer.

Vodafone’s 42% stake in Indus Towers)

Initially, Vodafone will be a dominant

to create India’s largest telecom operator.

partner in the merged entity with 45.1

The completion would take around two

percent stake after it will transfer a stake

years, by 2018. The merger is seen as

of 4.9 percent to the Aditya Birla group

a response to coming Reliance Jio’s

for Rs 3,874 crore in cash to complete

onslaught.

the merger. Aditya Birla group will then

The combined company would

own 26 percent stake in the company

become the leading communications

but it will have the right to acquire more

provider in India with almost 400 million

shares from Vodafone under an agreed

customers, 35 percent customer market

mechanism with a view to equalize the

share and 41percent revenue market

shareholding over time.

MYMOBILE

In Focus

spotlight The parties have agreed a standstill period for the first three years after closing, during which neither party can buy any shares from or sell any shares to a third party. During the standstill period, the Aditya Birla Group has the right to purchase a stake of up to 9.5 percent in the combined company from Vodafone at an agreed price that is equivalent to an equity value of Rs 946 billion (US$14.1 billion) for 100 percent of the combined entity (post-closing). This is equivalent to Rs 130 per share. The brand strategy of the combined company will be developed in due course and will leverage customers’ affinity for both existing brands, built up over the past decade. The name of the combined listed company will be changed in due course. The merger of Idea and Vodafone India is founded on a shared commitment to realize the Indian Government’s ‘Digital India’ vision and financial inclusion goals, delivering significant benefits to 1.3 billion Indian consumers and creating substantial value for all stakeholders. Commenting on the merger, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said, “Throughout its history, the Aditya Birla Group has been synonymous with the task of nation building and driving inclusive growth in the country. This landmark combination will enable the Aditya Birla Group to create a high quality digital infrastructure that will transition the

“Idea and Vodafone will together create a very valuable company given our complementary strengths” – Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group

www.mymobileindia.com

Indian population towards a digital lifestyle and make the Government’s Digital India vision a reality. For Idea shareholders and lenders who have supported us thus far, this transaction is highly accretive, and Idea and Vodafone will together

“The combination of Vodafone India and Idea will create a new champion of Digital India founded with a long-term commitment and vision to bring world-class 4G networks to villages, towns and cities across India. The combined company will have the scale required to ensure sustainable consumer choice in a competitive market and to expand new technologies” – Vittorio Colao, Chief Executive, Vodafone Group

create a very valuable company given our complementary strengths.”

competitive market with at least five major

By combining their respective

telecoms providers. The combination

businesses, Idea and Vodafone will

of the two companies’ networks and

establish a company with the scale and

spectrum holdings, together with

efficiency required to offer innovative

continued investment, will accelerate the

and attractively priced mobile services,

pan-India expansion of wireless broadband

enhancing consumer choice in a highly

services on 4G/4G+/5G technologies to

april 2017 | 43

In Focus

spotlight build capacity, supporting the expansion

market. It will be capable of building

of digital content and IoT services and

substantial mobile data capacity, utilizing

delivering a world-class broadband

the largest broadband spectrum portfolio

experience to customers.

with 34 3G carriers and 129 4G carriers

The combined company will have

across the country.

sufficient spectrum to compete effectively

Vodafone India’s strong presence in

with the other major operators in the

metro circles and Idea’s leadership in

We congratulate both our valuable members Vodafone and Idea on the announcement of the merger. This amalgamation will create the country’s biggest telecom services provider with a customer base of over 394 million. We have seen some significant consolidations in the past and this announcement is a welcome and positive step in the direction of TSP coming together and creating resilient networks with a large asset base for an enhanced consumer experience. Since 2008, increased hyper-competition has been impacting revenue streams across all new and old operators. There has been a continuous increase in expenditure due to high costs of Spectrum acquisition and a severe financial burden on the industry caused by extremely high and multiple levies and taxes. Operators have also had to re-acquire Spectrum in order to continue operations. There is currently a tariff war in the market, which may not be sustainable for long. This has also severely impacted the revenue stream of operators, not just in terms of an increase in cost but also in terms of a marked decline in the revenue stream. All these have put the financial condition of this industry at risk and increased the debt to INR 4000 crore, also leading to a severe decline in government

Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI

revenues from the industry. Earlier, there were 13 operators, as opposed to the present nos of four

“Consolidation is a much anticipated and very welcome development in this beleaguered Telecom sector. It will help bring in operational efficiencies and improved quality of service to customers. The regulatory regime will have to ensure that benefits of effective competition continue to be availed by customers” – Arpita Pal Agrawal, Partner and LeaderTelecom, PwC India

to five operators. Due to the poor financial health of the sector, we are witnessing mergers, acquisition and consolidation of companies like Idea and Vodafone, Aircel with R Comm and MTS. Other companies like

semi-urban and rural telecom markets

Videocon and Etisalat have already left the industry because of this

will allow fornationwide leadership within

hyper competitive pressure.

Indian M&A guidelines. In circles where

This trend of mergers and consolidation will however remain a positive

both Idea and Vodafone India currently

development, benefiting customers, operators and Government in the

have a limited presence, the combined

long run on global lines. The need of the hour however is a predictable,

entity will become the leading challenger

stable, long term, regulatory and policy environment, to ensure the financial health of TSPs and a conducive environment for continued investments for a fully connected and digitally empowered India.

44 | april 2017

with the scale to compete more effectively and enhance consumer choice. “The combination of Vodafone India and

MYMOBILE

Idea will create a new champion of Digital

parties’ capabilities combine experience

India founded with a long-term commitment

of running leading businesses across

and vision to bring world-class 4G networks

multiple industries and geographies, world-

to villages, towns and cities across India.

class expertise in telecoms with global

The combined company will have the

scale, enterprise services, mobile money

scale required to ensure sustainable

services and procurement and a deep

consumer choice in a competitive market

understanding of and strong relationships

and to expand new technologies – such

In Focus

spotlight

as mobile money services – that have the potential to transform daily life for every Indian. We look forward to working with the Aditya Birla Group to create value for

“The transaction faces many challenges... The merged telco would breach the spectrum holding cap in 5 circles in 900 MHz band and in 2 circles in the 2,500 MHz band and is likely to breach the revenue market share cap of 50 per cent in six circles. These would have to be resolved in a fixed timeframe” – Harsh Jagnani, VP-Sector Head, ICRA

www.mymobileindia.com

“The consolidation in the telecom industry through the IdeaVodafone merger, acquisition of spectrum from other operators by Bharti Airtel and market share gains by Jio would ensure competitive and demanding times for telecom operators, but the consumer is having the last laugh at their expense at the current juncture” – Mayuresh Joshi, Fund Manager at Angel Broking

“We continue to prefer Bharti (Airetl) as not only should the company benefit from a potentially improved competitive environment, but also examples from other markets suggest the non-involved parties tend to benefit more from industry rationalization” —UBS Securities Research

“Bharti and 4G entrants may look at gaining market share pre-merger and benefit from a lower capex intensity. In the medium term, leverage balance sheet of the combined Vodafone and Idea may limit its ability to participate in data growth” —HSBC Global Research within the Indian market.

all stakeholders,” said Vittorio Colao, Chief Executive at Vodafone Group.

This merger is again going to hugely disrupt the telecom market as previously

The combined company will be able

done by Reliance Jio. This move will

to draw on support from its two largest

push Bharti Airtel on to the second spot

shareholders, Vodafone and the Aditya

in telecom ranking and intensify the

Birla Group, to drive growth, investment

price wars. n

and to create value for all stakeholders. The

team@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 45

In focus

profile

Arvind Vohra and

the Art of Remaining Positive against All Odds

50 | february 2017

MYMOBILE

Groundbreaker, hugely successful, yet unassuming and accesssible! A man with never say die attitude whatever be the circumstances and a one who believes in working on his own terms, has worked on his terms and trusts his instincts more than the conventional wisdom! Here is the story of Arvind Vohra - Country CEO and Managing Director of Gionee india, like never before.

In focus

profile

By Gagandeep Kaur

s Country CEO and Managing

not going to work out and I needed a more

Director of Gionee India, Vohra

stable profession and decided to go for a

is known most for establishing

corporate job. I decided to go for Masters

a Chinese brand in the Indian

in Business Administration (MBA) from

smartphone market for the first time.

Institute of Management Development and

To this end, it can be argued that it was

Research in Pune,” says Vohra. He joined

Gionee’s success, which paved the way for

Network Limited, part of HCL Group as a

other Chinese brands to make headway

management trainee after the completion

in the Indian market. To a large extent, it

of his course. It was here that he met his

also changed the perception of Chinese

wife, Monica Vohra. “She continues to be

smartphones as cheap and low-end to smart, savvy and high-end products.

Initial Years-Life’s ups and downs Vohra comes from a business family in Shimla, capital city of Himachal Pradesh and spent most of his childhood between Shimla Chandigarh and Mumbai. He was a student of St Edward’s School in Shimla (Indian Vice-President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari and three Chief Justices at Chandigarh also did their schooling here). However, the family faced hardships when they were forced to wind off business in 1980-81. “We had a family business in Shimla, so my father decided to pursue that in 1973 to help my grandfather. However, by the time he went back to Shimla, the business was in such a bad shape that it just couldn’t be revived, and we finally had to shut it in

“What stood out in Arvind’s personality is that he just doesn’t give up…howsoever difficult the circumstances might be or even when he is not sure of certain things. He had this thing in him to succeed somehow”

– Deepak Shetty, Business Consultant and former senior colleague of Arvind Vohra at Samsung

my boss even now,” says Vohra. After HCL, Arvind decided to move to Samsung, where he was handling the sales and marketing for the office automation business. “What stood out in Arvind’s personality is that he just doesn’t give up… howsoever difficult the circumstances might be or even when he is not sure of certain things. He kept on trying, so he ended up learning a lot. He had this thing in him to succeed somehow, and that kept him going,” says Deepak Shetty, a business consultant, who was his superior at Samsung. A key to the success of any brand is its relationship with the trade and Vohra realized this very well. “He understood the Indian market environment very well, so he recognized the importance of networking, good communication skills and in forming strong relationships with dealers and trade. A testimony to this is that even after so

1980. We were relatively affluent then, but

of us staying in a small flat in Mumbai,”

many years, I am still in regular touch

everything changed in 1980…you know

he recalls. While studying at HR College

with him,” says BP Savant, who worked

how it is when the business winds up. By

of Commerce, Mumbai, Arvind harbored

with him at Samsung. Today he runs his

1982-83 the necessities also became a

ambitions of making it big in the film

software firm, Zed-Axis Technologies Pvt.

struggle,” recalls Vohra.

industry. He pursued this and appeared

Ltd..

Finally, the family moved to Mumbai where Arvind’s father had taken up a job. “At one point of time there were six-seven

in advertisements for Clearsil and Binnys among others. “However, I soon realized that it was

However, it was at Salora (which he joined in 1999), where Arvind’s ingenuity in sales, market planning, and

april 2017 | 47

In focus

profile foresightedness came across. The mobile

end he decided to move out of this venture

phone division under his leadership grew

and went back to doing his own thing.

“Arvind was always very ambitious but now he has a broader vision of doing

dramatically catching everyone’s attention,

A key reason behind this decision was

something for the society and Leukemia

within and outside the company. He was

that his five-year-old son, Aaryan, had

Crusaders is a realization of this vision,”

on a roll.

been diagnosed with Leukemia. At this

says Monica Vohra. Arvind hopes to build

point Vohra decided to open a mobile

a hospital, which will take care of kids

devices shop in Faridabad in the NCR

who have leukemia from impoverished

region. “The day I got to know that my son

background.

was diagnosed with Cancer I asked the a losing battle? The Doctor said that there

Steering Gionee’s Super Success

was 70% chance of survival. And that’s

In 2013-14, Gionee’s first year of

when I decided to leave no stone unturned

operations in India, it recorded revenue of

to get the other 30% ,” says Vohra in his

Rs 500 crore. Under Vohra’s leadership,

indomitable style.

the revenue grew to touch Rs 4000 crores

doctor, are we fighting a winning battle or

Aaryan has fully recovered now, but

in 2015-16, an eight-fold increase. Gionee

“A key to the success of any brand is its relationship with the trade and Vohra realized this very well”

this traumatic phase in Vohra’s life led

has also signed actress Alia Bhatt and Virat

to the formation of Leukemia Crusaders,

Kohli, captain of Indian cricket team as

a non-Government Organization, which

their brand ambassadors.

– BP Savant, Director, Zed-Axis Technologies “Arvind’s firm grasp of the market

is dedicated to the cause of providing

Gionee is now in the process of setting up

financial aid to young children who are

a manufacturing unit in India. The company

suffering from Blood Cancer. Spearheaded

plans to make all the devices locally for the

by Vohra’s wife, Monica, Leukemia

Indian market. It currently manufactures

Crusaders, an intiative of Bansi Vidya

through contract manufacturers, Foxconn

Memorial Trust, has already helped more

and Dixon. It currently makes 600,000

than 300 children in 15 hospitals across

handsets a month in the price range of Rs

the country. A certain amount from

7,000 to Rs 30,000.

every Gionee handset goes towards this noble cause.

“This is just the beginning for Arvind Vohra. The industry is very confident that

helped the company grow manifold. I saw some spark and a strong desire to succeed in him. While he was initially hired for just office automation business, he spearheaded the launch and growth of the mobile phones division. He was very efficient in the management of the different departments and in managing the logistics,” says R K Singh, who worked with him at Salora and continues to be in touch with him. Post his stint at Salora, Vohra decided to chart his own course. Since almost his entire career was spent in the mobile industry, it was but natural for him to start consultancy business focused around providing market insights to emerging players. Most of his clients at this time were Indian device manufacturers. For a short while he also joined one of his clients, Wynn Telecom as a partner. However, in the

48 | april 2017

Vohra’s son Aaryan then five was diagnosed with Leukemia. He is fully cured now thanks to the fighting spirit of him and his wife Monica. But this traumatic phase led to a positive initiative – formation of ‘Leukamia Crusaders’. Spearheaded by Vohra’s wife, Monica, Leukemia Crusaders, has already helped more than 300 children in 15 hospitals across the country. A certain amount from every Gionee handset goes towards this noble cause.

MYMOBILE

In focus

he will play a prominent part in developing the manufacturing and design ecosystem in the country. In the times to come, he is going to move beyond his role not going to be just a brand builder but a nation builder as well,” says Pankaj Mohindroo, Founder and National President, Indian Cellular Association (ICA). Even so, Vohra believes that his biggest achievement is that even a peon of his company can easily walk into his cabin to talk to him. He always believes in doing things on his own terms and conditions.

“A good brand connect, excellent customer service and good customer experience will go a long way. I also feel that at the end of the day one should be looked at positively contributing to the society” —Arvind Vohra “I run this organization like a cooperative and anyone can come up directly to me with a suggestion. I like to be accessible to my people,” says Vohra. He feels that his biggest strength is that he can gauge trends before they become pronounced. “I see trends

“This is just the beginning for Arvind Vohra. The industry is very confident that he will play a prominent part in developing the manufacturing and design ecosystem in the country. In the times to come, he is going to move beyond his role, not going to be just a brand builder but a nation builder as well” – Pankaj Mohindroo, Founder and National President, Indian Cellular Association www.mymobileindia.com

much before others do. I knew that the Indian mobile industry would face challenges. Till the time you don’t have manufacturing, R&D, supply chain

“Initially, I wanted to excel at different job roles in different companies. Now I want to do something for the country. I would like to work with Government of India to help cure more and more children who are suffering from cancer. Besides that, right now I am extremely motivated to start Gionee to manufacture in India. ”

in your control, you can’t control the industry…ecosystem will develop

—Arvind Vohra

only when you manufacture here in India. Now with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of

“Initially I wanted to excel at different job

the Government, manufacturing should

roles in different companies. Now I want

pick up and the devices companies stand

to do something for the country. I would

to gain,” says Vohra.

like to work with Government of India to

Elaborating about the future of the

help cure more and more children who

mobile industries in the country, Vohra

are suffering from cancer. Besides that

says, “Only those brands will survive who

right now I am extremely motivated to start

build a strong consumer connect. Besides,

Gionee to manufacture in India. There is

you need to have a strong research and

a lot of unemployment in the country and

development, design and technology in-

I would to like to contribute a bit to bring

house. A good brand connect, excellent

it down.”

customer service and good customer

What comes across is his unassuming

experience will go a long way. I also feel that

personality. “Have you had lunch?” he

at the end of the day one should be looked

asked this reporter before the interview

at positively contributing to the society,”

started. This also comes across in his life’s

says Vohra.

motto, “Don’t take yourself so seriously, the

Commenting on his motivating factors

world doesn’t.” The Indian mobile industry

in life, Vohra says there were different

cannot disagree more. n gagandeep@mymobile.co.in

motivators at different stages in life.

april 2017 | 49

In focus

snap shot

Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro: Big on Power and Processor

Samsung has been dominating the Indian market in terms of mobile handset penetration

Samsung newer entrant Galaxy C9 Pro is a premium segment phone which is almost as large as a phablet.The phone still looks sleek and premium and it easily fits into your hand.

despite the growing numbers of competitors. To further strengthen its dominance and expanding its Galaxy series, the SouthKorean technology giant has come up with the new phone called Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro. The almost a phablet phone is giant in size because of a 6-inche AMOLED display screen, though it has maintained the sleekness despite of having a 4000 mAh battery. The phone has done an HTC U Play with 16MP cameras, both front and back, while using the Snapdragonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 653 SoC chipset. Price: Rs 36,900

50 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

The Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro is the first phone in India to feature the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 653 SoC processor, which can prove to be a good product for multitasking.

The Galaxy C9 Pro comes with 64GB of internal storage with support for storage expansion via a microSD card slot up to 128GB. This is also the Samsungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first phone with 6GB of RAM.

The display is complemented by the slim design as well as the slim bezels. It is covered in a 2.5D curved Gorilla Glass, making it scratch-resistant and sturdy.

The Galaxy C9 Pro has a set of 16MP cameras on the phone, both rear and front. It still delivers decent pictures throughout. The device can also record video at 1080p.

5 6 7

Galaxy C9 Pro has a 4000mAh unit battery which is expected from such a large phone. It supports fast charging and is charged via a USB Type-C Port.

The Galaxy C9 Pro is a dual SIM phone with a dedicated slot for microSD card so you do not need to choose between the SIM and worry about storage.

The phone has a 6-inch AMOLED display, with 1920 x 1080 pixels of resolution. The screen is large as well as sharp and bright with very slim bezels.

In focus

snap shot

Galaxy C9 Pro has the Always on Display feature, which besides showing the time and date, shows the notification from apps, which looks good.Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be really useful especially during the night.

team@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 51

In Conversation

face to face

â&#x20AC;&#x153;India will become the global game development hub in the coming yearsâ&#x20AC;? Game development industry in India is currently at the size of around Rs 2,000 crore ($300 million) and globally it is pegged at $ 92 billion. The gaming industry is growing exponentially, with estimated revenues higher than Hollywood and music industry. India is fast gaining a reputation as a centre of excellence for the gaming industry worldwide and it is one of the fastest growing sectors in the internet technology space. Lakshya Digital, one of the Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Game Development Outsourcing Companies, is leading the exponents of game art in India and has an enviable list of clients who are behind some of the biggest and most popular names globally. Manvendra Shukul, CEO of Lakshya Digital, shared his expertise on this very niche industry for India and its scope to be one of the biggest employment generators for the youths who aspire for the Silicon Valley. He spoke to Haider Ali Khan and elaborated his future plans and the challenges associated with game developing industry in India. Excerpts:

52 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

What is the size of the gaming industry in India and its prospects? According to NASSCOM, the Indian gaming industry is currently valued at close to $300 million (around Rs 2000 crore). Large pool of creative talent, advanced technology and competitive costs make India ideal for collaboration and development work in gaming sector. India has a huge skill base across IT, testing and arts with a world-class infrastructure and advanced technology which has led to robust growth in this space. Countries like the US, Japan and Western Europe, which are the biggest markets for games, are today increasing outsourcing game art development to India. In the past, in order to manage the development costs, Game Developers

“As more talent and opportunities present themselves, I have no doubt that we’ll see more exciting game experiences and contributions coming from Indian artists”

in these countries had no option but to

We have a lot of extremely good art talent, but they are not trained to work as per the requirements of the Game Art development process. Since this process needs not just creative talent but also technical understanding of the Game Art development process. With over sixty odd clients that you have, what would be your next target? Lakshya has been a pioneer in the Game Art outsourcing

outsource to countries like China but over

space since its inception in 2004. With a

the past few years India has emerged as a

At Lakshya, our ever expanding client

team size of almost 450 people Lakshya

very viable option. A professional aptitude

list is proof of the fact that that the art

has grown into India’s number one provider

to meet international game development

coming out of India is comparable to

of game art and animation services to the

needs at an extremely affordable cost

the high quality work produced in the

global games industry. Apart from our

coupled with demonstrated technical/

best studios globally. As more talent and

studios in Gurgaon and Pune, we have our

creative skill sets and a communication

opportunities present themselves, I have

studio in Seattle, USA and are exploring

edge (being English speaking) has been

no doubt that we’ll see more exciting game

options of opening studios in other parts

the reason for this. Currently there are over

experiences and contributions coming

of India. Our aim is to be the number

100 game development organizations, and

from Indian artists.

last financial year alone, there were close to

one provider of the Games Art services globally. In that direction we are working

40 Indian game titles which were released

Who all are your competitors and what are the

on strategies that would put us at the top

across platforms.

challenges which Indian gaming art sector

within the next 2 – 3 years. In line with our

The biggest indicator of the immense

faces? Game Art is a very niche sector in

vision, we are also exploring other related

potential game development outsourcing

the entire Game Development process.

areas like VR and AR where we could offer

possess as an industry however is the fact

In India we hardly have any competition

our Art and Animation services. This would

that the global gaming market is dominated

as the specific expertise that we bring to

be a new direction that we could take.

by the growth in emerging markets with the

the table is not what many companies can

Another area that we find very interesting

Asia Pacific region estimated to occupy a

boast of.

and would like to explore further is the

leading 37.9 percent market share in 2016.

www.mymobileindia.com

In Conversation

face to face

The biggest challenge that we face is

domain of video game VFX. There is a lot

the lack of the relevant Game Art talent.

of potential there and we are creating the

april 2017 | 53

In Conversation

face to face “Specialized training in games development space by quality training institutes is still hard to come by in India. That’s why we launched InGame, a training Institute run by Lakshya Digital, to make high quality professional training in game art creation available to talented artists”

right skill and process environment that

hard to come by in India. During our

offers courses in the creation of 3D art assets

would allow us to do so.

recruitment process, we realized that most

for games. The course is offered in both our

candidates possessed good knowledge of

local studios - in Gurgaon and Pune. The

For how many games have you been to develop

the software but did not have adequate

trained artists at InGame can further pursue

the art, so far? Lakshya Digital has been

knowledge about industry-specific

their career by joining Lakshya’s Art Team

working with some of the biggest names in the space over the last decade. Game Art for some of the biggest games titles globally have been created right here in our studios in Gurgaon and Pune. While we may not be able to reveal all names (due to nondisclosure pacts), below are names of some select games that Lakshya has worked on. Kingdom Hearts 2.8 from Square Enix, Sea of Thieves from Rare Studios, Just Cause III from Avalanche Studios, are hugely popular titles that Lakshya has worked on recently. Apart from these some of the earlier titles

and get the opportunity to work on world-

“With a team size of almost 450 people, Lakshya has grown into India’s number one provider of game art and animation services to the global game industry”

were: Bloodborne (Software), Just Cause 3

class game titles. Do we see India as the game developing hub for companies or are they moving away towards other Asian countries? If we go by the number of developers and publishers that are now outsourcing to India, I would say that India is already on its way to become the destination of choice for the global game development community. India has the right process knowledge, courtesy our BPO industry, and a large pool of art talent that can be

(Avalanche Studios), WWE2k16 (Yukes),

workflows for creating artwork for games.

trained to deliver to the demands of the

Call of Duty: Black Ops III -X360 version

That is when we launched InGame, a

top game developers and publishers. I feel

(Mercenary Technology).

training Institute run by Lakshya Digital,

that development partnerships in India are

What are the challenges faced by gaming

to make high quality professional training

going to get bigger and bigger and India will

art sector in India while hiring a local talent?

in game art creation available to talented

become the global game development hub

Specialized training in games development

artists. InGame provides hands on training

in the coming years. n

space by quality training institutes is still

by experienced game artists to students &

54 | april 2017

haider@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

face to face

“We want Zophop to act as a public transit assistant to every Indian” Headquartered in Mumbai, Zophop Tech is a mobile app solution for the daily commuters by providing the real-time location of public transports with Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) on smartphone. Idea is to ensure real time public transportation information and end-to-end flawless public transportation experience. In order to fetch digital advantage to the commuters, the company has partnered with Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT). Nijhum Rudra talked to Nikhil Aggawal, Co-founder, Zophop about various aspects of the company. Excerpts from the interview… What are the major pain points of daily

to a bus depot to buy a pass.

commuters nowadays and how do you solve

As of now, who are your basic target audience and how many users do you have? Our

those challenges through Zophop? Lack of

Zophop aims to make the life of daily commuters

target audience is anyone who uses public

visibility on arrival times of buses! Buses

easy. Can you just elaborate this statement by

transport daily. In Mumbai alone, there are

are and will continue to be the dominant

describing how? Zophop is addressing the

5 million daily rides on buses and in India

form of intracity transit in India. However,

above two challenges head on. By using

180 million rides daily on public transit.

commuters rarely have information on when

GPS located on buses (often installed by

So we have a very large target audience.

their bus will arrive. Traffic, erratic scheduling

us) we allow commuters to track the real

Students and young working professionals

results in passengers waiting at bus stops

position of a bus and it’s time of arrival to

are a focus group. We currently have 3 lakh

with no visibility on arrival. Surveys including

any bus stop on a route. We call this the

app downloads.

ones that we have undertaken, suggest that

Uber+ experience and allow commuters to

majority of people wait for 15+ minutes for

spend their valuable time with friends and

Finally, can you describe your roadmap

their bus. In the age of on-demand services,

family instead of standing in the heat and

and how do you want to see Zophop in the

such a wait time has resulted in falling

rain at a bus stop.

future? We want Zophop to act as a public

ridership for public buses.

Next is digital facilitation. Commuters

transit assistant to every Indian. We are

Another aspect relates to ‘Cash only

can now purchase tickets on our app.

working to have 100,000 live buses on

transactions’. From electricity bills to

Very similar to booking a movie ticket, you

our platform as well as provide users

movie tickets can now be booked online

can now purchase a mobile pass or ticket

with options to choose and combine these

but not train or bus intracity tickets. This

directly on Zophop - anytime, anywhere. No

buses with other modes of transportation.

dependence on cash has resulted in several

more requirement for paper tickets, no need

We are also working to create a seamless

costs to the commuter which significantly

to stand in a line or go to a bus depot.

payment experience across modes like

increase his total cost of travelling. For

And as a transit company it is important

that exists in other countries through smart

example, Commuters frequently claim that

to also make the entire journey comfortable,

cards. India once again has the opportunity

conductors don’t return the full change of

hence we provide the following additional

to leap frog the smart card and directly

a ticket. Additionally commuters spend

key features - multi-modal journey planning,

go to mobile and Zophop is helping to

considerable time waiting in queues or in

voice alerts on next stop arrival, ability to

enable that. n

the case of buses have to make a special trip

share trip from a safety perspective.

www.mymobileindia.com

nijhum@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 55

Internet of Things

Industry insight

Acche Din for Smartwatches Hybrid smartwatches are about to witness a breakout year as their sales are projected to grow to USD 1 billion in 2017

he smartwatch segment

Counterpoint’s latest research, the hybrid

through dedicated apps available on iOS

hasn’t been able to live-up to

smartwatch segment will cross USD 1

and Android stores allowing users to use

the early hype created around

billion mark in revenue in 2017, almost

the watch with traditional look and feel

it, failing to achieve the

doubling annually.

with smart functionalities.

expected sales growth in 2016. However,

The hybrid smartwatches look and

Commenting on the potential of

the smartwatch market is about to witness

function like traditional analogue watches

hybrid smartwatches, Counterpoint’s

momentum this year in majority aided by

to the naked eye, but include smart features

analyst Mudit Singh notes, “With sales

“hybrid smartwatches” category. As per

like step tracking, heart rate monitor,

of traditional analog watches under

notifications and even NFC enabled

pressure from the likes of Apple and

payments. They connect to smartphones

Samsung, luxury traditional watch brands such as Fossil Group, Tag Heuer, Citizen group and others, are turning to hybrid

56 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Revenue Growth of Hybrid Smartwatches Segment

$1.1 92%

$0.6

2016

2017 E

“The rise of hybrid smartwatches can be attributed to traditional watchmakers trying to address two key pain points which has held the smartwatch segment growth – Firstly, preserving the traditional, aesthetics style, look and feel, secondly, maximizing the battery life while retaining ‘meaningful and frequently used’ smartwatch features”

Internet of Things

Industry insight

– Mudit Singh, Analyst, Counterpoint Research

Source: Counterpoint Wearble Tracker

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 57

Internet of Things

Industry insight

58 | april 2017

Market Summary watches will grow exponentially in 2017 and will penetrate almost 12% of the smartwatch market.

n Hybrid

More traditional watchmakers along with tech wearable makers will shift towards hybrid watch segment.

The wholesale revenue of the hybrid watch market in 2017 will double from the previous year, crossing a Billion$ mark.

In 2017, Fossil group will dominate the hybrid watch market with their plan to launch 300SKUs by the year end.

AI enabled hybrid watches will also be on rise, with the trend having already been adopted by brands like Martian and Guess.

The hybrid watches have strong potential to compete with smartwatch as it addresses key pain points while not compromising on aesthetics. We estimate them to capture almost one quarter of the smartwatch market by mid-2018.

MYMOBILE

2016

12%

2017 E

Source: Counterpoint Wearble Tracker

smartwatch form-factors to get a share of

Singh, further notes, “The rise of

the smartwatch pie leveraging their core

hybrid smartwatches can be attributed to

Commenting on hybrid smartwatches

competency “design and craftsmanship”.

traditional watchmakers trying to address

growth, Counterpoint’s Research Director,

Wearable tech brands including Garmin,

two key pain points which has held the

Peter Richardson added, “Hybrid

Misfit, Withings (now, Nokia) among

smartwatch segment growth – Firstly,

smartwatches sales volumes will grow

others are also now adopting the hybrid

preserving the traditional, aesthetics style,

77% annually taking the penetration to

approach to enable greater battery life and

look and feel, secondly, maximizing the

12% of the total smartwatch volumes in

drive usage as well as user experience”.

battery life while retaining ‘meaningful and

2017. Major focus on hybrid smartwatch

Internet of Things

Revenue Growth of Hybrid Smartwatches Segment

Industry insight

frequently used’ smartwatch features.”

segment by traditional watchmakers will

“Hybrid smartwatches sales volumes will grow 77% annually taking the penetration to 12% of the total smartwatch volumes in 2017. Major focus on hybrid smartwatch segment by traditional watchmakers will drive this growth” – Peter Richardson, Research Director, Counterpoint Research

drive this growth. For example: Fossil group launched almost 100 SKUs of wearables in 2016 including popular hybrid models such as the Skagen Hagen Connected, Misfit Phase, and Fossil Q series. The US watchmaker aims to triple the number of SKUs in 2017, with majority of those being hybrid smartwatches. Though the number of SKUs seems high, Fossil Group is able to hit multiple market segments with finely gradated offerings, but likely with similar or the same underlying technology solution to gain scale. This form of product marketing is something Fossil does well; much better than technology companies. And with Baselworld-2017 around the corner, big announcements are expected from Citizen group and Fossil’s band of brands.” n team@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 59

face to face

“Bobble got enthusiastic response from the US, Chinese and Israeli companies”

While companies across the world are bringing in innovation to India, there is an Indian App company which is providing tech innovation to global technology giants like Apple, Facebook, WhatsApp, Hike, WeChat and Line. Bobble Keyboard, an iOS and Android based keyboard app, specializes in customization of the user experience real-time,on mobile is lending its technology to the world leaders for making the task of communicating much easier and user friendly. Mohd Wassem, MD and Cofounder of Bobble spoke with My Mobile’s Haider Ali Khan, about its product Bobble, which is not only partnering global players for integration of Bobble keyboard in their products but also winning hearts worldwide. Excerpts:

Who all are the clients of Bobble and what kind

will roll out Bobble’s functionalities by

company called Guggy. They have advance

of support or technology assistance which

integrating our SDK and will highlight

technology to provide relevant GIFs for the set

Bobble gives to them? We have partnered

Bobble as the USP of their product.

of typed words. We are also working with one

with global and Indian tech companies

We have partnered with Foxconn,

of India’s largest companies in the mobile

like for example Baidu from China and

the world’s largest OEM. For their brand

space to monetize the keyboard. Currently,

Foxconn from Taiwan for their Indian brand,

InFocus, they promote Bobble app as the

they have a reach of 6M+ handsets,

Infocus. Apple supported us for the launch

USP of their phones on FB and YouTube.

expected to be 20M+ by end-2017. In my

of iMessage app in 155 countries. We are

We have worked with Apple for integration

view client is not the right word to qualify

getting integrated in Indus OS, which is the

into iMessage less than a week before the

our association with these companies. It is

second largest operating system in India.

launch of iOS10. Bobble is the only app

more of a product integration partnership

The partnership would power all Indus OS

from India to be featured on iMessage app

than of commercial.

handset with Bobble Tech.

store in dozens of countries in Asia and

We will soon go live inside Baidu’s Facemoji Keyboard in US market. Baidu

60 | april 2017

Europe. We have also partnered with an Israeli

Did Bobble have any Indian companies as well on board? What are the challenges associated

MYMOBILE

with working with home-grown and the foreign

We have reached a good level of relevance

times it is difficult to hire good talent, as

players? Yes, we’ve done various kind of

for 21 Indian languages; we are further

the expectations of good talent are very high

partnership with Indian companies as well,

strengthening our language capabilities.

in terms of immediate monetary rewards.

for growth we partnered with Zomato, Tinder

We are more focused on creating overall

(India) and Yourstory. We have also worked

The Bobble is the only Indian app available in

long-term value for the team members.

with production houses like Eros; promoted

iOS 10 editorial team. How do you feel about

We invest a lot on the team members in

movies content inside the application,

this? Was that a challenge for you in achieving

terms of professional development. Also,

Bajiroa Mastani was an example. We

this feat? I guess there are some more apps

we look for candidates whose primary

have also rejected a couple of partnership

there, but as per the information that I have,

driver is not money. We have experienced

opportunities from big Indian production

we were the only iMessage app that was

that people who work for money are not

houses, as the terms of engagement were

featured by Apple in multiplegeographies

suited for a career at Bobble. We look for a

not favorable to us. In terms of product

during the launch of iOS10. It feels great

culture fit before extending an offer. Given

integration we partnered with Mech Mocha,

to closely work with such tech giants. Apple

the technology that we work in and culture

the maker of games like Chota Bheem and

team visited our office and they supported

fit that we look for, the pool of potential

Indus OS.

us 24x7 to make it happen in the short

candidate is very low.

Most of the partnerships have been

period of 3 days. Making the entire app

smooth for us, especially with Indian tech

compatible for iOS10 release in 3 days was

Do we still need customization when everything

companies barring one Indian consumer

a great relief and we are proud to say that we

is moving towards AI? When we talk of

Internet Company who wanted to use our

are equally technically competent than any

personalization, it is not just a face. For us,

tech as white label, but we refused them.

tech company in the world. We have best

customization is the customization of the

They also offered to acquire us but we

engineers and content creators in the team.

entire experience and intelligence would

rejected the offer. We have received a very

No product in the world provides such deep

also play a significant role in our case too.

enthusiastic response from the US, Chinese

personalization as is offered by Bobble.

You would see Bobble Keyboard becoming

and Israeli companies; somewhere they

the most intelligent Keyboard in the world

understand the value of technology and are

Please share your revenue details on Y-o-Y basis?

not influenced by the size of the company.

What can other Indian app developers learn from

You may soon see us going live in some of

Bobble? We are not generating revenue as of

What would be Bobble’s target in this new

the biggest tech products in the world.

now, but we intend to do soon. We did a survey

fiscal? And how important R&D is for Bobble

with brands to understand the value of our

and your investment on the same? The target

In how many languages is this customization

inventory; brands are willing to pay twice as

for Bobble this new fiscal is to further

available? How can a mobile user make

much as they for other digital brands.

improve our product strength, we are one of

down? Customization is done through the

What is the importance of customization in

Our engagement is comparable to top 150

technology, we would give you relevant

this highly tangled life? Snapchat started

applications on Play Store, our Play Store

content based on the language you type, it

the movement towards variety - for your

rating is best in India at our scale.

could be any language. We are developing

own online avatar. These aren’t attempts at

We are targeting 10M+ DAUs in the

additional intelligence that makes the

personalization - just introducing variety and

new fiscal, to make this happen, we are

content more relevant for the users’e.g “let’s

their success has been unprecedented. One

focusing on strengthening network features,

meet” message for a boyfriend may have a

can extrapolate to imagine how powerful

extending our partnership with OEMs, and

different connotation than “let’s meet”

perfect personalization will be, especially if

we are already working with top OEMs in

message for a father, here relationship plays

the experience is frictionless and seamless

India. Leveraging product virility more than

a big role. Another example is “let’s have a

on your keyboard. Our keyboard is intelligent

70 percent of our users come from organic

coffee” when you are stressed or “let’s have

enough to understand various variables of

sources. You would see us launching new

a coffee” when you are excited” would have

the users to customize.

features around personalization, like emoji’s,

use of this app? Could you please break it

in a couple of years.

the most viral and engaging apps from India.

different emotions.

camera filters and more convenience

Our keyboard is intelligent to understand

What is the size of the company and the skill

features on Keyboard. We would also be

various variables like text, background,

levels they have? Do you find it tough to hire

focusing on monetizing Bobble this fiscal,

expression, historical context of the

good talent? We are currently 30 members

we have a target of becoming profitable in

conversation, relationship etc. to serve

team, 18 of us are in technology, 10 in

next 2 years. n

you most relevant content in real-time.

content and 2 in business. Yes, most of the

www.mymobileindia.com

In Conversation

face to face

haider@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 61

Internet of Things

Industry insight

Enterprises get ready for counter-strike on information breach From being placid defenders of their information citadel, enterprises are now gearing up to be on offensive even as worldwide spending on information security set to reach $90 billion in 2017 By Ramesh Kumar Raja

nterprises are transforming their security spending strategy in 2017, moving away from prevention-only

approaches to focus more on detection and response, according to Gartner, Inc. Worldwide spending on information security is expected to reach $90 billion in 2017, an increase of 7.6 per cent over 2016, and to top $113 billion by 2020. Spending on enhancing detection and response capabilities is expected to be a key priority for security buyers through 2020. “The shift to detection and response approaches spans people, process and technology elements and will drive a majority of security market growth over the next five years,” said Sid Deshpande, principal research analyst at Gartner. “While this does not mean that prevention is unimportant or that chief information security officers (CISOs) are giving up on preventing security incidents, it sends a clear message that prevention is futile unless it is tied into a detection and response capability.” Deshpande said that skills shortages are further driving spending on security services. Many organizations lack established organizational knowledge

62 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

software-defined segmentation, cloud

“The shift to detection and response approaches spans people, process and technology elements and will drive a majority of security market growth over the next five years”

access security brokers (CASBs), and user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA). These new segments are creating net new spending, but are also taking spend away from existing segments such as data security, enterprise protection platform (EPP) network security and security information and event management (SIEM).

– Sid Deshpande, Principal Research Analyst, Gartner

On the services side, the emergence of specialized managed detection and response (MDR) services is a threat to traditional MSSPs. The rising number of

of detection and response strategies in

better detect and respond to security

point solutions in the security market that

security because preventive approaches

incidents has also created new security

address detection and response is creating

were the most common tactics for decades.

product segments, such as deception,

sprawl and manageability issues for CISOs

Skill sets are scarce and, therefore, remain

endpoint detection and response (EDR),

and security managers, driving spending

at a premium, leading organizations to

for management platforms and services

seek external help from security

that are better integrated with adjacent

consultants, managed

markets.

security service providers (MSSPs)

Internet of Things

Industry insight

As enterprises shift toward balancing

and

prevention with newer detection and

outsourcers.

response approaches, CISOs are changing

The need to

how they measure the success of their security strategy. All security investments are being measured on how they contribute to the shift in mindset. Even preventive security controls, such as EPP, firewalls, application security and intrusion

“CISOs are keen to communicate the return on investment of their security strategy in terms of the business value associated with quick damage limitation, in addition to threat prevention and blocking” – Lawrence Pingree, Research Director, Gartner www.mymobileindia.com

prevention systems (IPSs), are being tweaked to provide more intelligence into security operations, analytics and reporting platforms. “CISOs are keen to communicate the return on investment of their security strategy in terms of the business value associated with quick damage limitation, in addition to threat prevention and blocking,” said Lawrence Pingree, research director at Gartner. “The key enabler for CISOs in this endeavor is to get visibility across their security infrastructure to make better decisions during security incidents. This visibility will enable them to have a more strategic and risk-based conversation with their board of directors, CFO and CEO about the direction of their security program.” n ramesh@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 63

In Focus

In focus

Iris Scanners: The next big thing you want in your Smartphone

The advent of smartphones within the country has brought about a paradigm change in the lifestyles of Indian consumers. But with the rise in online transactions, mobile-based banking, and the amount of personal data stored on mobile devices, there have also emerged serious questions about the security aspect. It is to address these qualms and to make mobile usage more secure for its end-users that very few brands have integrated iris scanners in their smartphones. The IRIS scanner allows you to unlock the smartphone by just looking at it. The module scans the iris of your eyes, which obviously is unique, and uses it as a password to secure the phone like a fingerprint sensor can. Here are some smartphones with iris scanner.

64 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Spotlight

In focus category, and is hailed for providing cutting-edge, high-quality features in the budget smartphone segment. The appeal of itel it1520 is further enhanced by a free Reliance Jio connection which is offered with every customer purchase.

LYF Earth 2 Reliance Digital’s LYF Earth 2 comes with a retina scanner apart from supporting VoLTE and a fingerprint scanner. LYF Earth

camera with flash. TCL 560 weighs 156 grams. It comes with an iris scanner, which unlocks the smartphone using eyes. TCL 560 is powered by a 32-bit quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. The battery is 2,500mAh.

itel it1520

Microsoft Lumia 950

itel Mobile, the hi-tech innovative

The Lumia 950 or

mobile brand from Transsion Holdings

Talkman sports a

Conglomerate, has integrated iris scanner

2 flaunts a 5-inch full HD (1920×1080

5.2-inch display

in its flagship smartphone, it1520.

pixels) IPS LCD with 445ppi, 2.5D curved

with 2560 x

Available at a competitive price point of

glass and Gorilla Glass protection. With

1440 pixels of

Rs 8,490, itel’s it1520 is currently one of

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 615 octa-core

resolution. Under

the only few smartphone models in India

processor paired with Adreno 405 GPU and

the hood, one can

to come equipped with the high-end retinal

3GB of RAM. Also on offer is 32GB internal

expect a hexa-

scanning technology.

storage, which can be further expanded up

core Snapdragon

In addition to iris

to 64GB using a microSD card. The Earth

808 processor

scanner, itel it1520

2 comes with a 13-megapixel front & amp;

coupled with 3GB

comes loaded with

back camera with LED flash. The rear

RAM, 20MP rear

13MP front and back

camera also features laser auto-focus, 4x

snapper, 5MP

cameras with LED

digital zoom, HRD, panorama, and 1080p

front-facing

flash, Android 6.0

video recording capabilities. LYF Earth 2 is

camera, 32GB

Marshmallow, 1.3

priced at Rs 20,999.

storage

GHz processor, 2GB

and

3,000mAh

RAM, and 16GB

TCL 560

internal storage

Chinese multinational TCL Corporation

ZTE has already

(expandable by up

launched its first smartphone in India

introduced the iris

to 32GB). The 4G

– TCL 560. The budget smartphone is

scanner, it is still not a commonly found

smartphone is one

priced at Rs 7,999. TCL 560 features a

feature and could turn out to become

of the most powerful

5.5-inch HD screen with a pixel resolution

a USP of the device. The Lumia 950 is

smartphones in the

of 720x1280p. It packs an 8MP rear

sub-Rs 10,000

camera with LED flash and a 5MP front

priced at Rs 26,700. n team@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

battery. Though

april 2017 | 65

Tried & Tested

burntest

Vivo V5 Plus Selfie-delight

he social media

driving feature of this new

with the OnePlus 3T which is

side panel thus giving you a

has expanded

smartphone is dual lenses i.e

selling at Rs 29,999. We have

better grip over the phone.

the horizons not

20 MP and 8 MP cameras

tried and tested this device

You will be immediately

only for the teens

which undoubtedly deliver

for you so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s find out where

reminded of the Apple iPhone

but also for and the mobile

a better depth of field in the

and how does it stand on your

6 once you hold it in your

manufacturers and because

images and what we get are

aspirations.

hand. The smartphone weighs

of that the customers are

much clearer selfies to near

getting best out of them. In

perfection.

the process, Vivo, Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Vivo has priced this phone

Design

159 grams and features a 5.5-inch Full HD display

The Vivo V5 Plus is a

with curved edges and ultra-

third largest mobile maker

at Rs 27,980, in the mid-

premium-looking smartphone

narrow bezels for a more

has launched a selfie-centric

segment category which

with a unibody metallic finish

comfortable touch coupled

phone, Vivo V5 Plus. The main

makes it in direct competition

covering the entire back and

with the Corning Gorilla Glass

66 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

5 protection on the top.

You can even adjust the

On the top front, the Vivo

area to be focused on the

V5 Plus sports 20MP dual

effect after taking a shot.

camera setup is placed along

Users can shoot first and then

with a ‘moonlight glow’ selfie

select the desired focus area,

flash, next to the ambient

adding Bokeh effect wherever

light sensor. Below the screen there’s an oval shaped finger-print scanner which is integrated into the Home button. The back of the device has the rear camera and LED flash placed on the top-left, with Vivo logo at the center. The U-shaped antenna bands on the top and bottom gives a stylish look to the all-metal Vivo V5 Plus. The volume rocker and

verdict Looks

Metallic yet elegant

Cameras

08 /10 08 /10

Good

Performance

Good performer in the category

Battery

Easily survives any type of usage for a day

Value For Money

Good selfie phone worth your money

08 /10 08 /10 08 /10

power button on the right hand side, while the hybrid

OVERALL

80%

Split’ feature

Overall, the camera performance of the Vivo V5 is pretty good. The selfie-lovers are going to have a great time

allows users

with it.

to multi-task without

The rear camera on V5

having to switch back and

Plus is of 16MP resolution

forth every time a message

with PDAF and LED flash. The

pops up. Users can chat and

camera fared well in natural

watch videos simultaneously

lighting conditions. However,

on one screen.The smartphone

under low light conditions, the

is equipped with an ‘Eye

V5 Plus struggles. Auto-focus

Protection Mode’ feature that

works well most of the time but

filters out blue light to protect

not in low lighting conditions.

vision and prevents eye strain.

It includes ‘Professional mode’ which offers users control

Battery

At the bottom edge, there is

over the camera’s ISO, shutter

The Vivo V5 Plus is powered

a micro USB port with USB

speed, exposure compensation

by a 3,160mAh cell, along

OTG support, bottom-firing

and more.

with the twin-engine charging

SIM tray is placed on the left.

speaker, headphone jack and the microphone.

Camera

PROS Looks quite similar to iPhone

The V5 Plus boasts mainly about the camera which certainly is its main highlight. The phone flauntsdual lenses;

Cons There could be scratches despite of Gorilla Glass

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

a 20 MP and an 8 MP that

Performance

technology offers a faster charging. The battery easily

Vivo V5 Plus is powered by

managed to last for a day

a Qualcomm MSM8953

with calling, social media

Snapdragon 625 Octa-core

applications, music playback,

2.0 GHz Processor coupled

web browsing and light

with 4GB of RAM and 64GB

gaming. As we always say it

internal memory. It runs on

depends on your usage which

Android 6.0 with Vivo’sown

might vary.

offer a good selfie experience.

necessary. The images appear

FunTouch 3.0 OS. It does

The 20-megapixel camera

sharp even after zooming in

not lag anywhere even while

Conclusion

uses Sony IMX376 1/2.78-

and the skin tone and colors

playing heavy graphics

Vivo V5 Plus is a well-

inch sensor with a f/2.0

remain accurate. There’s

consuming games while

crafted smartphone with

aperture and 5P lens system,

plenty of depth in the images

multiple apps kept running in

a beautiful metallic finish

as well.

the background. But it does

and ambient display. The

it creates a depth-

not have microSD card support

user interface is smooth and

keeps selfies sharp.

allows you to take selfie shots

for expansion.

does not lag anywhere in our

The 8-megapixel

with natural colors even when

The Vivo V5 Plus’ fingerprint

review,whereas the battery life

camera captures

the lighting condition is not

scanner works fast and unlocks

is also good. The smartphone

depth of field

good, that’s what it meant

the device instantly in about

delivers on its promise of being

in photos with

of-field effect that

The ‘moonlight glow’ flash

to be for. There is a ‘beauty

0.2 sec. It also allows you to

a selfie-centric phone. It could

whichwe can blur

mode’ that removes facial

access your favorite apps by

also be the poor’s man iPhone

before or after taking

imperfections so you don’t

pressing the fingerprint sensor

as well. n

need an extra app for that.

twice. The ‘Smart Screen-

photos.

www.mymobileindia.com

haider@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 67

Tried & Tested

burntest

HTC U Play For an HTC fan

TC has been

are losing grounds to Chinese

sides in between glass panel

below the display. At the back,

successful in

influx of smartphones, the

both at the front and back.

the primary camera module

creating a buzz

pricing of Taiwanese brand is

The back of the device comes

is circular with the LED flash.

around with the

hugely debatable.It has priced

with a liquid surface finish

The U Play is just 7.9 mm

unveiling of its new ‘U’ series

U Ultra at Rs 59,990 and U

which gives a premium lookto

thick and weighs at 145

of smartphones in India, out

Play at Rs 39,990.We have

the phone.

grams which Ididn’t feel while

of two phones HTC U Ultra

got HTC U Play Indigo Blue for

is a flagship phone and the

the review.

HTC U Playwhich is also a

The volume adjuster and the power buttonare on the

holding, talking or in pocket.

rightwhereas there is nothing

Display

premium segment phone.

Unboxing

on the left of the phone.The

The U Play has a 5.2-inch

What had increased the

HTC has brought the new

SIM tray is on the top of the

Full HD (1920 x 1080)

intensity of the chit-chat has

version of glass metal finish

phone along with a secondary

display screen with 2.5D

been the pricing of these two

into the U series making them

microphone. At the bottom,

curved edges on the sides.

new products. In this highly

distinct and appealing with

it has the USB 2.0 Type-C

Being the Full HD the quality

competitive market like India,

premium looks focusing the

port and the speaker grill.

of the display is vividand the

where most of the Korean

millennials.The U Play comes

The fingerprint scanner is

visibility under direct sunlight

(read, South) mobile makers

with a metal frame on the

situated on the front, just

is also quite noticeable. It

68 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

verdict Looks

Mesmerizingly good

Cameras

Good in both the cases

Performance

Not upto the price tag

Battery

Needs remarkable improvement

Value For Money

A good buy ifyou prefer good looks

09 /10 08 /10 07 /10

06 /10 07 /10

OVERALL

74%

coupled with Mali-T860MP2

with PDAF, optical image

cannot live without the data

GPU. This is where it

stabilization, f/2.0 aperture,

on and hence it requires more

disappoints the most, buying

dual-tone LED flash and

power. It would be good for you

a nearly forty thousand phone

Full HD video recording.

to keep a power bank ready if

with a MediaTek version when

The camera does a pretty

you are going out on roaming.

you have ample to choose from

impressive job in daylight

It might differ on the usage

the latest range processors in

as well as after the sunset or

patterns. The battery life on

much lesser price.It has a 4GB

in artificial lighting. When

the U Play is perhaps the

of RAM and 64GB of internal

every other brand is keen on

biggest turn off for me.

storage which is expandable

increasing the resolution HTC

up to 2TB via microSD asit

U Play does a good show with

GPS, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi

has ahybrid dual SIM card

16MP only though it lets you

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, NFC,

slot for expansion. The device

down in low light. There are

DLNA, Miracast, HTC Connect

performs smoothly throughout

various other modes to satisfy

and USB 2.0 Type-C. The new

our review.But what I dislike

the photog in you.

phone does not support VoLTE

the most about U Play is it gets

PROS

Cons

Aesthetically Processor and heating beautiful, could be a slim and light weight worry Overall (For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

The front camera is also of

For connectivity it has, 4G,

as of now.

heated when you talk for longer

the same resolution as the rear,

duration especially the back of

a 16-megapixel camera.It does

Conclusion

it. As a user you do not wish to

give you a clear and crisper

There has been no doubt

have this kind of an experience

selfies almost every time. It

that the HTC U Play looks

if you are buying an expensive

doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappoint the selfie-

stunningly beautiful with glass

smartphone,which the HTC U

lovers at all, though low light

metal touch and aesthetics.

Play certainly is.

could be a little worry.

But the MediaTek processor

The U Play runs on Android

in this price could prove to

6.0 Marshmallow with HTCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Battery

Sense UI on top.And like all

HTC U Play gets power from a

which we cannot overlook.

has got Corning Gorilla Glass

the previous HTC models we

2500 mAh non-removable Li-

The battery efficiency and the

protection which makes it

still have Blinkfeedfeature

ion battery which can last you

heating of the device could

scratch resistant when used

to bring in all your news feed

day if you are not a heavy user.

have been rectified. The HTC

normally.

from various social networks

But being a Full HD display

focuses heavily on design and

and other portals at one place.

the U Play should have got

technology but if this was the

some more power to increase

outcome than they need to

its efficiency as of a premium

do lot more and also a proper market research as well. n

Performance The HTC Play is powered

Camera

by a 64-bit octa-core

HTC U Play features a 16-

phone. When everything is

MediaTekHelio P10 chipset

megapixel rear camera along

available on the internet one

www.mymobileindia.com

Tried & Tested

burntest

be deadly for this device

haider@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 69

Tried & Tested

burntest

Vivo Y55s

Justifying why numbers don’t matter

side, a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside a microSD slot

on the top, and a clique of lick, simple,

mono speaker, microphone

shiny, and

and microUSB port at

selfie-ace are four cornerstone

and capacitive touch keys

the bottom. Surprisingly,

for recents, home, and back.

the Y55s misses out on a

adjectives which could

seated in a box full of goodies.

These keys are not backlit, but

secondary noise cancellation

substantially elaborate the

The package houses the

one can easily acknowledge

microphone.

relevance of “s” in Vivo Y55s.

handset, a microUSB cable,

the mirror finish beneath

Like other smartphones

a wall charging brick, a pair

which makes them shine

manufactured by Vivo, or its

of flat-faced earphones, a

under light. However, in the

Incredibly fast, delightfully smooth

sister company Oppo, the

protective silicon cover, and

absence of light, users will

While the Y55s is easily

Y55s also affiliates itself

a pre-installed screen guard

have to manage with precision

identifiable as an Oppo

to a camera or shot-centric

to watch against scratches.

as the keys cannot be located

cousin in terms of appearance,

philosophy with impressive

While, the Y55s can be

easily.

the user interface spells a

front and rear shooters. For

acquired with a back panel

a budget-friendly price, you

in Space Gray or Crown

Vivo branding and similar

agility, surprisingly smooth for

can smoothly run a variety of

gold colour, the front face is

mirror finish juts out. In the

any phone in this price range.

applications, fulfil your daily

white in colour, as customary

top left lonesome corner lies

Like most of the Chinese

appetite of pictures, and

to other Vivo devices. The

a 13-megapixel snapper with

manufacturers,

make use of a microSD slot

appearance is enhanced by an

an LED flash. The back is

the Y55s runs a highly

that doesn’t compromise your

ornamental metal line running

sculpted out of metal and

customized interface based on

requirement of two distinct

along the frame.

thus, antenna bands run

Android, Marshmallow in this

across the breadth of the

case. It lacks an App drawer

a 5.2-inch HD display,

rear. The frame houses power

and can be replaced

fundamentals including

button and volume rocker

by third-party launchers from

an ambient light sensor

adjacent to each other, a dual

the Google Play Store, if need

and a proximity sensor, a

SIM card slot (Micro SIM +

be. The UI is adorned with and

5-megapixel selfie camera,

Nano SIM) on the opposite

is capable of choosing themes

SIMs.

Design: Neither inside nor outside the box The Vivo Y55s comes neatly

70 | april 2017

The front face carries

The back panel bears the

wave of freshness and

MYMOBILE

cameras on Y55s perform for modifying of graphic feel on

decently in indoor lighting.

the device.

However, low light photography

Additionally, the swift UI on

To our surprise, as well

is usually grainy, but you

the Y55s allows users to use

to massive 256GB. Graphics

as amusement, some of the

cannot expect much from the

numerous gestures to draw

are handled by Adreno 308

graphics heavy games such

bucks you shell. Images are

applications or trigger actions,

graphics processor and the

as NFS No Limits, Fast Like

convincingly sharp in daylight

even while the screen is

device outperforms reasonable

a Fox, Badland 2, and Big

and good-to-go on Instagram

turned off – making usage

limits.

Hunter ran with little or no lag

without much touching up,

and you can expect a nearly

and resistance to clicking

lag free experience almost

selfies turns into a tough task

every time you pick the phone

to master.

extremely convenient and available features approachable. These inputs include waking screen with a swipe or even by simply pulling it out of your pocket. The UI takes several cues from Apple’s iOS, as evident from its quick settings menu which is to be pulled upwards from down

verdict Looks

08 /10

Neat metal finish, but routine design

Cameras

Crisp rear shots and heart-winning selfies

09 /10 09 /10

Performance

Brisk, rapid and diverse

in your palms. Additionally, the device supports 4G with

Conclusion

VoLTE, which means Reliance

The Vivo Y55s is priced at

Jio works well. The 2,730mAh

Rs 12,480 and at this price,

battery has a pleasant backup

we definitely miss a fingerprint

of almost 26 hours.

scanner while looking at the quintessential mid-range

09 /10

Radiant selfies for radiant smiles

09 /10

The Y55s captures sweet

may not be out of the box,

moments by the virtue of

the performance for the price

a 13-megapixel rear and a

is definitely capable of

5-megapixel selfie camera.

seizing your heart if you don’t

Both the cameras perform

want utter control of your

backed by a 1.4GHz quad-core

strikingly well in surplus

device. The phone is not for

Snapdragon 425 chipset. The

lighting with ample details in

those who want to peek into

internal storage is 16GB while

both rear snaps and selfies.

every nook and corner of

The camera app is laced

system settings to ensure great

with several features to add

performance, but for those

intrinsically add filters, or

who want a smooth and swift

beautify objects and faces. It

interaction with their device

also features a screen flash

without tapping into its soul

for low-light selfies. Ideal

a lot. n

instead of the conventional Android way.

Under the (mighty) hood The smoothness of the UI can be accredited to its 3GB RAM,

only around 10GB is available due to surplus software (including some bloatware) and features pre-installed on the phone. Users can however make the most out of storage by deploying microSD cards up

www.mymobileindia.com

Battery

Seizes over 24 hours per charge

Value For Money

For budding photographers and basic users

OVERALL

PROS 4G with VoLTE, zippy interface

88%

Cons Lack of fingerprint scanner

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

snappers in good lighting, the

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smartphone. However, the design of the Vivo Y55s

tushar@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 71

Tried & Tested

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Nubia Z11 Mini S Beauty but not the beast

s clichéd as

blurred photographs with

sake of social media trends.

vivo V5 Plus in My Mobile’s

you might find

jagged borders washed in

I’ve been shooting with the

lab, as well. A thinner chassis

starting a blog

tones of sepia, or advocate

new Nubia Z11 Mini S for

and the Nubia logo on the

piece around a

“living the moment instead of

quite some time now, while

former are probably the only

camera centric device with

watching it through a phone

using it as my daily driver.

things which distinguish it

the statement, “The best

screen,” I absolutely love

Here’s what I think about it.

from the latter. From similarly

camera is the one that’s with

being able to capture my dog

you,” I can’t stress enough

doing something silly, or click

on how true that is. And no

the picturesque sky on a fine

Design: Fits In Yet Stands Out

matter how much I prefer

evening, or for that matter,

While I was playing with the

module, the Nubia Z11 Mini

reminiscing by looking at

photograph my food for the

Nubia Z11 Mini S, we had the

S has a lot in common with

crafted metal bodies to similarly placed antennae bands and primary camera

the recently launched vivo V5 Plus. However, this was not a deal breaker for me in any way. The Z11 Mini S is one of the better looking smartphones I’ve come across lately. The edges are subtly chamfered towards the front, and curved ever so slightly towards the back. Beautifully built around a 5.2-inch screen, it’s one of the few smartphones I have managed to comfortably operate with my relatively smaller hands. The thin frame only adds to the experience. Despite sporting a rather smooth back panel, the Z11 Mini S does not slip from the hands at all, again credits to its ergonomic design. The phone feels plush to hold

72 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

and the looks do not disagree

module of the device as well,

extreme angles. The screen

with the in-hand feel. While

and that is probably the only

brightness was more than

you might not draw eyes or

thing I didn’t like about the

adequate indoors. However,

turn heads instantly, holding

design. As a fan of shades of

the reflective display and the

the Nubia Z11 Mini S while

gray (only in smartphones), I

bright sun

having a conversation will

found the red ring around the

didn’t go

ensure a question or two about

camera an unnecessary pop

together very

the smartphone. The port and

of colour, breaking the perfect

well, and I had

button placement is more

blend of muted colours such

a few moments of

or less standard. Since it’s a

as the gunmetal of the body,

struggle being out

unibody smartphone, you’ll see

black of the bezels, charcoal

and about in Delhi’s spring

coincide i.e. have

an ejectable SIM/SD card tray

of the logo, and granite of the

afternoons. That said, the

zero phase difference,

on the left edge. The phone

antennae bands. That said,

legibility issues were mostly a

we have a result which is

utilises a USB Type C port,

it’s a negligible factor and

result of direct reflections from

in focus. The technology is

and gets a fingerprint scanner

highly subjective. Another

the harsh sun, and the colours

meant to accelerate autofocus,

on the rear panel. Of the three

small qualm I had as far as the

on the screen didn’t look

which is exactly what happens

capacitive navigation keys the

design of the Nubia Z11 Mini

entirely washed out. The phone

in the case of the Nubia Z11

Nubia Z11 Mini S rocks below

S is concerned is the back,

offers an option to customise

Mini S. The focussing speeds

its display, the home key is a

which is prone to fingerprints

the colour settings as per your

were more than pleasing.

backlit circle in red. You will

and smudges. In a nutshell,

preference. The default colour

However, I can’t say the same

see a similar coloured ring

the Mini S didn’t leave much

settings worked great for me,

about the shutter speed of

around the primary camera

to complain about in terms of

with the hues looking rich yet

the primary camera on the

aesthetics.

balanced. Should you feel

Z11 Mini S. While it wasn’t

the need of tweaking, you can

downright disappoint, it

choose between three presets

wasn’t as quick as a flash. The

verdict Looks

Compact and beautiful

Cameras

Shoots well in almost all lighting conditions

Performance A mixed bag

Battery

09 /10 09 /10

06 /10

Lasts well over a day

08 /10

Value For Money

07 /10

For camera enthusiasts and basic users

OVERALL

PROS Stunning design, good cameras

Display: 5.2 Inches Of Rich Colours

- Glow, Natural, and Standard,

primary camera captures good

The display panel of the

or use the slider which varies

details in broad daylight. Some

Nubia Z11 Mini S sports a

from Cool to Warm tones, to

of the landscape shots turned

resolution of 1,080 x 1,920

customise the display. The

out rather impressive and

pixels. On a screen size of 5.2

Ambient Display feature would

retained a lot of detail even

inches this roughly translates

have been a cherry on the

after zooming in. The colour

to a pixel density of 424ppi,

cake, but overall, watching

reproduction, however, was

which should have been more

movies and playing games on

slightly off and the

than crisp enough, if not

the Nubia Z11 Mini S was fun.

images looked warm toned.

eye-searingly sharp. While

78%

Cons Unrefined UI, shaky performance

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

www.mymobileindia.com

Macro shots were stunning

Z11 Mini S pixelates ever so

Camera: Some Goods, Some Gripes

slightly, when looked at closely.

The Nubia Z11 Mini S sports a

works well, adding just the

However, vivid colours and

23-megapixel primary camera

right amount of contrast

decent black levels make up

which comes aided by an LED

and not making the output

for it, and for the most part,

flash and gets phase detection

look artificial. Low light

the screen looks pleasing

autofocus. In layman’s terms,

photography on the Nubia

to the eyes. The viewing

there are two small phase

Z11 Mini S was disappointing.

angles on this smartphone

detecting sensors for each

There was quite some noise in

are impressive. Neither do

focus point, that receive light

some of the shots, while

the colours fade, nor will

from a subject and assess the

a few others could be

you see hints of other hues,

phase difference. Assuming

worked with. That said, the

when viewing the screen from

there are two rays, and they

primary camera manages

most users might overlook it, I found that the display on the

Tried & Tested

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- flooded with details and bokehed beautifully. The HDR mode on the phone

april 2017 | 73

Tried & Tested

burntest to capture decent amount of colours in dim lighting. The LED flash seemed to slightly burn out the scene sometimes. However, you’ll achieve an evenly lit frame more often than not. Shooting with the Nubia Z11 Mini S during nighttime was a treat. The output had colours and details. I did see some murky textures on zooming in, but that’s mostly a given in case of nighttime mobile photography. The 13MP front camera, much like the one on the back, captures warmer colours. The daylight selfies were sharp enough, but I encountered noise in the ones clicked indoors. The beauty mode was a bit too much and generally made the face look unnatural. The front camera on the Nubia Z11 Mini S is a bit too optimistic as well, and decides it’s a “Smile Shot” even when you’re at your grumpiest. I’ll let you decide if that’s a pro or a con. The default camera app is pretty loaded.

70 | april 2017

Battery, Performance, Software: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly With an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset aided by 4GB of RAM, the Nubia Z11 Mini S enjoys a good processor configuration. There’s an integrated Adreno 506 GPU as well. However, the phone does not utilise all the grunt it has at disposal. Everyday usage was smooth. But there was some sluggishness while browsing the web, shopping online, checking up on social media, playing a few small games, and doing everything else you do on your smartphone on regular days. Switching between apps was decently quick, but I could have done with something relatively faster. I stress tested the device by playing titles like Modern Combat 3: Blackout, Need For Speed: Most Wanted, and N.O.V.A. 3: Freedom Edition. There was a significant loading time, and I came across

MYMOBILE

Tried & Tested

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noticeable lags and jitters

into long gaming or video

get a little overwhelming. It

using a microSD card. I had

during 45 minutes to an hour

streaming sessions. In the

took me some time get used

no issues in terms of signal

long of intensive gameplays.

battery loop test, the Z11 Mini

to a few of them. While it

reception on the phone. The

The overall performance was

S lasted for a little over 13

might sound the easiest, the

call quality was good as well.

not as snappy as I would have

hours, which is a great result.

trickiest one was locking the

liked it to be. Having used

The phone charges from zero

screen by putting my palm

Conclusion

other devices with SD 625

to 100 per cent in around

on it. There were instances of

That was my in depth take on

SoCs and 4 gigs of RAM, I can

a couple of hours with the

accidental navigation as well.

the new Nubia Z11 Mini S.

say the Z11 Mini S could have

bundled charger.

Quite possibly, the myriad of

The device gets a mix of hits

gestures and all the animation

and misses in its bag. It’s a

On the brighter side, the

Android Marshmallow out of

that comes with it, resulted

stylish handset with a beautiful

smartphone didn’t bring forth

the box with Nubia’s custom

in the torpid performance I

display, great battery life, and

any heating issues.

UI on top. While there’s no

complained about earlier. I

a camera which performs well

done better in this department.

The Nubia Z11 Mini S runs

word on when the phone

did enjoy significantly better

in most shooting conditions.

hardware and performance,

will be treated with Android

performance after turning off

The smartphone will set you

I’d like to say the fingerprint

Nougat, the custom skin

all the gestures.

back by Rs 16,999, and at its

scanner on the Nubia Z11

from the company brings in

Mini S wasn’t lightning

a bunch of software features.

of gestures, the Z11 Mini

with the newly launched Moto

fast and refused to read my

You can simply swipe up from

S also offers support for

G5 Plus. The G5 Plus offers

fingerprint half the time. The

the bottom of the display

smart screenshot, and

vanilla OS, that too the latest

smartphone is perfectly sized

to split the screen into two

dual apps. The phone does

version, which is a huge edge

to have a fingerprint reader

windows, and multitask.

come preloaded with some

over the Mini S’ software. The

placed up front, below the

There’s a special feature

apps which might seem

cameras on both the devices

screen. It was slightly tricky to

dubbed “Edge Gestures”,

unnecessary, however, you

perform equally well, while

get my finger in place, since

which allows you to tap or

won’t find much bloatware.

the rest of specifications

the Z11 Mini S is a compact

swipe on the curved vertical

Out of the inbuilt 64 gigs, the

remain same, more or less.

smartphone which made

edges of the display to carry

review unit offered around 52

However, the Nubia Z11 Mini

my finger go right past the

out different functions such

S definitely looks better. If

scanner.

as clearing all the background

gigs for personal use. The Nubia Z11 Mini S is

apps, switching between

a 4G VoLTE enabled device,

grand on a beautiful camera

easily manages to run the

two apps, going back to the

and gets a hybrid dual SIM slot

centric smartphone, and can

device for a day with mixed

previous screen, and adjusting

with support for 4G on both the

do with mixed performance,

usage, but you will have to

the screen brightness.

slots. You can either choose

Nubia Z11 Mini S is the way

plug it back in by the end of

However, the number of

to put in two nano-SIMs or

to go. n

the day if you indulge yourself

available gestures might

expand the storage up to 2TB

While we’re discussing

The battery, at 3,000mAh,

www.mymobileindia.com

Apart from a plethora

price point, competes directly

you’re looking to spend 17

deeksha@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 75

Tried & Tested

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Oneplus Icons

Mathematics of pulchritude and performance Design inbred with courage and prowess of technology:

Each of the four exhaustlike rails (in sets of two for either ear) have concentric

the design to me

incisions radiating bokehs

representation

of luster when looked at under light. The amount

of China - an

of precision and cut on the

amalgamation

Aluminium body make me

of the culturally

feel that the manufacturer

courageous

for these earphones ought

great Wall and

to inch towards a diamond

contemporary highliners of Shanghai and Beijing. The shiny surface will

76 | april 2017

organ piano.

On first impressions, appears to be a

inspiration from pipes of an

business really soon; needless to say that these earphones aesthetically feel more premium than their price. A

compel you to ask the fauxy

complementary leather carry

n an era wherein

“mirror mirror...” question.

pouch adds to brio of parcel.

technologies are

Oneplus can meritoriously

factoried and not

charm buyers with the Icons.

crafted, Oneplus has

The company appears

The comforting factors:

hinted a subtle reminder

to be conscious about the

The earbuds curl towards the

towards art - art which you

elephant opportunities

front at an offbeat angle of

can proudly flaunt. Precisely

in the segment of mobile

51 degrees to easily sneak

cut to even make a few

accessories. The design of the

and sit inside the ear without

precious gems feel envious,

Oneplus Icons seems to me a

battling to come out. The

the Icons are bred out of

consequence of some serious

design factor is an immense

Oneplus’ recently evolved

melodious retrospection. The

convenience, especially

contextual nomenclature.

architecture of the earphones,

during daily struggle in public

(FYI, T in the Oneplus 3T stands for “Turbo.”)

which Oneplus fondly calls asymmetric, has drawn its

transport. The silicone tips seal an

MYMOBILE

auditorium within your ears.

Decoding the analogy of

wondrous, crunchy mids.

the subnormal bass can be

Albeit, we would adore Comply

sound quality on these took me

This doesn’t imply that you

neglected or dealt with using

foam tips, the ones included

a while, because Icons satisfy

won’t hear any base. The

built-in audio equalizers. The

within the package provide

nearly all audiophiliac parts of

audio is rife with it, and the

price of the Icons will play a

sufficient noise isolation to

your personality - I talk about

ear of a non-audiophile might

significant role in deciding

prevent any outside noise

the ones not easily swept off

even overlook the depthless

whether you want to buy them

from conflicting your musical

their feet too. I listened to a

bass. The bass adds to the

or not. n

experience. The Oneplus Icons

bag full of mismated genres,

overwhelming volume of

come with three differently

including Progressive Metal,

the earphones but lacks the

sized pairs of rubber tips.

Sufi fusion, Psychedelic Rock,

essence. Bass-ically, if the

and Grunge. The OnePlus

Oneplus Icons were scaled up

Icons blare when pushed to the

to the size of home theatre size

The in-line controller

highest volume, but without

speakers, the low frequencies

houses three buttons and a

creaking or ringing timid,

would be loud enough distress

microphone. Buttons have

soaring up to as loud as 112

that cranky old

dedicated functions such

decibels. However, extended

man in

as increasing or decreasing

exposure to such loud sounds

volume, answer or reject

can impair hearing, or at

calls, play/pause and fast-

least torment the ear drums,

forward tracks. The remote is

and we recommend against

compatible to the majority of

pandering in these noise

Android smartphones, while

levels.

Shorts and Excesses:

only the play/pause button For this price, we would have

Tracking the sound:

been pleased to witness gold

n The crunchy mids rumble

works in case of Apple devices.

plating on the connector plug

your ears with crisp, striking

- something that is presently

snare drum sounds, speedy

missing.

metal riffs and thick,

Half of the wire of the

profound vocals without

Oneplus Icons is wound with

eroding the clarity of the

thread which prevents it from

sound.

getting tangled, while the

n The treble tenaciously fights

the neighbourhood, but does not have strength (with high

remaining part has rubber

through the remaining

gain) enough to shatter the

coating for the wire, making

sets of frequency and

glass windows through.

it prone to tangling. Thus,

you wouldn’t miss any

Oneplus’ philosophy behind

high-pitched instrument

Conclusion:

engaging intricate solos.

The Oneplus Icons put up

the decision is confusing and obtrusively irritating. We

n The bass, on the contrary,

a dazzling stage show, so

further discuss whether these

vexed the expectations I

aesthetically accomplished

justify the price of Rs 2,999 or

had from this set of looker

that it reminds of the

not, in the following paras.

earphones. While the other

company’s mantra - “Never

two bands of frequencies

Settle” - at least from a

- mids and highs - sound

visual point of view. The

typically confident, lows (or

Icons have mastered the

Once the Icons are deep

bass, as it is known fondly)

sound quality to the level

seated within the ears, they

sound juvenile in front of,

that anyone, not in serious

mousetrap the brain in Plato’s

and struggles to catch up to

business of music, will not

preferred moral law.

the treble and especially the

fail to admire it, as long as

Sound - a burst of pressure waves:

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april 2017 | 77

In focus

snap shot

HTC U Ultra:

Gorgeous looking phone in town at present

HTC has arrived with a bang in the premium segment smartphone category with its new product called HTC U Ultra. The flagship phone sports a big 5.7-inche WQHD display with a dual display of 2 inches for notifications. The liquid surface phone looks stunningly gorgeous because of its premium aesthetics and glass finish, which gives it a global appeal. HTC U Ultra runs on Android 7.0 with HTC Sense on top of it. With 16MP front and 12MP rear camera, it certainly generates the desired photos you might want, while it also does 4K video recording. HTC U Ultra might turn out to be a game changer for the Taiwanese technology giant. Price: Rs 59,990

78 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

HTC U Ultra sports abig 5.7-inches WQHD (2560X1440)screen along with a new Dual Display of 2 inches (160X1040), where you get all the notifications and customize according to your needs. It comes with Gorilla Glass 5 protection to resist the scratches.

The HTC U Ultra runs on Android Nougat 7.0 with HTC Sense on top to maximize the user experience. The HTC Sense Companion, H T C â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s o w n A I , i s definitely going to help in suggesting the thing you would love to do, available via an update.

The smartphone flaunts a 16MP front and a 12MP rear camera, with PDAF, BSI sensor, UlltraPixel technology, dual-tone LED flash etc, to give you the brilliant photos which you would love to showcase. The new selfie camera on HTC U Ultra lets you easily switch between 16MP and UltraPixel, which is ideal for low light conditions.

HTC U Ultra smoothly performs all its tasks thanks to the top notch Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM. It has the storage capacity of 64GB which can be expanded upto 2TB via microSD support. With a battery capacity of 3000 mAh, the HTC U Ultra gives you ample amount of standby despite all your social and outdoor activities you might have, at least for a day. It comes with a Type-C charging mode with Quick Charge 3.0.

HTC U Ultra comes with voice recognition built-in. U Ultra is able to recognize your voice and respond, even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s asleep. You have to say the word to unlock your phone, send messages and even begin hands-free navigation.

In focus

snap shot

4 5 6 7 8 9

HTC U Ultra has four high-sensitivity omnidirectional mics that capture positional sound in your video and audio recordings, which means that now you can record sound in 360 degrees for immersive audio.

It comes with HTC BoomSound Hi-Fi Edition of audio which gives great experience, whether you are listening to music or playing games.

For the connectivity, it has all the latest features such as VoLTE calling, Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, 3G, 2G, and Bluetooth etc.

team@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 79

Great Deals

mobilesensex

bazaar bargain Asus ZenFone 3 Laser

The dual-SIM supporting Asus ZenFone 3 Laser comes with a 5.5-inch full HD display. It is powered by 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. The phone packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. The device sports a 13MP camera on the rear and an 8MP front shooter for selfies. It runs Android 6.0 and is powered by a 3000mAh non removable battery. It measures 149.00 x 76.00 x 7.90 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 150 grams. n

Launched at: Rs 29,990 Current Price: Rs 21,070

Sony Xperia XA Ultra Dual (White)

Launched at: Rs 18,999 Current Price: Rs 16,999

80 | april 2017

The handset features a 6-inch full-HD display with the new Mobile BRAVIA engine 2. It supports dual-SIM (Nano SIM), and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It is powered by a 64-bit MediaTek Helio P10 MT6755 octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM. The phone offers 16GB of inbuilt storage which can be expanded via microSD card (up to 200GB). Sporting a 21.5MP rear camera and 16-megapixel selfie camera, the device packs a 2700mAh battery which delivers up to two days of battery life. It measures 164.2x79.4x8.4mm, and weighs around 202 grams. n

MYMOBILE

Great Deals

mobilesensex

HTC 10 (GOLD, 32GB-4GB RAM) The smartphone comes with a 5.2-inch Quad HD Super LCD 5 display with a pixel density of 564ppi and curved edge Gorilla Glass. Having 4GB of RAM and 32GB of inbuilt storage, it is powered by a Snapdragon 820 SoC. The device supports Nano-SIM cards, runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow with HTC Sense UI, and bears BoomSound stereo speakers. Packed with a 3000mAh battery, it has 12-UltraPixel laser autofocus camera with an f/1.8 aperture, dual tone LED flash, BSI sensor and optical image stabilisation (OIS), and a 5MP frontfacing camera with autofocus and optical image stabilisation (OIS). n

Launched at: Rs 29,999 Current Price: Rs 25,999

Huawei Honor 8 (Sapphire Blue) The phone features a 5.2-inch full-HD display and is powered by an octa-core Kirin 950 processor. It offers 4GB of RAM and 32GB ROM (expandable up to 128GB). The hybrid dual-SIM device runs Android Marshmallow and boasts of 12MP rear dual cameras with dual-tone LED flash and an 8MP front-shooter for selfies. It is powered by a 3000mAh non-removable battery and measures 145.50 x 71.00 x 7.45 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 153 grams. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, USB OTG, FM, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). n Launched at: Rs 52,990 Current Price: Rs 40,000

www.mymobileindia.com

team@mymobile.co.in (Note: Prices are those available at prominent dealers, online and/or offline. They may not reflect official price reductions)

april 2017 | 81

Software

Special feature

The Return of Traditional Gamesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; In Digital Avatar

82 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Software

Specialfeature

t’s kind of poonarjanm (rebirth) for the fading art of traditional games – albeit in digital attire! The gaming

companies are now betting big on traditional games by focusing on bringing digital innovation to traditional Indian games to compete with the western world.

It’s not long back when children would prefer going out and form groups to play games which were officially not recognized to any course curriculum, but were best recreational activities in the neighbourhood and could be played at any vacant place without much expense. Born in 80’s kids must be knowing these traditional sports which they would learn on their own. Although these ancient games are now mostly confined to rural areas, thanks to the digital revolution, coupled with the proliferation of smartphones, the traditional games are finding wider acceptance among current generation as well.

By Ramesh Kumar Raja

www.mymobileindia.com

The local gaming companies are, in fact, busy creating their own space within the gaming segment by virtue of their unique offerings. What’s more, considering the masses and their inability to afford expensive console systems etc, the Android and iOS ecosystems provide a perfect low-cost alternative to expensive gaming systems. By introducing those games to the digital gaming world, Indian gaming companies are trying to connect the common man to the socio-cultural aspects of conventional games which are on the verge of extinction. We have listed down some of the most popular traditional games which are taking the mobile gaming industry by storm in India akin to popular traditional card games such as teen patti, poker and rummy which have already seen many versions on virtual platform.

april 2017 | 83

Software

Special feature

Pachisi

achisi is a cross and circle board game, which originated in 6th century ancient India. It is played on a symmetrical shaped board with

coloured pieces and dice. It is also known as Ludo in

the present day. The game rules demand for the dice to be rolled out for the pieces to move around the board. Each piece moves from a start point, has to complete a round around the board towards the end point. Opponent pieces race you in the round. Should the pieces overlap, players who playing their turn can slash out the piece, sending it back to the starting point. The mobile version comes in handy with this game, should you cheat, no one needs to know. Available from: iTunes App Store Price: Free n

Lagori/Satoliya/Pitthu

his is a game which is typically played outdoors and involves a ball and a set of flat stones/ pebbles placed on top of each other. It is played between two teams, strikers and seekers. A member from

team seekers throws the ball at the pile of stones to knock it over. The seekers then try to restore the pile of stones while the team strikers throw the ball at them. If the ball touches any player of team seekers, they are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and his team continues without him. A seeker can always safeguard himself by touching an opposite team member before the ball hits him. The game has three levels to conquer, in mobile version. The goal in each level is to target and bring down the array of stones, together with shooting all the opponents with a sling while they attempt to stack the stones. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

84 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Software

Specialfeature

Kancha

his game was once famous as a gully sport. Playing with Kancha (marbles) was the shizz among young boys in town and villages of India.

The game has its own modus operandi: played using marbles. The rules were simple, a player is supposed to hit the selected target ‘kancha’ using their own marble ball. The winner takes all the kanchas. But thanks to the virtual version, you’ll never have to worry about losing your marbles again. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

Carrom

idely played among the masses post the World War I, the four player game

carrom or ‘Karrom’ is believed to be invented by the Indian Maharajas. That explains why we aim for the pink coin called ‘queen’, no? A typical

‘strike and pocket’ game designed with three key elements i.e., the board, the coins or coin men and the striker disk. The objective of the play is to use the striker disk to pocket the coins just at the flick of a finger. The first player or team (two players) to pocket all the coins with the queen coin wins. Interestingly, in the digital version, mastering this game is lot easier. This game also allows a multiplayer option on phone apps. Available from: iTunes App Store. Price: Free n

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 85

Software

Special feature

Aadu Puli Aattam

adu Puli Aattam or Lambs and Tigers, was designed to lesson kids on the power of unity and brainstorming. Traditionally it is a brainy game that helps you develop strategy and concept of

teamwork. A typical two player game played on a board with asymmetric pyramid grid (the grids are drawn in various patterns). It is played between two teams; one who controls moves of the aadus (lambs) and the other controls the Pulis’ (tigers) moves. The Pulis’ hunt the aadus and aadus block pulis’ movements as a defence. The virtual version of Aadu Puli Aattam is indeed a great work of artificial intelligence. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

86 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Specialfeature

Software

Gilli Danda his was an all-time favourite of young boys in India. Gilli-Danda is played with a stick and oval-shaped chunk

of wood. The game is a similar to cricket. Generally played by standing in a very small circle of a few people. The player at strike balances the gilli (wooden chunk) on a stone in an inclined manner. The striker is then supposed to hit the gilli using the danda (stick) to flip it in the air. While it is in the air the player strikes the gilli aiming to hit as far one can. To score in a game like this, similar to cricket runs, the player is required and touch a pre-decided point outside the small circleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundaries before the gilli is retrieved by an opponent. In the virtual version, clear each level to be the Super champion of Gilli Danda game. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play

Store. Price: Free n

Gaddira

addira is purely a pass-time game which involves tyre rolling or hoop rolling with a

stick. In ancient India kids ran along rolling tyres on the street. They would roll these unused, old thin tyres or hoops either with bare hands or using a stick. These kids invented a game out of it by performing tricks with the rolling tyre. This then became a regular affair and the game meant keeping the tyre or the hoop rolling upright for longer time. An increase in the appreciation for the touch screen feature is majorly because of such games. In the mobile version, you can play each level multiple times, each time trying different technique to achieve minimum time. Available from: Google Play App Store. Price: Free n ramesh@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 87

In Conversation

face to face

“Both restaurants and diners see great value in our products” Clicktable is venture of the 33 year old, Varun Gupta, a computer engineer from Purdue University, USA and an MBA from Columbia University, New York. For the last 10 years, he has also been involved in his family business – Kent RO Systems Ltd, the largest water purifier brand in India. The idea of Clicktable clicked to him when he was repeatedly denied a reservation because of unavailability at an award-winning restaurant in South Delhi. Realizing that the table availability should be more transparent with prospective diners and finding that nothing like such existed in the Indian market, he decided to do it himself. Excerpts from an interview with Vanshika Malhotra…. What is the core concept surrounding the

casual and fine dining restaurants and it

spent considerable time in the US and

Clicktable app? Clicktable is a mobile app

streamlines management of various front

experiencing such portals over there, I

cum website that allows diners to make

desk tasks like reservations, waitlists, guest

thought that this should be good idea for the

hassle free real-time table reservations at

data and table management, and promotion

Indian market and should have an immense

their favourite restaurants. It also brings to

of events & offers. Both products work on

potential, given the facts that Indian diners

diners the best offers, amazing deals and

both desktop and mobile across different

are spending more time on their smartphones

exciting events at the best restaurants in

operating systems. Our consumer website

than before and the restaurant industry is

town.

has been up and running since last three

growing at a healthy rate.

months. As of now, we get roughly 100,000

Although I studied computer engineering, I

visitors on our website every month.

had lost touch of hands-on programming as

Apart from the consumer facing mobile apps and website, there is a restaurant facing side also called the Empower App. The Empower application is targeted towards

I was involved in a non-IT related role in my How did you get the idea to start Clicktable?

family business for last 10 years. Therefore,

I was trying to get a reservation at an award-

I created a small technology team to carry

winning restaurant in Delhi for quite some

out POCs before we hired the full team for

time but all my attempts were unsuccessful.

product development. Simultaneously,

I wondered, why isn’t there an online

I also reached out to many restaurants in

system which shows table availability to

order to understand their acceptance for a

prospective diners to ease the process of

table and reservation management software.

making reservations at restaurants. Having

The outcomes from the survey helped us to fine-tune our offerings in the software. Thereafter, we spent almost six months to develop the restaurant facing software that allows restaurants to manage tables, reservations, customer data and events & offers. We named it “Empower” because by using the software, a restaurant

88 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

is empowered to offer better customer

were no different. We build this product

chains and 4/5 star hotels. We also started

experience to its diners.

after gathering information from 250+

operations in Bangalore and Mumbai few

We spent roughly a year in selling the

restaurants and we internally believed that

months back. It still early days in those

Empower app to restaurants in Delhi

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a well thought off product.

markets but we have almost 150 restaurants

NCR and simultaneously developed our

But when we launched the restaurant

in above two cities on our platform. We

consumer facing website and mobile apps.

facing app, Empower, in the market, we

are also planning to start operations in

Once a threshold number of restaurants

were taken aback by the resistance shown

Pune and Hyderabad soon. In our target

were using the Empower app in Delhi NCR,

by the restaurants to implement such a

set of restaurants, here are roughly 7000

we launched our consumer facing website

product. They were just not ready to make a

restaurants across 10 big cities of India.

and apps. We also started operations in

paradigm shift from manually managing their

Almost 3 million people dine at these

Bengaluru and Mumbai subsequently.

reservations, waitlist, guest data, etc and

restaurants every month. Our target is to

move to a cloud based product. We quickly

capture 5% of this market in near term. n vanshika@mymobile.co.in

What is the business/revenue mode of

realized that dedicated training to their staff

Clicktable? Consumers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay anything to

mitigated most of their apprehensions and

make reservations through our platform but

thus we started providing unlimited free on-

we charge restaurants to use our software

field training as part of our sign-up process.

and other services.

In fact, unlimited free training is a major USP for us now.

With various competitors already present,

Also, early on we assumed that real-

what is so distinctive about the app? Before

time confirmation of reservations would

plunging in this venture, we analysed that

be enough to generate enough traction

other players were offering table reservation

for reservations but after launching our

service but they were using a call-centre

consumer website, we soon realized that

based solution for confirming such

Indian diners are mostly value driven and

reservations. Also, they did not offer any

offers/deals is their highest priority while

software solution to restaurants to manage

making reservations. We quickly had to

reservations at the restaurant end. Hence,

rework our product to ensure that deals and

it was a completely one sided offering with

offers are more prominent on our website

virtually no focus on solving restaurant

and app.

In Conversation

face to face

related issues. Please tell us about your future How has been your entrepreneurship journey

expansion plans.We started out

so far? The journey has been good so far.

of Delhi NCR. Today we have

Users, both restaurants and diners, see value

roughly 800 restaurants

in our products. The restaurant user base is

on our platform. We have

diversified in terms of product usage. Not

been successful in

many restaurants use all available modules;

tapping standalone

they cherry-pick what suits their needs.But

restaurants and

we so have many restaurants who swear by

now our focus

our product as the Empower App has eased

has shifted on

front desk operations significantly in these restaurants. Consumer website and apps are fairly new in the market but we are getting healthy response from diners on it. Please tell us about the major challenges that you have faced in launching this venture? The biggest challenge was the difference between expectations and reality. I think many start-ups go through this and we

www.mymobileindia.com

march 2017 | 87

Internet of Things

market insight

Feature phones are here to stay and bloom too! More than half a billion LTE capable phones in a feature phone form-factor will be shipped globally over the course of five years and India will be driving the global feature phone shipment in the coming years. And this presents a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big short-term opportunityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for the hardware players in the Indian mobile industry.

90 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

ore than 400 million feature phones were sold globally in 2016 and we saw smartphone market

growth slow down to 3% YoY, portraying that the easy days of smartphone growth are over. The smartphone growth slowing down and the feature phone decline slowing down is the polarization of market in terms of technology as well as user 4G capable feature phones with the core

Global 4G Feature Phone Shipments & ASP (US$)

value proposition being VoLTE calls and networks. A Counterpoint Research study points out that more than half a billion 4G capable feature phones will be sold over the next five years which presents a ‘big short-term opportunity’ for players in the mobile industry.

Digital Divide Currently, there are more than 1.3 billion feature phone users out there mostly from emerging markets of Asia and Africa. All these emerging markets are suffering from

$60 Global 4G Feature Phone Shipments

move the users to the cost efficient 4G

$40

100.0

$20

0.0

$0 2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Average Selling Price (US$)

base. This is making a case for the rise of

Internet of Things

marketinsight

2021

polarization of technology and economy, says the study. On one end, we are seeing rising growth of advanced 4G networks, 4G smartphones and data-centric 4G users but on the other end we have 2G voice networks, 2G feature phones and 2G voice-centric users delaying to upgrade to a 4G smartphone. 3G networks, smartphones, users are being actually squeezed out of the market. The digital divide is also a function of demographic divide where most of the 2G user base are refraining from upgrading to advanced 4G ecosystem mainly due to firstly the pricing, lack of literacy in many cases, lack of need for the mobile internet and related applications as well as a mind block of a steep learning curve to upgrade to a 4G smartphone. Voice calls and texts remains the king. Thus, the

www.mymobileindia.com

advent of 4G capability in a feature

“As most of these 4G feature phones will sport a feature phone form-factor with absence of touchscreen and in many cases with no appstore to download apps, there will be opportunities to pre-install many apps and services (music, chat, social networks) which could leverage the Linux or forked AOSP running underneath as well as the 4G data network”

phone form-factor primarily for low-power voice-centric users will at least leapfrog them to 4G networks says the study. In markets, such as India, operators such as Reliance Jio are attracting lots of rural 2G users to leapfrog to its 4G network by offering free unlimited VoLTE calls.

4G & Spectrum The 4G network is viewed as quite cost efficient with scale from cost per bit and spectral efficiency perspective. Operators want as many users from legacy generation to migrate to 4G quickly. While it is not only for cost savings, capacity utilization but also freeing up the valuable lower frequency 2G spectrum for re-farming in to 4G

april 2017 | 91

Internet of Things

market insight In terms of hardware revenues, it’s a USD 6 billion opportunity cumulatively over the next five years in India

or 5G era. Secondly, once users are on

absence of touchscreen and in many cases

4G network even for voice (VoLTE) calls,

with no app-store to download apps, there

would be Central Eastern Europe, Africa

operators have opportunity to cross-sell

will be opportunities to pre-install many

and parts of Asia.

data plans, services and always can help

apps and services (music, chat, social

This opportunity though remains in sub

drive the ARPU.

networks) which could leverage the Linux

USD 50 segment and the lowest retail price

or forked AOSP running underneath as

point it could hit with scale and without

well as the 4G data network.

subsidy is USD 25 over the next few years

4G Feature Phones will be a good interim boost for operators to migrate users from 2G to 4G networks. This also means

92 | april 2017

markets which will be ripe for this segment

and with subsidy could go to as low as USD

new growth avenue for component vendors

Market Opportunity

to drive 4G IP as well as other components

Counterpoint study estimates close to

In terms of hardware revenues, it’s a

to lower price points. In the study points out

60 million units of 4G capable feature

USD 6 billion opportunity cumulatively

that this high growth segment would lead a

phones could ship this year globally from

over the next five years in India. Key players

race to the bottom in terms of pricing being

almost a million units last year with India

to watch out in this segment are Micromax,

in the most competitive/sensitive sub USD

potentially contributing to almost half of

itel, Lava, Jio, Nokia and so forth.

50 segment. This in turn will put immense

that this year. Close to 200 million 4G

Chipset brands such as Qualcomm

pressure on the Bill of Materials (BoM)

Feature phones will potentially be sold in

with its latest Qualcomm 205 platform

costs for every value chain stakeholders.

India in next five years bridging the digital

specially designed for 4G LTE Feature

This will also warrant for newer business

divide, an opportunity for OEMs as well as

Phones is poised to drive growth starting

models to drive revenue to help especially

Operators.

end of Q2 2017. Spreadtrum should

15 or free in some markets.

OEMs and Operators to make up for any

In the process, we could see the

follow soon driving the prices further

lapse of the already thin margins on these

smartphone market growth might

down. Though here we at My Mobile would

devices – through content, app installs,

slow down a bit as the laggard feature

like to add that Spreadtrum had long

services partnerships and so forth.

phone users who eventually would have

before already launched SC9820 which

As most of these 4G feature phones

purchased a smartphone will delay the

was the 1st LTE feature phone chipset. n

will sport a feature phone form-factor with

purchase for the 4G feature phone. Other

team@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

“As per the telecom Sector Skill Plan of the Department (DoT), the telecom sector manpower of four million in 2016-2017 would grow to 8.78 million by 2021-22 creating additional requirement of 4.78 million telecom skilled manpower”

— Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Telecommunications, in Rajya Sabha

Quotes

cellspeak

“The competition in the (telecom) industry has been brutal over the last 20-25 years and we are used to it. We are products of competition and so that does not faze us”

— Gopal Vittal, CEO, Bharti Airtel, in an interview with ET Now

“I regard it (augmented reality) as a big idea, like the smartphone. The smartphone is for everyone, we don’t have to think the iPhone is about a certain demographic, or country or vertical market: it’s for everyone. I think AR is that big, it’s huge. I get excited because of the things that could be done that could improve a lot of lives. And be entertaining” — Tim Cook, Apple CEO, in an interview with The Independent

“It gives me immense pleasure to be working with the most exciting technology brand in India, OnePlus, a truly disruptive technology company known for its premium quality and craftsmanship”

— Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood Superstar, on his association with OnePlus

www.mymobileindia.com

“Indian telcos have delivered ubiquitous voice connectivity at affordable rates, but data connectivity remains a painpoint with the country ranked at 138 among the 175-odd countries, which is even below many African countries and island nations” — R S Sharma, TRAI Chairman, at a telecom event in New Delhi april 2017 | 93

Rumour Mill

Talk

in Tech Corners

Sachin Tendulkar to launch his signature smartphones

Salman Khan eyes smartphone market with ‘BeingSmart’ brand

Google working on non-Pixel budget smartphone

If rumours are to be believed, Smartron, the home-bred technology and IoT company, is all set to launch an exclusive Sachin Tendulkar-branded mobile phone in April, the birth month of the cricket legend. This will be the first-ever signature series of Tendulkar for a mobile phone brand. According to news reports quoting industry sources, the master blaster was recently spotted shooting at a studio in Mumbai for Smartron that is working on their next device under the project name “Rimo SRT”. This will be their third device in less than a year, earlier ones being the t.phone and t.book. The device, that was seen being used during the shoot, appeared to have back fingerprint sensor and cricketing legend’s signature. The company, however, declined to comment on it stating that “we will in due course of time announce a range of devices in mobile, laptop, wearable segment”. It must be noted that the company had close ties with Tendulkar in 2015.

After owning the Being Human clothing brand, named after his Being Human Foundation, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is said to be venturing into the smartphone business. According to reports, Khan is dialing a raft of investors for his smartphone venture, in which he may take a majority shareholding directly or through his family. He is reportedly building an operational management team to be headed by a professional with leadership stints at Samsung and Micromax. The reports, quoting two unidentified industry sources, said that the Dabangg actor has registered the BeingSmart trademark for smartphones targeted at the entry-to-middle market segment. He has also selected the Chinese plant and initial phone models that will run on Android and cost below Rs 20,000. If reports are to be believed, BeingSmart will be positioned against the Chinese smartphone brigade – Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi.

Ever since Google CEO Sundar Pichai dropped the bombshell that the smartphone prices need to come down to as low as $30 (roughly Rs 2,000) in India to improve access to the Internet, speculations are rife that the search giant is coming up with a budget smartphone, though without the Pixel brand. According to reports quoting a tipster, the same team that is currently working on Pixel 2 smartphone is also working on this budget smartphone. The budget smartphone, which can possibly be an Android One device, is not expected to be released in the US and is being developed with emerging markets in mind. Considering that Google has clarified that the Pixel 2 smartphone will remain in the premium category, this new rumour seems to make much more sense. It must be noted that the rumours of a budget Pixel smartphone were put to rest by the company at MWC 2017.n

94 | april 2017

team@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

Things you may not know about Amit Gupta, the maverick technology entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Photojojo

hances are that you have heard of Photojojo, one of the most popular online

Profile

personality

market places for photography gear and photo-sharing as well. Chances are equally that you may not have really heard about its maverick young co-founder Amit Gupta, a young American of Indian origin, and his

struggles with successive cancer threats – first with his mom and then himself when he was diagonised with leukemia. The real challenging part was that as an Indian in US, his chances of finding the right bone marrow donor was only 1 in 20,000.! But remaining positive, he used the power of social media, which once he had used to launch many a successful ventures, to crowd source a bone marrow donor. His search has sparked the attention of several celebrities like Aziz Ansari, Anderson Cooper, Salman Rushie, and Craig Newmark of Craigslist. Major companies like Google, Amazon, Adobe, and Twitter have also held drives at their offices in Gupta’s honor. In the process he himself became a celebrity too and a ‘Hope Icon’ for leukemia patients.

Amit likes to call himself : “A designer & entrepreneur and occasional investor & advisor”

Amit’s advise to start-up entrepreneurs : “I suggest people be a little more openminded about the business in front of them and see if they can do it on their own”. Gupta walks the walk himself (As told to Katie Morell, a freelance writer

The man with many feathers: Amit launched

and editor during an interview), as he

a worldwide co-working movement known

has never taken a dime of outside money.

as Jelly; helped Seth Godin start a non-profit

Even more impressive is his ability to

called ChangeThis; organized unusual tech

build several companies while facing the

conferences; camped overnight in Times

biggest challenge of his life: surviving

Square; started a co-op called House 2.0;

acute leukemia.

lived in a commune; wrote a book about photography; contributed to a WSJ best-seller with Malcolm Gladwell; Guy Kawasaki and others; dropped out of school at 19 to start a company called The Daily Jolt, and survived leukemia. n

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 117

Trends

In Focus

The Age of Drones

Drones are taking the world by storm and that too despite prohibitive regulations or half-baked regulations on its usage in many countries around the world. A recent Gartner study says almost 3 million personal and commercial drones will be shipped in 2017!

elcome to the age of

growth, but the dynamics of the personal

drones! As per a recent

and commercial submarkets are very

Gartner study, the

different.

production of drones for

Personal drones will continue to

personal and commercial use is growing

increase in popularity as an affordable

rapidly, with global market revenue

extension of consumers’ smartphones for

expected to increase 34 percent to reach

taking photographs and selfies and for other

more than $6 billion in 2017 and grow to

entertainment options. They can fly a short

more than $11.2 billion by 2020. Almost

distance and time, typically no more than

three million drones will be produced in

5,000 meters and for one hour, with flight

2017, 39 percent more than in 2016 (See

height constrained to within 500 meters.

Table 1).

They weigh less than 2 kilograms and are

The study points out that even though

96 | april 2017

priced less than $5,000.

the civil markets (personal and commercial)

The market for commercial drones is

have been wading through regulation by

much smaller, with a significantly higher

various governments, drones’ popularity

average selling price in comparison with

in these markets has not diminished. The

personal drones. With more countries

overall drone market will see substantial

solidifying their drone regulations, the

“Personal drones will continue to increase in popularity as an affordable extension of consumers’ smartphones for taking photographs and selfies and for other entertainment options”

MYMOBILE

markets are increasingly overlapping, as

Preliminary Worldwide PC Vendor Unit Shipment Estimates for 4Q16 (Thousands of Units)

lower-priced personal devices are being used for commercial ventures,” said Gerald Van Hoy, senior research analyst at Gartner. “Personal drone vendors are now aggressively trying to position themselves in the commercial market. Recent technological advances blur the lines, allowing personal drones to be used in many special-purpose applications such as surveillance, 3D mapping and modeling.”

“The commercial and personal drone markets are increasingly overlapping, as lower-priced personal devices are being used for commercial ventures. Personal drone vendors are now aggressively trying to position themselves in the commercial market”

In commercial markets, new case studies are released regularly, showing savings in both costs and time, as well

2016

2017

2,041.9

2,817.3

110.3

174.1

Total Units

2,152.2

2,991.4

Total Unit Growth

60.3%

39.0%

Personal Commercial

Source: Gartner (February 2017)

as highlighting increased accuracy and quality. Agriculture was considered to be the first big commercial drone market, but pricing and economic dynamics around tighter yields and returns on investment mean that the commercial agricultural drone market is not growing at the pace of other commercial drone markets. Gartner predicts that through 2020, the high cost sensitivity of the agriculture market

In Focus

Trends

segment to dominate with 30 percent of the commercial drone market through 2020. Delivery drones continue to capture the attention of the news media but will not be a major factor for several years. The return on investment has not been proven either in regard to the cost of the drone, operational costs and a single customer delivery. “Delivery drones will be mired in

“Delivery drones continue to capture the attention of the news media but will not be a major factor for several years”

– Gerald Van Hoy, Senior Research Analyst, Gartner market is beginning to stabilize, and

will limit drone adoption to 7 percent of

logistical issues like the time needed

companies are now buying drones to

commercial market growth.

to return a drone to its origin point after

test and deploy in nearly every industry.

Industrial inspections have been much

delivery, and will amount to less than 1

Commercial drones normally have a higher

more successful, primarily in oil and gas,

percent of the commercial market by

payload, longer flight times, and redundant

energy, infrastructure and transportation.

2020,” said Van Hoy. “We expect that

sensors and flight controllers to make

Regulations do not have as much of an

delivery drones will begin finding a niche

them safer. They are more specialized

impact on the market as was originally

in business-to-business applications first,

to a function, such as mapping, delivery

thought. Most inspections are close

particularly for internal services within one

or industrial inspection, so prices vary

(within three meters) and low since they

company where logistics will not be such

according to these requirements.

are examining equipment that is near or on

a big factor.” n

“The commercial and personal drone

www.mymobileindia.com

the ground. Gartner expects the inspection

team@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 97

In Focus

spotlight

What’s so Hot about Thermal Imaging? And here are few good reasons to buy CAT S60, world’s first thermal imaging smartphone.

By Vanshika Malhotra

s mobile photography

been launched in India, with a price tag

the subject, using the infrared radiations

continues to trend with

of Rs 64,999. The fact that the CAT S60

or simply put - the heat emitted by the

concepts like dual cameras

costs more than half a lakh with features

object. The output, thus produced,

being a commercial success

which might not seem as a 20MP front

is called a thermogram. The images

among users, a British company is silently

camera, has probably left you wondering

produced vary, depending upon the

trying to break the norms by introducing

why you should be even reading about the

temperature of the subject in the image. In

the world’s first smartphone equipped with

device. Let us break it down for you.

broad sense, images showing silhouettes

a thermal camera, for the masses. The CAT S60 is as niche a product as

98 | april 2017

What is thermal imaging?

in shades of red are warm or hot in nature, while the ones with tones of blue or

it can get. Unveiled by the Bullitt Group at

Starting with the basics, thermal imaging

purple are just the opposite, that is, cold

last year’s MWC, the smartphone has now

is referred to capturing or detecting

in nature.

MYMOBILE

What’s hot about CAT S60?

but is an amalgamation of a thermal

The smartphone utilises a thermal

imaging sensor and a bunch of other

Why should you buy the CAT S60?

imaging sensor by FLIR, which is a global

military grade specs, making it a

But hey, these are extremely technical

leader in the field. But, the Cat S60

‘rugged’ smartphone. What is a rugged

things we’re talking about here. And we

does not only house a thermal camera,

smartphone, you ask? Rugged smartphones

don’t think technology is only limited to

are basically designed with capabilities

jargons which result in reluctance. If you think the CAT S60 can be prove to be of no use to you, here are a few tricks you can

try with the device. Cat S60 is not only the If your pet is a trickster first smartphone with thermal and likes to play dead, you camera but is also an amalgamation can use the S60 to find out the truth and spare of a thermal imaging sensor and a bunch yourself the mini heart of other military grade specs, making it a attack. And if there’s ‘rugged’ smartphone. And to qualify as a something strange, in your neighbourhood. rugged smartphone the device has to have Who you gonna call ? the capabilities to protect itself from water, CAT S60! dust, heat or shock and should come While we do not endorse carrying only a smartphone with military-grade indemnity with thermal imaging sensor against these.

In Focus

spotlight

in a situation of paranormal

phenomenon, it’s a start. Considering to protect the device from water, dust, heat or shock. They come with military-grade indemnity against the aforementioned factors.

Mainstream uses of thermal imaging There are a few regular use cases this robust smartphone combined with its thermal imaging potentiality can be utilised for. The camera on the device can cut through the smoke helping firefighters detect people stuck in a fire hazard. The camera setup could also be handy for technicians trying to find overheated joints in power lines to prevent potential damage. The technology is indispensable to construction industry for fixing the thermal insulation issues or air conditioning problems. The medical sector can also benefit from the technology for vascular diseases and breast thermography, for all such diseases require thermal imaging tech for their detection or monitoring.

www.mymobileindia.com

what paranormal investigators say is true, the CAT S60 might just tell you about an unwanted invisible visitor by showing a cold entity in shades of blue. Did you know your emotions affect your body temperatures? Next time your significant other says, “I’m fine”, You could use the CAT S60 to just double check. If the thermogram has more reds in it than blues and greens, you might have a little more apologising to do. Targeting a specified lot of people, a rugged smartphone coupled with a thermal imaging camera has thin chances of becoming a mainstream device. However, apart from serving the aforementioned technical purposes, the CAT S60 could become popular among frequent travellers and adventurers or people who fancy hoarding unusual thing. If Bullitt Group ever decides to disclose the sales figures, we’ll know how much of a commercial success this unconventional smartphone was. Till then, happy ghost hunting! n vanshika@mymobile.co.in

april 2017 | 99

In Focus

Tech Trend

Artificial Intelligence to have dramatic impact on business by 2020 According to a recent TCS global trend study, majority of companies see AI as critical to competitiveness and an essential transformative tool to remaining competitive in future.

he biggest and the best organizations across the world are taking to artificial intelligence in a big big way to remain competitive and to

transform themselves in tune with the demands of time. This has been revealed by a latest research conducted by the global IT and consulting major Tata Consultancy Services in a trend study titled “Getting Smarter by the Day: How AI is Elevating the Performance of Global Companies”. The study explored the views and actions of decision makers from global companies with average revenues of USD 20 billion. The study polled 835 executives across 13 global industry sectors in four regions of the world. The study has revealed that AI is spreading across almost all areas of a company. The biggest adopters of AI today are, not surprisingly, IT departments, with two-thirds (67%) of survey respondents using AI to detect security intrusions, user issues and deliver automation. However, by 2020, almost a third (32%) of companies believe AI’s greatest impact will be in sales, marketing or customer service, while one in five (20%) see AI’s impact being largest in non-customer facing corporate functions, including finance, strategic planning, corporate development and HR. Companies participated from a range of industries, including automotive, banking and financial services, energy, healthcare, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, and retail. This cross-sector level of insight highlighted

100 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

AI’s workplace impact as an important

impact of this transformative force. This is

supplemental force for the next few years.

reflected in our Global Trend Study, which

Examples include guiding customer

shows that forward-thinking companies are

service representatives to more quickly

beginning to make major AI investments,”

resolve customer problems and anticipate

said K Ananth Krishnan, Chief Technology

future purchases, quickly and securely

Officer of TCS. “Given the increasing digital

reconciling mass overnight transactions

disruption across every industry and the

for financial institutions, or giving time

public sector, AI should become a key and

back to HR professionals by managing the

integrated component of an organization’s

time consuming on-boarding processes for

strategy.”

new hires.

in the study estimated net reductions in

Clear correlation between investments in AI and business impact

each function by 2020 of between 4% and

As AI becomes a mainstream technology,

7%. However, companies with the biggest

financial investments in AI are set to rise,

revenue and cost improvements from AI

as 7% of companieseach earmarked at

see the need for at least three times as

least $250 million toward AI in 2016 and

many new jobs in each function by 2020

2% already plan to invest more than $1

because of AI, as compared to companies

billion by 2020 – likely looking to gain a

with the smallest AI-related revenue and

competitive advantage as early adopters.

As for the ongoing debate regarding AI’s impact on jobs, business executives

cost improvements. AI is already being

The Global Trend Study revealed a clear

used to automate certain processes and

correlation between investments in AI and

drive efficiencies, help employees be more

business impact. The companies that

productive and devote more time to more

realized the greatest AI-related revenue

strategic business needs, and create new

improvements and cost reductions spent

work and services that were not possible

five times more on the technology than

in the past.

the companies with the lowest AI-related

“As companies begin to gain a better

revenue and cost improvements. In

understanding of AI’s application for

turn, leaders generated average revenue

business, they will realize the significant

increases of 16% from AI initiatives in

n 84%

of companies polled see the use of AI as “essential” to competitiveness, with a further 50% seeing the technology as “transformative.

68% of companies use AI for IT functions, but 70% believe AI’s greatest impact by 2020 will be in functions outside of IT such as marketing, customer service, finance and HR. Companies with the greatest financial improvements from AI investments expect three times as many new AI-related roles by 2020 as compared to companies with smallest improvements

www.mymobileindia.com

In Focus

tech trend

“Given the increasing digital disruption across every industry and the public sector, AI should become a key and integrated component of an organization’s strategy” – K Ananth Krishnan, Chief Technology Officer, TCS

2015 versus 2014, whereas laggards

moving forward, the other key factors

saw a modest 5% revenue growth. At a

include developing cognitive systems

regional level, North American companies

that continually learn, have the ability to

were the leading investors in AI in 2015,

make reliable and safe decisions based on

with an average per-company spend of

masses of data, and gain the confidence

$80 million, followed by Europe with $73

of managers to trust what AI is advising

million, Asia-Pacific with $55 million and

them to do. n

Latin America with $51 million.

Cyber security top of mind when adopting AI Executives participating in the Global Trend Study across all regions and sectors rated the top four factors as most important to AI gaining widespread acceptance and driving business benefits. Almost seven out of 10 (68%) companies currently use AI to detect and prevent potential hacks and security threats to their systems. And

team@mymobile.co.in TCS 2017 Global Trends Study The seventh annual Global Trends Study from TCS titled “Getting Smarter by the Day: How AI is Elevating the Performance of Global Companies”, surveyed 835 leading executives from companies in four global regions, with an individual mean annual turnover of $20bn. The four regions surveyed were North America (including Canada), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Denmark and Switzerland), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Australia, and Japan) and Latin America (Brazil and Mexico).The study was concluded in June 2016.

april 2017 | 101

Software

Special feature

Selfie Boosters-

Apps that work best

102 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Every day more than 350 million photos are uploaded on Facebook and over 95 million pictures are posted on Instagram, with a monumental number of them being selfies with family, friends and colleagues. Behind this there is a consciousness to look good. Hence, here comes the role of apps that refine your look and define your style statement, so much so that you invite ‘Like’ from all quarters. Read for more detail…

Software In Focus

Specialfeature special Report

By Ramesh Kumar Raja

ove it or hate it, selfies are now a modern norm of our digital life. There was a time when we had to be mostly dependent on others

to click our photo, or had to set a timer in our camera with proper positioning to get a good picture, although it was not sure it would be a perfect shot. But not now! Thanks to the photo editing apps and selfie filters, things have become easy enough to develop your pic as per your mood and the way you wish. The best selfie apps help you look like you’ve photographed yourself in the best lighting every time, blurs your imperfections and can even slim your face the morning after a late night of partying. What’s more, there are apps that even slim down your body, so you don’t have to spend hours trying to get the right angle. In the age of social media when every action or reaction is instant, such is the craze of clicking a selfie and getting the right picture that people look for a reason to celebrate the very moment in their newsfeeds. Be it on the road, car, train, restaurant, shopping mall or even in washrooms, there is not even a single place in your surroundings that is free from the selfie mania. Cashing in on the trend are the apps that help you put your best face forward by editing and filtering grey areas. We have listed down some most commonly used apps that complement your selfie and give you the right shot.

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 103

Software

Special feature

CamMe

lbows and hands can be distracting, especially when they’re protruding

out of the corner of your selfie. CamMe is designed to eliminate unwanted appendages from the frame, allowing you to capture your selfie with a simple hand gesture. Once launched, you merely need to place your smartphone anywhere between two and 16 feet away before raising and closing your hand to activate the camera. Editing functions come secondary. Available from: iTunes App Store Price: Free n

Retrica

f you thought Instagram had the filter market on lockdown, think again. Retrica features more

than 100 different real-time filters – ranging from retro offerings to those designed to saturate your selfie with a warm, neon glow – all of which you can outfit with an array of classic vignettes. The collage feature and the built-in timer grant you even more options for capturing the perfect set of poses, even if you can’t edit them directly within the app. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

104 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Software

Specialfeature YouCam Perfect

ouCam Perfect was built with the selfie in mind, whether

talking

the

beautification tools or tips. The app’s basic functionality allows you to eradicate wrinkles, dry skin, and other imperfections within seconds, while the software’s more aggressive options let you re-shape various aspects of your body such as your nose, eyes, and even your relative body proportions. It’s the visual

equivalent to plastic surgery, sans the cost. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

Selfie Cam

elfie Cam is the Snapchatminded selfie app. This app enables you to decorate your

selfies with stickers, animated graphics, and much more. Selfie Cam features a rotary-style control, which allows you to quickly scroll through and customize your photos with ease. The app also takes full advantage of face-detection technology — iOS 7 or higher — and lets you activate the shutter with nothing but your smile. The built-in timer just means you can perfect your posture beforehand. Available from: iTunes App Store. Price: Free n

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 105

Software

Special feature

Perfect365

hat separates Perfect365 from similar apps in our roundup isn’t the toolset, but its native

ability to adjust the intensity of each effect using a slider. Furthermore, it’s lined with a melange of celebrity-inspired templates and 20 different tools aimed at beautifying your selfie, regardless if you’re set on trying a new pair of lashes or adjusting your skin tone. Again, it’s the intensity slider that keeps you from looking overly airbrushed. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

VSCO Cam

SCO Cam is a standout for many reasons, but none more so than its collection

of post-shot adjustments. Designed with a sleek, attractive interface, the app excels when it comes to applying brightness, contrast, warmth, and sharpness tweaks on the fly. Additionally, it touts a diverse assortment of filters designed to enhance your photos rather than make them appear as though they were shot using a vintage Holga from the ’80s. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

106 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Fiverr Faces

f you just can’t get your selfie to look the way you want, consider turning it into an illustration.

Fiverr, a service that allows you hire

Software

Specialfeature

illustrators on demand, recently launched an app designed to turn your selfies into cartoons, impressionist paintings, and other works of art. Simply upload an image, or take a new one within the app, and choose from the various style templates. Starting at $10 an image, a professional artist will then illustrate your photo for you within a few days. Available from: iTunes App Store. Price: Free n

Frontback

rontback is far more concerned with supplying context than it is touch-up

tools. The app uses the front and back cameras to create a single, two-photo diptych that showcases both what you’re seeing in front of you and that soulful expression on your face. It’s essentially a double selfie of sorts, one you can effortlessly share, using the usual social avenues once you’ve managed to land the appropriate face for the occasion at hand. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 107

Software

Special feature PIP Camera

he PIP Camera app includes several templates to help you crop your latest selfie. The various frames utilize the pic-in-pic format, allowing

you to emblazon your face inside a variety of objects, including a bubble, a Polaroid, and a glass bottle. The latter is the literal, digital equivalent of a message in a bottle. Take your selfie to the next level by going full Droste Effect and mess with your friends’ minds. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n

Camera+

lthough Camera+ wasn’t specifically

timer function. Moreover, there’s enough variation

designed for capturing selfies, it remains

between the preset filters, borders, and scenes

one of the premiere camera app for iOS. The

modes to appease even the most fickle of high-school

software gives you a wider range of exposure controls

teenagers.

and a slew of advanced settings, such as those for

Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store.

applying a continuous flash, 6x digital zoom, and a

Price: $3n

108 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Specialfeature

Software

FaceTune he aptly-titled FaceTune gives you the means to quickly retouch your self

portraits, letting you whiten your teeth, remove red-eye, colour grey hairs, and refine your jaw line in addition to a plethora of other tasks. The app can also blur the background to place you in focus, and if you happened to just roll out of bed, you can use it to apply eye shadow, lipstick, and other makeup. Want even more editing tools? Check out FaceTuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new sibling app, Enlight, which offers facebeautifying adjustments along with Photoshop-like editing. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: $4 n

Photo Editor by Aviary

hoto Editor by Aviary basically falls between Camera+ and FaceTune. It

offers a host of solid after-effects for tweaking your selfies within a streamlined interface, letting you stylize your photos with an abundance of purchasable filters and content. Best of all, it conveniently houses tools for whitening your teeth and eliminating unwanted blemishes, along with options for adding captions and turning your vainish selfies into memes. Available from: iTunes App Store, Google Play Store. Price: Free n ramesh@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 109

Subscription Final New gift March New offer-1.qxd

11/21/2016

5:51 PM

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Mobile Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flagship Magazine

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Address - # 25, 1st Floor, Shankar Market, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110001. Phone: 011-46206161, 41081012/13, Fax: 011-41520637 Terms and Conditions: The offer is valid in India only. Gift will be deliverd within a month after clearing of the cheque.Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for processing your subscription. Any request for cancellation of subscription will not be entertained. Copies will be sent by ordinary post. The actual model of Subscription gift may vary from the model shown above. This subscription offer is valid till stocks lasts. All disputes subject to competent courts of Delhi only.

MY GUIDE While My Mobile tries to ensure accuracy in the pricing and features any discrepancies that may emerge are beyond our control. Please check with the retailer about features of the phone before buying. Feel free to update us.

(Last updated on March 22, 2017) Disclaimer : The prices quoted in My Guide are the Best Buy prices quoted by the respective companies, ex-Delhi. The prices may vary on account of promotional schemes or dealer discretion.

Devices featured in the My Guide have been segregated into different categories based on price and colour-coded as:

Up to Rs. 2,499 Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999 Rs. 6,000 – Rs. 9,999 Rs.10,000 – Rs. 14,999 Rs.15,000 – Rs. 19,999 Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 29,999 RS. 30,000 and above. Tablets

Spreadtrum—ST Intel Atom—IA Qualcomm Snapdragon—QS MediaTek—MT MediaTek Helio—MTH

MYGUIDE UP TO RS. 2,499

UP TO RS. 2,499

MODELS

UP TO RS. 2,499

PARAMETERS

HITECH

I-SMART

ITEL

Pride 350

IS-102

IS-100L Selfie

IS-209

IS-207 Klick

IS-210

Smart Selfie it2180

2.8/-

1.8/128 x 160

2.4/ 240 x 320

1.77/ 240 x 320

Dimension (mm)

131 x 58 x 10.2

112 x 48.5 x 13

112 x 46.5 x 13.5

118 x 51.7 x 9.9

122.5 x 52 x 15.6

127.5 x 53 x 14.2

114.5 x 49.3 x 14.2

Weight (grams)

100

110

Processor/RAM

ST 6531DA/NA

NA/No

260MHz/32Mb

Nucleus

32+32MB/-

NA/8GB

NA/16GB

32Mb/32GB

Digital camera/No

Digital Camera/ Digital Camera

1.3 MP/No

0.08MP/0.08MP

Model Display (inches/res)

Operating system Storage/Expandable

Digital Camera/ Digital Camera

Rear/Front Camera

1.3 MP/NA

Digital camera/No

Battery (mAh)

1800 mAh

850

1,000

1,800

3,000

1,000

2G/3G/4G

Yes/No/No

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Oct, 2016

July, 2016

Sept, 2016

Aug, 2016

April, 2016

1,549

730

780

1,299

1,110

1,380

949

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

UP TO RS. 2,499

MODELS

UP TO RS. 2,499

ITEL

PARAMETERS

Model

LEPHONE

Smart Power it5600 Smart Selfie it5231

ZIOX

K1P

Z 214i

Display (inches/res)

1.77/ 240 x 320

2.4/ 240 x 320

1.8

2.4/ 240 x 320

Dimension (mm)

116.6 x 50 x 15.8

124.5 x 54 x 11.4

112*46.5*13.9

123*51.5*13.5

123*51.8*14.9

121x51x12.1

124.2*53*11.3

Weight (grams)

102

Processor/RAM

260MHz/32Mb

360MHz/64Mb

312MHz /32MB

312Mhz/32MB

MOCOR

32MB/32GB

64MB/32GB

32MB / 32GB

NA/16GB

Digital Camera

Digital camera/No

Operating system Storage/Expandable

0.08MP

0.08MP/0.3MP

Digital Camera

Digital Camera/ Digital Camera

2500

1900

1000

1,450

2,500

1,450

1,400

2G/3G/4G

Yes/No/No

Dual SIM

Yes

YES

Yes

Yes/Yes

YES

Yes/Yes-WFM

April, 2016

May, 2016

August '2016

OCTOBER' 2016

August '2016

June, 2016

899

1,335

674

899

999

1,499

1,343

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

112 I APRIL 2017

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE UP TO RS. 2,499

UP TO RS. 2,499

MODELS

UP TO RS. 2,499

ZIOX

PARAMETERS

Z 13

Z X304

Z 33

Z 314

Z 23

Z 304 mini

Z 38

2.4/ 240 x 320

1.8/128 x 160

2.4/ 240 x 320

Dimension (mm)

124*52*12

125 x 53 x 14.4

125 x 52.5 x 13.6

121 x 52 x 13.45

113 x 49.6 x 14.95

111.2 x 46.5 x 14.2

125 x 53 x 13.6

Weight (grams)

Processor/RAM

312Mhz/32MB

Operating system

MOCOR

Storage/Expandable

NA/16GB

Model Display (inches/res)

Rear/Front Camera

Digital camera/No Digital camera/No Digital camera/No Digital camera/No Digital camera/No Digital camera/No Digital camera/No 1,000

1,750

1,800

1,700

1,800

1,000

1,750

2G/3G/4G

Yes/No/No

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes-WFM

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes-WFM

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes-WFM

May, 2016

April, 2016

May, 2016

July, 2016

Aug, 2016

1,593

1,690

1,733

1,443

1,093

1,233

1,553

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999

MODELS

UP TO RS. 2,499

ZIOX

HONOR

Z 39

Honor Bee

Amaze S9

Air A8

Bingo 10 (M415)

Bingo 21 (M 430)

Aqua Fish

Display (inches/res)

2.4/ 240 x 320

4.5/ 854 x 480

4.5 /-

5.0/ 540 x 960

4.5/ 480 x 854

4.5/ 854 x 480

5/720x1280

Dimension (mm)

125 x 53 x 13.6

134.3 x 66.7 X 10

140 x 66.88 x 9.65

Weight (grams)

170

150

Processor/RAM

312Mhz/32MB

ST SC 7732/1GB

Operating system

MOCOR

Storage/Expandable

PARAMETERS

Model

HITECH

IN-FOCUS

INTEX

140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8 135.65 x 67.38 x 10.43 136.8 x 67 x 10.95

142.4x72x9.6

152

140

152

150

ST 7731/512MB

ST 7731/1GB

MT 6580A/1GB

ST Shark/2GB

Quad core/2GB

Android OS, v4.4

5.1 Lollipop

5.2 Lollipop

Android OS, 6.0

Android 5.1

Sailfish 2.0

NA/16GB

8GB/32GB

4GB/32GB

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

Digital camera/No

8MP/2MP

5MP/2MP

8MP/2MP

5MP/5MP

8MP/5MP

8MP/2MP

1,750

1,730

1,400

2,000

2,300

2500

2G/3G/4G

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes-WFM

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

July, 2016

May, 2015

April, 2016

March, 2016

February,2016

1,503

4,999

2,999

4,999

4,399

5,499

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

www.mymobileindia.com

APRIL 2017 I 113

MYGUIDE Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999

Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999

MODELS

Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999

INTEX

PARAMETERS

ITEL

Model

Cloud Glory 4G

Cloud String HD

Aqua Classic 2

Power Pro it1410

Wish it1507

Wish it1407

Display (inches/res)

4.5/ 480 x 854

5/ 720 x 1280

5/480/854

4/480/800

4/ 800 x 480

5/854 x 480

4/WVGA/TN

Dimension (mm)

134.2 x 68 x 9

144.5 x 72.5 x 8.7

145.2x72.6x10.9

124.1x64.2x9.8

124x64.7x12.2

144.4 x 73 x 8.5

125x64.3x10.9mm

Weight (grams)

120

150

136

Quad core, 1.2 GHz/512MB

MT 6735M/ 1GB

SC 9832A/ 1GB

qcta-core/1GB

quad-core/1GB

Dual core, 1.3 GHz/512MB

Operating system

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android4.4

Android 5.1

Storage/Expandable

8GB/ 32GB

8GB/32GB

Rear/Front Camera

5MP/2MP

8MP/2MP

5MP/2MP

2MP/2MP

2.0MP/0.3MP

5.0MP/2.0MP

2.0MP/0.3MP

1,800

2,200

2200

1800

2,800

2,400

1500mAh, Li-ion

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/yes

Yes/Yes/No

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

June, 2016

May, 2016

April, 2016

April.2016

3,999

5,599

3,339

5,063

2,989

Processor/RAM

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

4,600

Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999

MODELS

Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999

3,333

LEPHONE

PARAMETERS

LYF

MICROMAX

W7+

Flame 1

Wind 7i

Canvas Juice 3 Q393

Canvas Spark 3

Display (inches/res)

4.5/ 854x480

5.0/ 854x480

5.0 /854x480

"4.5/854 x 480"

5/1280x720

5.0/720 x 1280

5.5/720x1280

Dimension (mm)

134.5x68x10.2

143.5x72.6x9.6

143.5x72x8.

132.6 x 66.2 x 9.3

143.5x72x8.7

Weight (grams)

126

162

148

138

156

1.5GHz,/ 1 GB

1.5GHz, / GB

1.5GHz, Quadcore/ 1 GB

QS 210/1GB

MT6580/2GB

quad-core/1GB

Operating system

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Storage/Expandable

8 GB/ 32 GB

8GB/128GB

8GB/32GB

Rear/Front Camera

2 MP

5 MP / 2 MP

5MP/5MP

8MP/5MP

8MP/2MP

8MP/5MP

Battery (mAh)

1,300

1,800

2,000

2,250

4,000

2,500

2G/3G/4G

YES

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/No

Dual SIM

YES

Yes

Music Player/FM

YES

Yes/Yes

OCTOBER' 2016

February, 2015

March, 2016

4,699

5,399

5,999

5,499

4,171

4,848

Model

Processor/RAM

Launch Price Rs.

114 I APRIL 2017

4,999

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999

PARAMETERS

MICROMAX

VIDEOCON

ASUS

CELKON

COOLPAD

Zenfone Max

Zenfone C ZC451CG

Q550

Note 3 Lite

Canvas Bolt Selfie

Delite11

Zenfone 2 Laser ZE550KL

4.5/854x480

5/1280x720

5.5/720 x 1280

5.5/ 720 x 1280

4.5/480 x 854

5.0/720 x 1280

Dimension (mm)

146.66X74.3X10.52

152.5 x 77.2 x 3.9

156 x 77.5 x 10.55

136.5 x 67 x 10.9

145.6 x 71.8 x 8

140.8 x 70.4 x 8.9

Weight (grams)

151

170

202

150

149

141

Processor/RAM

MTK6735/1GB

Quad-core/1GB

QS 410/2GB

QS 615/ 2GB, 3GB

IA Z2520/ 1GB

Broadcom/2GB

MT6735/3GB

Operating system

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 4.4

Android Kitkat 4.4.2

Android 5.1

Storage/Expandable

8GB/32GB

16GB/128GB

16GB/32GB, 64GB

8GB/64GB

16GB/32GB

Rear/Front Camera

5MP/5MP

5MP/2MP

13MP/5MP

5MP/0.3MP

8MP/2MP

13MP/5MP

1,750

3,000

5,000

2,100

2,500

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

May, 2016

August, 2015

May, 2016

January, 2015

2,014

January, 2016

4,849

5,840

9,299

9,325/ 12,999

5,499

7,499

6,999

Model Display (inches/res)

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

COOLPAD

PARAMETERS

GIONEE

Mega 2.5D

Note 3 Plus

Mega 3

Note 3

Note 3s

5.5/720x1280

5.5/1080x1920

5.5/1280x720

5.5/720 x 1280

5.5/1920x1080

5/1280X970

5.0/720x1280

Dimension (mm)

153x77x8

151.9 x 77 x 9.3

154.4x76.8x8.35

152 x 77 x 9

154.5x77x8.6

145.3X72.3X8.7

Weight (grams)

141

168

171

150

167

148

Processor/RAM

Quad core/3GB

MT6753/3GB

octa-core/2GB

MT6753/3GB

octa-core/3GB

MT6735/3GB

Quad-core/2GB

Operating system

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android6.0

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/32GB

16GB/64GB

32GB/32GB

16GB

8MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

8MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

8MP/5MP

2,500

3,000

3,050

3,000

2,500

2,300

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

August, 2016

May, 2016

November,2016

October, 2015

November,2016

March, 2017

December,2016

6,999

8,999

6,999

8,999

9,999

8,199

9,999

Model Display (inches/res)

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

www.mymobileindia.com

Note 5 Lite

NEW

APRIL 2017 I 115

MYGUIDE RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

HONOR

PARAMETERS

HITECH

IN-FOCUS

INTEX

Model

Honor Holly 3

Honor Holly 2 Plus

Air A9

M 350 (16GB)

M680

M810

Aqua S7

Display (inches/res)

5.5/1920x1080

4.8/720 x 1280

5.0-inch, 720 x 1280

5.0/720 x 1280

5.5/720x1280

5.5/1080x1920

5/720x1280

Dimension (mm)

143.1 x 71.8 x 9.7

140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8

151 x 71.5 x 10.6

Weight (grams)

160

152

146

158

155

150

Processor/RAM

Kirin 620/2GB

MT6735P /2GB

MT 3735M/2GB

MT6732/2GB

MT 6753/2GB

QS 801/ 2GB

Quad core/3GB

Operating system

Android 6.0

Android 5.1.1

Android 5.1

Android 4.4.2

Android 5.1

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/128GB

16GB/32GB

16GB/64GB

16GB/32GB

16GB/64GB

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

8MP/8MP

13MP/13MP

13MP/5MP

3,100

4,000

3,500

2,500

2,600

3,200

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Music Player/FM

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

Yes

October, 2016

February, 2016

June, 2015

December, 2015

July, 2015

September, 2016

9,999

8,499

6,999

8,999

9,999

9,499

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Launch Price Rs.

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

142.5x72.5x8.7

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

156 x 76.8 x 7.25 153.70 x 76.20 x 6.99

INTEX

PARAMETERS

I-SMART

ITEL Wish it1512

Power Pro it1553

Selfie Pro it1511

5.0-inch/480 x 854 5.0-inch/720 x 1280

5/FWVGA/TN

5.5)

5.0/1280 x 720

146.72 x 72.85 x 8.73 143.54 x 71.55 x 8.52

143x72x8.65

138.5x69.5x9.8

170

Quad Core/1 GB

Quad core/1GB

Android 5.1

Android 4.4.2

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

8GB/ 32GB

16GB/ 32GB

8GB/64GB

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

8GB/32GB

5MP/ 2MP

8MP/5MP

8.0MP/3.2MP

5.0MP/2.0MP

8.0MP/2.0MP

1,900

2,200

2,100

2,500

5,050

2,500

2G/3G/4G

Yes/ Yes/ Yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

May, 2016

June, 2016

September, 2016

September, 2015

June, 2016

April, 2016

6,499

8,999

6,499

6,999

6,000

7,290

6,999

Model

Aqua Secure

Aqua View

Display (inches/res)

4.5/ 480 x 854

5/ 720 x 1280

Dimension (mm)

133.5 x 66.5 x 9.4

124 x 64 x 10.3

Weight (grams)

130

146

155

Processor/RAM

MTK6735M/ 1GB

MTK6735P/ 1GB

Operating system

Android 5.1

Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

116 I APRIL 2017

IS-57i

IS-56i HD Mercury V6

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

LAVA

PARAMETERS

LEECO

LEPHONE

LENOVO

Pixel V2

X10

X50+

Le 1s (Eco)

Vibe P1m

5.0/ 720 x 1280

5.5/1280x720

5.5/1920 x 1080

5.0 /854x480

5/ 720 x 1280

5.0/720 x 1280

Dimension (mm)

141.6 x 70.8 x 7.6

142 x 70.8 x 7.9

155x71.8x8.85

74.2x151.1x7.6

143x70.8x8.6

142 x 71 x 7.99

141 x 71.8 x 9.3

Weight (grams)

128

133

155

179

161

142

148

Processor/RAM

Quad Core/ 2GB

Quad core /3GB

quad-core/2GB

MT Helio X10/3GB

1.5GHz,/ 1 GB

QS 415/ 2GB

MT6735P /2GB

Operating system

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.0.2

Android 5.1

Storage/Expandable

16GB/32GB

32GB/32GB

8 GB/ 32 GB

16GB/ Yes

16GB/32GB

Rear/Front Camera

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

8MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

5 MP / 2 MP

13MP/ 5MP

8MP/5MP

2,500

2,900

2,800

3,000

1,800

2,750

4,000

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

YES

Yes/ Yes/ Yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

YES

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

YES

Yes/Yes

September, 2015

November, 2015

May,2016

OCTOBER' 2016

June, 2016

September, 2015

8,499

9,999

6,599

6,999

7,499

Model Display (inches/res)

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

9,199

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

LENOVO

PARAMETERS

LYF

MICROMAX

K5 Plus

K3 Note

K6 Power

Wind 5

Canvas Unite 4

Canvas Amaze 2

5.0/1080 x 1920

5.5/1080 x 1920

5/1920x1080

5/ 720 x 1280

5/ 480 x 854

5.0/ 1280 x 720

5/ 720 x 1280

Dimension (mm)

142 x 71 x 8.2

152.6 x 76.2 x 8

141.9x70.3x9.3

Weight (grams)

142

150

145

Model Display (inches/res)

144.6 x 72.8 x 8.45 143.6 x 72.5 x 8.95 137

MTK 6735P/1GB

QS415/ 2GB

Processor/RAM

QS616/2GB

MT6752 /2GB

QS 430/3GB

MT6735P/ 1GB

1.1GHz Quad Core/ 1.5GB

Operating system

Android 5.1

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 5.0.2

Storage/Expandable

16GB/32GB

32GB/128GB

8GB/ 32GB

8GB/32GB

8GB/64GB

8GB/ 32GB

Rear/Front Camera

13MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

8MP/ 5MP

5MP/5MP

8MP/5MP

13MP/ 5MP

2750

2,900

4,000

2,000

2,125

2,500

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/ Yes/ Yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/ Yes/ Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

April, 2016

March, 2015

November,2016

June, 2016

January, 2016

June, 2016

8,499

9,999

6,599

8,690

6,999

7,499

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

www.mymobileindia.com

APRIL 2017 I 117

MYGUIDE RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MICROMAX

PARAMETERS

MOTOROLA

PANASONIC

Model

Canvas XP 4G

Canvas 5

Canvas Unite 4 Pro

Canvas Sliver 5

Moto G4 Play

Moto E3 Power

Eluga Tapp

Display (inches/res)

5.0/720 x 1280

5.2/1080 x 1920

5.0/ 1280 x 720

4.8/720 x 1280

5/720x1280

5/1280x720

Dimension (mm)

5.1mm thick

144.4x72x9.9

148.3x71.6x9.55

142x70x8.6

Weight (grams)

137

153

138

Processor/RAM

MT6735P/3GB

MT6753/3GB

Quad core/ 2GB

QS 410 /2GB

QS 410/2GB

MTK6735P/2GB

MTK6737V/2GB

Operating system

Android 5.1

Android 5.0.2

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Storage/Expandable

16GB/32GB

16GB/64GB

16GB/32GB

16GB/No

16GB/128GB

16GB/32GB

8MP/2MP

13MP/5MP

8MP/5MP

2,000

2,900

3,900

2,000

2,800

3,500

2,800

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

May, 2016

November, 2015

June, 2016

2,015

September, 2016

7,499

9,999

7,499

8,387

8,999

7,999

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

8,189

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS

TCL

Model

Galaxy J1 4G

Galaxy On5

Galaxy On 5 Pro

Display (inches/res)

4.3/480x800

5.0/720 x 1280

5.0/ 1280 x 720

Dimension (mm)

129x68.2x8.9

142.3 x 72.1 x 8.5

Weight (grams)

131

149

Processor/RAM

Quad-core/1GB

TCL 560

TCL 562

5/720x1280

5.5/ 1280x720

5.5/1920x1080

142.4 x 71.1 x 8.0

142.4x71.1x8

152x77x8

149

138

156

150

Quad-core/1.5GB

Quad core/ 2GB

Quad core/ 1.5GB

Quad core/2GB

QS 210/2GB

MT6755M/3GB

Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

4GB/256GB

8GB/128GB

16GB/128GB

8GB/128GB

16GB/128GB

16GB/32GB

32GB/64GB

5MP/2MP

8MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

2,050

2,600

2,500

2,960

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Januray 2017

October, 2015

July, 2016

July,2016

July, 2016

July,2016

6,890

7,490

7,990

9,750

9,490

6,999

9,999

Operating system Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

118 I APRIL 2017

Galaxy J2 (2016) Galaxy J2 Pro (2016)

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

XIAOMI

PARAMETERS

Model

Redmi 2 Prime

Display (inches/res)

4.7/720 x 1280

Dimension (mm)

Redmi Note 3

Redmi 3s Plus

Redemi Note 4

Graphite2

5.5/720 x 1280

5.5/1080 x 1920

5/1280x720

5.5/1080X1920

4.5/1280x720

154 x 78.7 x 9.45

150 x 76 x 8.65

139.3x69.6x8.5

151X76X8.3

137.55X70.28X10

Redmi 3S/ 3s Prime Redmi Note Prime 5/ 1280X720

134.00 x 67.20 x 9.4 139.4 X 69.7 X 8.5

VIDEOCON

Weight (grams)

133

144

185

164

144

165

129

Processor/RAM

QS 410/2GB

QS 430/ 2GB, 3GB

QS 410/2GB

QS 650/2GB,3GB

QS 430/2GB

QS625/2GB,3GB,4GB

Quad-core/1GB

Operating system

Android 4.4

Android 6.0

Android 4.4

Android 5.0.2

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/32GB

16GB, 32GB/128GB

16GB/32GB

16GB,32GB/32GB

32GB/128GB

32GB/64GB

8GB/64GB

8MP/2MP

13MP/5MP

16MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

5MP/2MP

2,200

4,100

3,100

4,000

4000/4100

4,100

2,000

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes (Hybrid)

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yees

Yes/Yes

August, 2015

August, 2016

December, 2015

March, 2016

October,2016

January, 2017

6,999

6,999/ 8,999

7,999

9,999/ 11,999

9,499

9,999

6,299

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

MODELS

RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

VIDEOCON

PARAMETERS

Graphite1

Delite21

Krypton3

Ultra30

Ultra50

Yunique

Yuphoria

Display (inches/res)

4.5/1280x720

5/1280x720

5/1920X1080

4.7/720x1280

5.0/720x1280

Dimension (mm)

136.76X69X10

146.66X74.3X10.52

144.5X73.14X9.74

144.31X73X10

148.24X72.56X11.44

Weight (grams)

127

151

153

186

128

143

Processor/RAM

Quad-core/1GB

Quad-core/2GB

Quad-core/3GB

QS 410 / 1GB

Quad core / 2GB

Operating system

Android 6.0

Android 5.1.

Android 5.1.1

Storage/Expandable

8GB/64GB

16GB/32GB

32GB/64GB

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

Rear/Front Camera

5MP/2MP

8MP/2MP

13MP/5MP

8MP/2MP

8MP/5MP

2,000

3,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

2,230

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

September, 2015

May, 2015

6,499

7,200

7,999

9,990

6,300

6,499

Model

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

www.mymobileindia.com

134.5 x 67.5 x 8.3 142.4 x 73 x 8.2-9.35

APRIL 2017 I 119

MYGUIDE RS. 6,000 – RS. 9,999

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

PARAMETERS

Model Display (inches/res)

ZEN

ZOPO

ZTE

ASUS

Cinemax 3

ZP331

Blade V6

ZenFone 2 (2GB/4GB)

5.5/720x1280

4.5/ 854 x 480

5/ 1280 x 720

5.5/ 1080 x 1920

133 x 65.7 x 8.5

142X69.5X6.8

Dimension (mm)

Zenfone Selfie

Zenfone 3 lazer

Zenfone 3 Max(ZC520TL)

5.5/1080 x 1920

5.5/1920x1080

5.2/1280x720

149x76x7.9

149x73.7x8.55

152.5 x 77.2 x 10.9 156.5 x 77.2 x 10.8

Weight (grams)

August,2016

113

122

170

Processor/RAM

Quad core/2GB

Quad core/1GB

MTK 6735/2GB

IA Z3560 /2GB

QS615 /2GB,3GB

QS 430.4GB

Quad-core/3GB

Operating system

Android 5.1

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/32GB

8 GB/64 GB

16GB/128GB

32GB/128GB

32GB/32GB

Rear/Front Camera

5MP/3.2MP

5 MP/2 MP

13MP/5MP

13MP/13MP

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

2,900

1,700

2,500

3,000

4,100

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/No

August, 2016

July, 2016

March, 2015

August, 2015

October,2016

November,2016

6,999

7,500

9,999

13,999, 18,999

10,999/ 16,999

18,999

12,999

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

16GB,32GB/128GB 16GB,32GB/128GB

148

PARAMETERS

ASUS

COOLPAD

GIONEE

HONOR

Model

ZenFone 3 Max (ZC520TL) NEW

Coolpad Note 5

Cool 1

F 103 Pro

Marathon M5 Lite

Honor 5C

Honor 5X

Display (inches/res)

5.2/1280X720

5.5/1920x1080

5.50/1080x1920

5.0/ 1280 x 720

5.0/720 x 1280

5.2/ 1920 x 1080

5.5/ 1080 x 1920

Dimension (mm)

149x73.7x8.55

143 x 69.9 x 8.5

147.1 x 73.8 x 8.3

151.3 x 76.3 x 8.15

152.00 x 74.80 x 8.20 145.3 x 70.5 x 8.5

173

142

182

156

158

Octa-core/3GB

QS 617/4GB

1.4GHz octa-core

Quad core/ 3GB

Quad Core/3GB

Kirin 650/ 2GB

QS 616 /2GB

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1.1

32GB2TB

32GB/64GB

32GB

16GB/128GB

32GB/128GB

16GB/128GB

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

8MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

5,000

4,010

4,000

2,400

4,000

3,000

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/-

feb 20917

October, 2016

January, 2017

July, 2016

December, 2015

June, 2016

January, 2016

14,999

10,999

13,999

11,999

13,000

10,999

12,999

Weight (grams) Processor/RAM Operating system Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

120 I APRIL 2017

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

HONOR

HTC

INFOCUS

LAVA

Desire 630

Epic 1

Le 1S

Le 2

Phab 2

Display (inches/res)

5.5/1080X1920

5.0/ 1280 x 720

5.5/1920x1080

5.5/720x1280

5.5/1080x1920

5.5/ 1920 x 1080

6.4/1920x1080

Dimension (mm)

150.9X76.2X8.2

146.9 x 70.9 x 8.3

153x76x8.4

151.1 x 74.2 x 7.7

175x89.5x6.89

Weight (grams)

162

140

Processor/RAM

Kirin 655

QS 400/2GB

Operating system

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

PARAMETERS

Model

LEECO

151.9 x 94.7 x 8.3 151.9 x 74.2 x 7.6

LENOVO

153

169

153

225

Decca-core/3GB

Quad core/3GB

"MT H X10/3GB"

QS 652/ 3GB

MTK8735/3GB

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

32GB/64GB

16GB/2TB

32GB/128GB

16GB/32GB

32GB/No

32GB/128GB

12 and 2MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

3,340

2,200

3,000

4,050

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Jnauray 2017

February, 2016

November,2016

January, 2016

June, 2016

December,2016

12,999

14,990

12,999

11,299

10,999

11,999

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

LENOVO

PARAMETERS

LYF

Model

Vibe K4 Note

Vibe S1

Phab Plus

Vibe K5 Note

Phab 2 Plus

Water 7

Display (inches/res)

5.5/1080x1920

5.0/1080x1920

6.8/1080 x 1920

5.5/1920x1080

6.4/1920x1080

5.5/ 1080 x 1920

5.5/1920x1080

186.6 x 96.6 x 7.6

152x75.7x8.49

174x88x5.5

155.3 x 77.2 x 8.55

155.5x77.6x7.9

Dimension (mm)

153.67 X 76.45 X 9.14 143.3 x 70.8 x 7.8

Weight (grams)

158

132

229

165

218

160

153

Processor/RAM

MT 6753/3GB

MT6752/3GB

QS 615 /2GB

Helio P10/4GB

MT/3GB

QS 615/ 2GB

QS 617/3GB

Operating system

Android 5.1.

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/128GB

32GB/128GB

32GB/64GB

32GB/128GB

16GB/128GB

32GB/128GB

13MP/5MP

13MP/8 MP + 2 MP

13MP/5MP

13MP.8MP

13MP,13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

3,300

2,420

3,500

4,050

3,000

3,200

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes/Yes

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

January, 2016

November, 2015

October, 2015

Jaunuary,2016

November,2016

June, 2016

October,2016

11,999

12,999

14,999

13,499

14,999

12,999

13,099

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

www.mymobileindia.com

APRIL 2017 I 121

MYGUIDE RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

PARAMETERS

MICROMAX

MOTOROLA

K 10

X Screen

G4 Stylus

Canvas 6

Canvas 6 Pro

Moto G Turbo Edition

Display (inches/res)

5.3/ 1280 x 720

4.93/ 1280x720

5.7/ 720 x 1280

5.5/1920 x 1080

5.0/720 x 1280

5.5/ 1920 x 1080

Dimension (mm)

146.6x74.8x8.8

142.6 x 71.8 x 7.1

154.4 x 79.2 x 9.4

142.1 x 72.4 x 11.6

153 x 76.6 x 7.9

Weight (grams)

140

120

163

155

Processor/RAM

QS 410/2GB

QS 400 /1GB

MT6753/3GB

Helio x10/4GB

QS 615 /2GB

QS 617/2GB

Operating system

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 5.0

Android 5.1

Android 5.1.1

Android 6.0.1

Storage/Expandable

16GB/32GB

16GB/128GB

16GB/32GB

32GB/128GB

Yes/Yes

16GB/32GB

16GB/128GB

Rear/Front Camera

13MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

2,300

3,000

2,470

3,000

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

January, 2016

July, 2016

May, 2015

May, 2016

2,015

May, 2016

12,999

12,990

13,869

13,999

9,999

12,499

Model

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

Moto G4

MOTOROLA

PARAMETERS

Model

Moto G4 Plus

NUBIA

G5 Plus

NEW

PANASONIC

Z11 Mini

Eluga Note

Eluga Arc

Eluga Pulse X

NEW

5.5/ 1920X1080

5.2/1980X1080

5/1920x1080

5.5/1920x1080

5.5/ 1920 x 1080

4.7/720x1280

5.5/1280X720

Dimension (mm)

153X76.6X9.8

153X76X9.6

141.4x70x8

150.9x79x8.9

146.00x74.50x8.10

139 x 67 x 8.10

Weight (grams)

155

138

190

142

130

152

Processor/RAM

QS 617/2GB,3GB

QS 625 Octa-core

QS/3GB

MTK P10/3GB

Octa Core/3GB

QS 410/2GB

Quad-core/3GB

Android 6.1

Android 7.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

16GB, 32GB/128GB

16GB/32GB

32GB/200GB

32GB/128GB

32GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

16GB/128GB

16MP/5MP

12MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

13MP/13MP

16MP/5MP

8MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

3,000

2,800

5,000

3,000

1,800

3,000

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

yes

Yes

Music Player/FM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes

May,2016

March, 2017

October,2016

December,2016

July, 2016

April,2016

March, 2017

13,499/ 14,999

14,999

12,999

11,999

13,290

12,490

10,990

Display (inches/res)

Operating system Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Launch Price Rs.

122 I APRIL 2017

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

PARAMETERS

MOTOROLA

SAMSUNG

Moto X (2nd Gen)

Galaxy On7

Galaxy J5

Galaxy J Max

Galaxy J5 (2016)

Galaxy J7

J5 Prime

Display (inches/res)

5.2/1080 x 1920

5.5/1280 x 720

5.0/1280 x 720

7.0/ 1280 x 800

5.2/1280x720

5.5/720 x 1280

5/1080x720

Dimension (mm)

140.8 x 72.4 x 9.9

77.5x151.8x8.2

145.7 x 72.3 x 8.1

152.2 x 78.6 x 7.5

142.8x69.5x8.1

Weight (grams)

144

171

146

158

171

143

Processor/RAM

QS801 /2GB

Quad-core/1.5GB

Quad core/1.5GB

QS 410/2GB

Octa Core/1.5GB

Quad-core/2GB

Operating system

Android 4.4.4

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

16GB, 32GB/64GB

8GB/128GB

8GB/200GB

16GB/128GB

16GB/256GB

13MP/2MP

13MP/5MP

8MP/2MP

13MP/5MP

2,300

3,000

2,600

4,000

3,100

3,000

2,400

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

2,015

October, 2015

June, 2015

July, 2016

May, 2016

2,015

September,2016

16✌999/ 17,999

11,990

11,390

13,400

13,990

14,250

14,790

Model

Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

142.1 x 71.8 x 7.9 186.9 x 108.8 x 8.7

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

PARAMETERS

SAMSUNG

XIAOMI

VIDEOCON

VIVO

Model

Galaxy On7 Pro

Mi 4i

Mi Max

Cube3

Y51L

Y55L

Display (inches/res)

5.5/1280 x 720

5.0/1080 x 1920

6.44/1920x1080

5/1280x720

5.0/ 540x960

5.2/1280x720

Dimension (mm)

151.8 x 77.5 x 8.2

138.1 x 69.6 x 7.8

173.1x88.3x7.5

147.9x72.9x7.5

Weight (grams)

171

130

203

152.5

157

142

Processor/RAM

Quad core/ 2GB

QS 615/2GB

QS 650,652/3GB,4GB

Quad-core/3GB

QS 410/2GB

QS 430/2GB

QS 425/3GB

Operating system

Android 6.0

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 5.0.2

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/128GB

16GB,32GB/No

32GB,128GB/128GB

32GB/64GB

16GB/128GB

16GB/256GB

8MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

16MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

8MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

3,000

3,120

4,850

3000

2,350

2,650

2,730

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/yes

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/yes

Yes

July, 2016

April, 2015

June,2016

January, 2016

October,2016

March, 2017

11,190

11,999/ 14,999

14,999

10,490

10,700

11,980

12,490

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

www.mymobileindia.com

144.5X73.14X9.74 143.80 x 71.70 x 7.52

Y55S

NEW

APRIL 2017 I 123

MYGUIDE RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

MODELS

RS. 10,000 – RS. 14,999

PARAMETERS

ZOPO

ZUK

Yureka Plus (YU5510A,YU5510 )

Yunicorn

Yureka Note

ZP350

ZP370

Hero 1

5.5/1080x1920

5.5/(1080X1920)

6.0/1080 x 1920

5.0 / 1280 x 720

5.5/ 1280 x 720

5.0/1280 x 720

5.5/1920 x 1080

Dimension (mm)

155 x 78 x 9

153.3X75.4X8.5

145.9 x 71.4 x 8.5

153.8 x 77.1 x 9

146.1 x 70.6 x 8.65

155.7 x 77.3 x 8.9

Weight (grams)

154

172

137

167

136

175

Processor/RAM

QS 615/2GB

MT Helio P10/4GB

MTK6753T/3GB

Quad-core/1GB

Ouad-core/1GB

Quad-core/2GB

QS 801/3GB

Operating system

Android 4.4.4

Androis 5.1.1

Android 5.1.1

Android 5.1

Android 5.1.1

Storage/Expandable

16GB/32GB

32GB/128GB

16GB/Yes

8GB/64GB

16 GB/64 GB

64GB/No

Rear/Front Camera

13MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

8.0MP/2.0MP

13.2 MP/5.0MP

13MP/8MP

2,500

4,000

2,100

3,000

2,500

4,100

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

yes/yes/yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

yes

Yes

Yes/Yes

yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

July, 2015

May,2016

April, 2016

May, 2016

8,999

12,999

13,499

10,000

11,000

14,500

13,499

Model Display (inches/res)

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

MODELS

RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

ASUS

PARAMETERS

CREO

GIONEE

HTC

Model

Zenfone 2 Laser ZE601KL

Zenfone 3 Max (ZC553KL)

Mark 1

Marathon M5

S6s

Desire 728 LTE

Display (inches/res)

6.0/ 1080 x 1920

5.5/1920x1080

5.5/ 1440x2560

5.5/ 720 x 1280

5.5/1920x1080

5.5/ 720 x 1280

Dimension (mm)

164.6 x 84 x 10.6

151.4x76.24x8.3

155.4 x 76.1 x 8.7

152 x 76 x 8.6

151.9 x 74.6 x 6.9

154.5x75.6x8.15

157.9 x 77.8 x 7.8

Weight (grams)

190

175

190

211

147

166

153 MT6753/2GB

Processor/RAM

QS 616/3GB

QS 430/3GB

Helio X10 /3GB

MT6735/3GB

MT6753T /3GB

1.3GHZ OCTA CORE/3GB

Operating system

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 5.1.1

Android 5.1

Android 5.1.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1.1

Storage/Expandable

32GB/128GB

32GB/-

32GB/128GB

32gb/128gb

16GB/200GB

13MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

21MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

3,000

4,100

3,100

6,020

3,150

3,159

2,800

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

December, 2015

November,2016

April,2016

November,2015

November, 2015

August,2016

November, 2015

16,499

17,999

19,999

17,500

19,999

17, 999

15,500

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

124 I APRIL 2017

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

MODELS

RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

HTC

PARAMETERS

LENOVO

Desire 828

Desire 825

HTC 10 Lifestyle

Vibe P1

Vibe Shot

Vibe X3

Z2 Plus

5.5/720 x 1280

5.5/ 1280 x 720

5.5/1920x1080

5.5/1080x1920

5.0/1080 x 1920

5.5/1080x1920

5/1920x1080

Dimension (mm)

157.9 x 77.8 x 7.89

156.9 x 76.9 x 7.4

156.9x76.9x7.7

152.9 x 75.6 x 9.9

142.7 x 70 x 7.6

154 x 76.5 x 9.3

140.2x60x6.2

Weight (grams)

148

155

187

145

175

150

Processor/RAM

MT6753/1.5GB

QS 400/2GB

QS 400/3GB

QS615 /2GB

QS 615/3GB

QS 808 /3GB

QS 820/3GB,4GB

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/2TB

32GB/2TB

32GB/128GB

32GB,64GB/128GB

Rear/Front Camera

13MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

21MP/8MP

13MP/8MP

2,800

2,700

5,000

3,000

3,500

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

November, 2015

February, 2016

September,2016

October, 2015

June, 2015

December, 2015

September,2016

18,700

14,490

15,990

15,499

18,500

19,999

Model Display (inches/res)

Operating system

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

MODELS

RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

LYF

PARAMETERS

MOTOROLA

NEXTBIT

OPPO

SAMSUNG

Earth 1

Earth 2

Moto X Play

Robin

F1 S

Galaxy J7 (2016)

Galaxy On8

5.5/1080x1920

5/1920x1080

5.5/1080 x 1920

5.2/ 1080 x 1920

5.5/1280x720

5.5/1920x1080

Dimension (mm)

154 x 76.6 x 7.25

142x76x7.9

148 x 75 x 10.9

149 x 72 x 7

154 x 76 x 7.38

76 x 151 x 7.8

151.7x76x7.8

Weight (grams)

162.5.

140

169

160

169

Processor/RAM

QS 615/3GB

QS615 /2GB

QS 808/3GB

MTK 6750/3GB

Exynos 7870/2GB

Octa-core/3GB

Operating system

Android 5.1.1

Android 5.1

Android 5.1.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1.1

Android 6.0

32GB/32GB

32GB/64GB

16GB,32GB/128GB

32GB/ 100GB

32GB/128GB

16GB/128GB

13MP + 2MP/5MP

13MP/13MP

21MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

13MP/16MP

13MP/5MP

3,500

2500

3,630

2,680

3,075

3,300

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/yes

Sept, 2015

May, 2016

August, 2016

May, 2016

September,2016

19,999

16,999/ 17,999

19,999

17,990

15,990

15,900

Model Display (inches/res)

Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

January, 2016 19,499

www.mymobileindia.com

APRIL 2017 I 125

MYGUIDE RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

MODELS

RS. 15,000 – RS. 19,999

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS

VIVO

ZOPO

APPLE

On Nxt

J7 Prime

SPEED 7

SPEED 7 PLUS

iPhone 5S

5.5/1920x1080

5.0/1280×720

5.5/1280x720

5.0/1920 x 1080

5.5/ 1920 x 1080

4.0/640 x 1136

Dimension (mm)

151.7x75x8

143.6 x 71 x 7.5

153.8x75.5x7.55

153.6 x 76.5 x 8.8

123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6

Weight (grams)

167

138

154

164

112

Processor/RAM

Octa-core/3GB

QS 616/3GB

octa-core/4GB

Octa-core/3GB

Octa-core /3GB

Dual-core/1GB

Operating system

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

iOS 9.2.1

Storage/Expandable

32GB/256GB

16MP/256GB

32GB/128GB

16 GB/64 GB

16GB,32GB,64GB/No

13MP/8MP

13MP/20MP

13 MP/5.0MP

8MP/1.2MP

3,300

2,550

3,000

2,500

3,000

1,560

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

October,2016

September,2016

May, 2016

November,2016

September, 2013

18,490

18,790

17,980

18,288

15,500

17,500

23,000 onwards

Model Display (inches/res)

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

MODELS

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

ASUS

PARAMETERS

BLACKBERRY

COOLPAD

GIONEE

HONOR

Zenfone 3

Zenfone 3 Ultra

DTEK 50

Max

M5 Plus

S6 Pro

Display (inches/res)

5.2,5.5/(1920x1080)

6.8/(1920x1080)

5.2/1920x1080

5.5/1920x1080

6.0/1920 x 1080

5.5/1920x1080

5.2/1920x1080

Dimension (mm)

146.87x 73.98 x 7.69 186.4 x 93.9 x 6.8

147x72.5x7.4

152x75.5x7.6

153x75.3x7.6

145.5x71x7.45

Model

Weight (grams)

144

233

135

170

210.8g

170

153

Processor/RAM

QS 625/3GB,4GB

QS 652/4GB

QS 617/3GB

QS 617/4GB

Octa Core/3GB

octa-core/4GB

Kirin 950/4GB

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

32GB,64GB/2TB

64GB/128GB

16GB/2TB

64GB/128GB

64GB/256GB

32GB/128GB

16MP/8MP

23MP/8MP

13MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

13MP/8MP

12MP,12MP/8MP

4,600

3000

2,800

5,020

3,130

2,900

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

yes/yes/yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

yes

Yes

Music Player/FM

Yes

Yes/Yes

yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

August,2016

August, 2016

November,2016

May, 2016

October,2016

October, 2016

21,999/ 27,999

29,999

21,990

24,999

27,000

21,130

29,000

Operating system Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Launch Price Rs.

126 I APRIL 2017

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

MODELS

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

PARAMETERS

HONOR

HTC

LEECO

Desire 10 Pro

Max 2

Stylus 2

Stylus 2 Plus

Nexus 5X

Display (inches/res)

5.2/1080 x 1920

5.5/ 1080 x 1920

5.5/1920x1080

5.7/(2560X1440)

5.7/1280X720

5.7/ 1920 x 1080

5.2/ 1080 x 1920

Dimension (mm)

143.2 x 71.9 x 8.5

153.9 x 75.9 x 7.99

156.5x76x7.86

156.8 x 77.6 x 7.99

155 x 79.6 x 7.4

155 X 79.6 X 7.4

147 x 72.6 x 7.9

Weight (grams)

157

170

165

185

145

146

136

Processor/RAM

HS Kirin 935/3GB

MT H X10/ 3GB

Helio P10/4GB

QS 820/4GB, 6GB

Quad Core /2GB

Octa Core/3GB

QS 808/2GB

Operating system

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/128GB

32GB/2TB

64GB/2TB

32GB, 64GB

16GB/2TB

32GB/2TB

16GB,32GB/No

20MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

20MP/13MP

21MP/8MP

13MP/8MP

16MP/8MP

12.3MP/5MP

3,100

3,000

3000

3,100

3,000

2,700

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/yes

yes/yes/yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

yes

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

yes

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

July, 2015

May, 2016

November,2016

June,2016

May,2016

July, 2016

October, 2015

22,999

25,990

26,490

22,999/ 29,999

20,500

24,000

24,490/30,645

Model

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

MODELS

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

MOTOROLA

PARAMETERS

NUBIA

ONEPLUS

SAMSUNG

Moto X Style

Moto Z Play

Z11

Galaxy A7

5.7/ 1440 x 2560

5.5/1920x1080

5.5/1920z1080

5.5/1080p

5.5/1920x1080

5.5/1080 x 1920

Dimension (mm)

153.9 x 76.2 x 11.06

156.4x76.4x6.99

151.8x72.3x7.5

151.8x74.9x9.85

152.7X74.7X7.35

152.7x74.5x7.35

151 x 76.2 x 6.3

Weight (grams)

179

165

162

175

158

141

Processor/RAM

QS 808/3GB

QS 625/3GB

QS 820/6GB

QS 810/3GB&4GB

QS 820/6GB

QS 821/6GB

Octa Core/2GB

Operating system

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.0.2

16GB,32GB/128GB

32GB/2TB

64GB/2TB

64GB

16GB/64GB

21MP/5MP

16MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

13MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

16MP/16MP

13MP/5MP

3,000

3,510

3000

3,300

3,000

3400

2,600

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

September, 2015

October,2016

December,2016

July, 2015

June, 2016

December.2016

February, 2015

26,999/ 28,999

24,999

29,999

22,999

27,999

29,999

22,900

Model Display (inches/res)

Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

www.mymobileindia.com

APRIL 2017 I 127

MYGUIDE RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

MODELS

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS

Galaxy A5 (2016)

Model Display (inches/res)

SMARTRON

Galaxy A7 (2016) Galaxy A5/A7 (2017) NEW

5.2/1080 x 1920

t phone

SONY Xperia C4

NEW

Xperia XA

Xperia Z3+

5.5/ 1080 x 1920

5.2/5.5/1080X1920

5.5/1920x1080

5.5/1080 x 1920

5.0/1280 x 720

5.2/ 1080 x 1920

158.2x78.2x6.98

150.3 x 77.4 x 7.9

143.6 x 66.8 x 7.9

146.3 x 71.9 x 6.9

Dimension (mm)

144.8 x 71 x 7.3

151.5 x 74.1 x 7.3

144.8 x 71 x 7.3/151.5X74.1X7.3

Weight (grams)

153

169

157/I86

149

147

137

144

Processor/RAM

Octa Core/2GB

Octa Core/3GB

Octa Core/2GB/3GB

QS 810/4GB

MT6752/2GB

MTK H P10/2GB

QS 810 /3GB

Operating system

Android 5.1.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 5.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/128GB

32GB/256GB

64GB/128GB

16GB/200GB

32GB/128GB

13MP/5MP

16MP/16MP/16MP/16MP

13MP/4MP

13MP/5MP

20.7MP/5MP

2,900

3,300

3000/3600

3,000

2,600

2,300

2,930

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/yYes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

April, 2016

December, 2015

March, 2017

July,2016

June, 2015

May, 2016

June, 2015

21,900

25,900

28,990/33,490

22,999

20,800

20,990

26,990

Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

MODELS

RS. 20,000 – RS. 29,999

SONY

PARAMETERS

XIAOMI

VIVO

Xperia C5 Ultra Dual

Xperia M5 Dual

Xperia XA Ultra

Mi 5

X5 Pro

V3 Max

V5 Plus

Display (inches/res)

6.0/1080 x 1920

5/ 1080 x 1920

6/1920x1080

5.15/1080 x 1920

5.2/ 1080 x 1920

5.5/1080 x 1920

5.5/1080X1920

Dimension (mm)

164.2 x 79.6 x 8.2

145 x 72 x 7.6

164x79x8.4

144.5 x 69.2 x 7.25

147.9 x 73.5 x 6.4

153.9x77.1x7.58

152.6 x 74 x 7.3

Weight (grams)

187

143

202

129

151

168

159

Processor/RAM

MTK6752/2GB

MT H X10/3GB

MT6755/3GB

QS 820/3GB

QS 615/2GB

QS 652/4GB

Operating system

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Storage/Expandable

16GB/200GB

32GB/No

16GB/128GB

32GB/128GB

64GB

Rear/Front Camera

13MP/13MP

21.5MP/13MP

21.5MP/16MP

16MP/4MP

13MP/8MP

12MP and 8MP/16 MP

2,930

2,600

2,700

3,000

2,450

3,000

3,160

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

August, 2015

September, 2015

July,2016

April, 2016

June, 2015

April, 2016

27,799

27,990

29,990

24,999

21,400

23,980

Model

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

128 I APRIL 2017

42,736/27,980

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

MODELS

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

APPLE

PARAMETERS

iPhone 6

iPhone 6Plus

iPhone SE

iPhone 6S

iPhone 6S Plus

iPhone 7

iPhone 7 Plus

Display (inches/res)

4.7/750 x 1334

5.5/1080 x 1920

4.0/640 x 1136

4.7/750 x 1334

5.5/1080 x 1920

4.7/1334x750

5.5/1920x1080

Dimension (mm)

138.1 x 67 x 6.9

158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1

123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6

138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1

158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3

138.3x67.1x7.1

158.2x77.9x7.3

Weight (grams)

129

172

113

143

192

138

188

Processor/RAM

A8,M8/1GB

A9,M9/2GB

iOS 9

iOS 9.3

iOS 9

16GB,64GB/No

8MP/1.2MP

12MP/1.2MP

12MP/5MP

12MP/7MP

12MP,12MP/7MP

1,810

2,915

1,614

1,715

2,750

1,960

2,900

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes/No

September,2014

March, 2016

September,2015

October,2016

0ctober,2016

27,990/45,990

48,500/57,000

30,990/44,000

Model

Operating system Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

iOS 10

16GB,64GB,128GB/ No 16GB,64GB,128GB/ No 32GB/128GB/256GB 32GB/128GB/256GB

43,000/ 58,000/ 67,000 53,000/68,000/77,000 55,000/65,000/80,000 72,000/82,000/92,000

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

MODELS

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

A10 Fusion, M10/2GB A10Fusion, M10/3GB

ASUS

PARAMETERS

BLACKBERRY

GOOGLE

HUAWEI

Model

Zenfone Zoom

Zenfone 3 Deluxe

Priv

DTEK 60

Pixel

Pixel XL

Nexus 6P

Display (inches/res)

5.5/1080 x 1920

5.7/(1920x1080)

5.4/1440 x 2560

5.5/2560x1440

5/1920x1080

5.5/2560x1440

5.7/1440 x 2560

Dimension (mm)

158.9 x 78.8 x 11.95

156.4x74.4x7.5

147 x 77.2 x 9.4

153.9x75.4x7

143.8x69.5x8.5

154.7x75.7x8.5

159.3 x 77.8 x 7.3

Weight (grams)

185

172

192

165

Processor/RAM

IA Z3590/4GB

QS 820,821/6GB

QS 808/3GB

QS 820/4GB

QS 821/4GB

QS810 /3GB

Android 5.0

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

Android 7.1

Android 6.0

128GB/ 128GB

256GB/128GB

32GB/2TB

32GB,128GB/ No

32GB,64GB/No

13MP/5MP

23MP/8MP

18MP/2MP

21MP/8MP

12.3MP/8MP

3,000

3,410

2,610

2,770

3,450

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

January, 2016

September,2016

October, 2015

November,2016

October,2016

October, 2015

37,999

49,999

34,999

46,990

57,000/66,000

67,000/76,000

34,999/ 39,999

Operating system Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

www.mymobileindia.com

178

APRIL 2017 I 129

MYGUIDE RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

MODELS

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

PARAMETERS

HUAWEI

HTC

Model

One A9

LEECO

HTC U Play/Ultra

Le Max

G4 Dual SIM

6.33/2560 x 1440

5.5/1440 x 2560

5.3/ 2560x1440

Display (inches/res)

5.2/1920x1080

5.0/1080 x 1920

5.2/ 2560X1440

5.2/1080X1920/ 5.7/2560X1440

Dimension (mm)

145x70.9x6.95

145.75 x 70.8 x 7.26

145.9 x 71.9x 9.0

162.41X79.79X7.99

83.5x167.1x8.95

148.9 x 76.1 x 8.9

149.4x73.9x7.3

Weight (grams)

144

143

161

145/175

204

155

159

Processor/RAM

Kirin 955/3GB,4GB

QS 617/3GB

QS 820/4GB

MediaTek/QS821

QS 810 /4GB

QS 808 /3GB

QS 820/4GB

Android 6.0

android 6.0

Android 6/Android 7

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

64GB,128GB/No

32GB/2TB

32GB/100GB

21MP/4UP

16MP/8MP

Operating system

32GB/256GB/64GB/ 2TB 16MP/16MP/16MP/ 12MP

32GB,64GB,/128GB

32GB/2TB

12MP,12MP/8MP

13MP/4MP

12MP/5MP

3,000

2,150

3,000

2500/3000

3,400

3,000

2,800

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

August,2016

December, 2015

May,2016

February, 2017

January, 2016

May, 2015

April,2016

39,999

31,990

52,460

39,990/59990

32,999/ 36,999

34,800

52,990

Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

MODELS

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

PARAMETERS

MOTOROLA

ONEPLUS

SAMSUNG

V20

Moto X Force

Moto Z

Galaxy S6

Galaxy S6 Edge

Galaxy A9 Pro

Display (inches/res)

5.7/2560x1440

5.4/1440 x 2560

5.5/2560x1440

5.5/1920x1080

5.1/ 1440 x 2560

6/1920x1080

Dimension (mm)

159.5x77.9x7.6

149.8 x 78 x 9.2

153.3x75.3x5.19

152.7x74.5x7.35

143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8

142.1 x 70.1 x 7

161.7x80.9x7.9

Weight (grams)

174

169

136

158

138

132

210

Processor/RAM

QS 820/4GB

QS 810 /3GB

QS 820/4GB

QS 821/6GB

Octa core /3GB

octa-core/4GB

Operating system

Android 7.0

Android 5.1.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.0.2

Android 6.0

64GB/2TB

32GB,64GB/2TB

64GB/2TB

128GB

32GB,/No

32GB/No

32GB/256GB

16MP,8MP/5MP

21MP/5MP

13MP/5MP

16MP/16MP

16MP/5MP

16MP/8MP

3,200

3,760

2,600

3,400

2,550

2,600

5,000

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

December,2016

November, 2015

October,2016

December.2016

March, 2015

April, 2015

September,2016

54,999

34,999/ 37,999

39,999

34,999

33,900

34,900

32,490

Model

Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

130 I APRIL 2017

MYMOBILE

MYGUIDE RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

MODELS

RS. 30,000 AND ABOVE

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS

SONY

Model

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Galaxy S7

Galaxy S7 Edge

Xperia Z5 Dual

Xperia X

Xperia Z5 Premium

Xperia XZ

Display (inches/res)

5.7/1440 x 2560

5.1/2560 X 1440

5.5/2560 X 1440

5.2/1080 x 1920

5/1920x1080

5.5/ 2160 x 3840

5.2/1920x1080

Dimension (mm)

153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6

69.6x142.4x7.9

72.6 x 150.9 x 7.7

146 x 72 x 7.3

143 x 69 x 7.7

154.4 x 76 x 7.8

146x72x8.1

Weight (grams)

171

152

157

156.5g

152

181

161

Processor/RAM

Quad core /4GB

Exynos 8890/4GB

QS 810/3GB

QS 650/ 3GB

QS 810/3GB

QS 820/3GB

Android 5.1.1

Android 6.0

Android 5.1

Android 6.0

32GB/No

32GB/200GB

64GB/ 200GB

32GB/200GB

64GB/256GB

16MP/5MP

12MP/5MP

23MP/5MP

23MP/13MP

23MP/5MP

23MP/13MP

3,000

3,600

2,900

2,620

3,430

2,900

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes

Yes/No

Yes/-

Yes/Yes

Launch

August, 2015

March, 2016

November, 2015

July, 2016

November, 2015

October,2016

Price Rs.

40,900/43,900

43,400

50,900

37,000

38,990

47,990

49,990

Operating system Storage/Expandable Rear/Front Camera Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM

TABLETS

MODELS

TABLETS

APPLE

PARAMETERS

iPad Pro 12.9-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi WiFi/ Wi-Fi + Cellular WiFi/ WiFi + Cellular

ASUS

SAMSUNG

ZenPad 8

Galaxy Tab S2 9.7

iPad Mini 2

iPad Mini 4

Display (inches/res)

7.9/1536 x 2048

9.7/2048x1536

9.7/1536 x 2048

12.9/2732 x 2048

8.0/1280 x 800

9.7/ 1536 x 2048

Dimension (mm)

200 x 134.7 x 7.5

203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1

240 x 169.5 x 6.1

305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9

209 x 123 x 8.5

237.3 x 169 x 5.6

Weight (grams)

331

298.8/304

437

713/ 723

350

392

Processor/RAM

A7,M7/1GB

A8,M8/2GB

A8X,M8/1GB

A9X,M9/2GB

"A9X,M9 /4GB"

QS MSM8929/2GB

Octa core/3GB

iOS 8

iOS 9

iOS 9.3

iOS 9

Android 5.0

Android 5.0.2

32GB/No

16GB/-

32GB/128GB

Model

Operating system Storage/Expandable

16,32GB/No

16GB,64GB,128GB/No

16GB, 64GB/No

32GB,128GB,256GB/ No

Rear/Front Camera

5MP/1.2MP

8MP/1.2MP

12MP/5MP

8MP/1.2MP

8MP/2MP

8MP/2.1MP

23.8w

19.1W

27.3W

27.9 W

38.5W

4,000

5,870

2G/3G/4G

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Dual SIM

Yes/No

November, 2015

Spetember, 2015

October, 2014

March, 2016

November, 2015

July, 2015

September, 2015

38,000

49,900 Onwards/ 61,900 onwards

65,900 nwards/ 85,900 onwards

12,496

38,500

Battery (mAh)

Music Player/FM Launch Price Rs.

17949 onwards

www.mymobileindia.com

28,500

APRIL 2017 I 131

Guest Column

by Invitation

Things to Remember while Buying a Power Bank By Gaurav Dureja

132 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Guest Column

by invitation

ovember 8, 2016, will be

cash transactions, e-distribution platforms

charge the batteries. Next, people looking

marked as the landmark day

are making revolution in retail systems.

to charge multiple devices simultaneously

in Indian economy. While

It’s no surprise that in the connected

need to opt for a power bank with two or

the repercussions of the

world we live in, the most useful and

more slots. But with the increase in slots,

unapprised move are still felt across India,

important gadget of them all has got to be a

the price of the power bank increases as

the demonetization drive

power bank. These days’ battery technology

well.

indeed will be hailed as

is not where we want it to be with relation to

Essentially, pay attention to the type of

another bold step towards

how much we use our devices and we often

cells — Lithium-ion or Lithium-polymer —

digitizing the country’s

find ourselves out and about, stuck with the

used in the power bank. Li-ion is cheap

economy. The ongoing

dreaded red battery logo.

and easily available. Li-poly cells, on

discussions about building

Knowing this the portable power bank

the other hand, are more expensive, but

a cashless economy and

has come a long way since the early days

provide twice as much charge density per

the encouraging responses

however the problem is that in this market,

unit weight.

gained from various quarters

there is a plethora to choose from that

While making your buying decision do

indicate that Indian economy

come in all shapes, sizes and for every

ensure that you buy from a reputed brand.

is open to changes in turning the

use known to man. So how do you know

Many times, cheap power banks — the type

challenges into opportunities compared

what’s good when price is not the biggest

available on the streets — do not list the

to similar economies. As mobile wallets,

determining factor? Here’s the list of key

correct mAh capacity or the proper current

USSD and virtual currencies pick up

things to remember while buying a Power

draw. These batteries could also explode

Bank –

due to heating from over charging.

momentum in individual

To begin with, the most crucial among

For improved safety and performance,

all is theCapacity of the Power Bank. The

buy a model that comes with over voltage

capacity is measured in Mah - we suggest

protection (OVP), over charge protection

Bigger is always better, go for the highest

(OCP) and over-temperature protection

Mah you can afford, its always better to

(OTP) that ensures its longevity against

have extra juice rather than run out mid

spurts in current, and overheating during

charge. Always pick the mAh which could

charging and discharging.

be 2x the output capacity of your mobile battery or the total gadgets which need to

checklist while buying the right Power

be charged.

Bank – So now Stay Happily Charged! n

One needs to also keep the usafe in mind along with the ‘Current draw’to

www.mymobileindia.com

So don’t forget to browse through the

The author is Director, Ambrane India – a leading power bank manufacturing company.

april 2017 | 133

Accessories

Special feature

Smartphone Camera Lens

90 | april 2017

Your smartphone is your camera now and camera is one of the features which is driving innovation when it comes to phone specs. With 16 MP camera becoming a norm and manufacturers vying to introduce twin lens camera with 32 MP and above and even a professional camera within samrtphone case for enthusiasts, camera will be a driving feature for sales and brand appeal. Still, inbuilt lens have limitations particularly when zooming in or taking close-ups as one doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get wide angles needed to capture a good panorama or wide sandy beach. But DSLR is no real alternative to everyday enthusiasts as it is bulky and expensive. Portability is always an issue. Solution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mobile Camera Lens. Yes, mobile camera lens are becoming increasingly popular for the quality enhancement they offer and thankfully one can get a decent lens within a reasonable price. Here we list some of the better and popular lens for both Android and iPhone. MYMOBILE

Accessories

Specialfeature

Moment Macro Lens

oment

has

been

designing lenses and manufacturing cameras

for the last 25 years. So it has a legacy and expertise. Moment Macro Lens is a fine product from their stable which helps capture tiny details that a native phone can never reach. Made from premium cinema grade glass, Moment has merged design and precision optics engineering to create something truly unique with minimal chromatic aberration and maximum sharpness edge to edge, to bring cinema level optics to mobile photography. The Moment Macro Lens feels

like a real lens the moment you pick it up. Its aerospace grade metal body and multi-element glass layers are hand assembled for the perfect fit. And to top it is the only mobile lens that works with or without a case. n

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 135

Accessories

Special feature

Photojojo Magnetic iPhone and Android Lens Series

o-founded by Indian origin entrepreneur Amit

removable metal ring that fits any phone and/or a metal

Gupta, Photojo lens fulfils a wide range of your

Magplate thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specifically cut to camouflage on the back

photography requirement whether your need a

of your iPhone. Additionally, they can be used on tablets

Super Fisheye or Telephoto or Wide Angle or Polarizing

for more versatility. The ring/plate sticks to the back of

cell phone lenses, photojojo has one and for both IPhone

your phone, and the phone lens attaches magnetically.

as well as Android. Photojojo lens is crafted out of solid

Snap it on and off in an instant! The lens range from 16mm

aluminum and outfitted with thick, high-clarity glass.

to 25mm in diameter. n

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been factory tested by hand and inspected to ensure the utmost optical perfection. How it works: Each set comes with an adhesive

136 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Software

Specialfeature

Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens

n May of 2011, Founder Patrick O’Neill enlisted the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform to evolve his original “olloclip 3-in-1 Photo Lens” into a reality. The vision was

to not only create a new product, but identify a completely new category. It all began with an inspiration to add creative options to his most used and favorite camera… his iPhone 4. The original 3-in-1 Photo Lens was a patented quick-connect lens system for iPhone featuring fisheye, wide-angle and macro lenses. Since then, olloclip has attracted a legion of passionate users in just a few years’ time, not to mention distribution through Apple Stores worldwide and through leading retailers across the globe. Today, olloclip has shipped over one million lenses. The brand includes a growing line of ground-breaking tools and accessories for the mobile photographer. Leveraging the phenomenal success of its flagship product, the 4-IN-1 Photo Lens, the company continues to innovate with products like the new wearable 4-in-1 lens for iPhone 6/6s & 6/6s Plus and other revolutionary products like the Active Lens and Macro Pro Lens — all designed to be complimentary lens options and push the parameters of what’s possible in mobile photography. While designing, the company focuses on compactness and lightweight form factor. Olloclip lenses are known for beautiful design, easy-to-use mobile lens systems with no oversized, heavy lenses or the need for extra parts like a bulky case or mounting bracket - just the way a mobile photographer would expect it. n

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 137

Accessories

Special feature

Elecguru Universal Optical Telescope Lens

our smartphone can now also double up as telescope

photos of small objects. Lens are made of high quality

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yes telescope. And the first name in making this

optical glass allowing one to go upto 18x magnification.

possible probably is ichoice Elecguru Universal

90 degrees of the scene can be captured by telephoto

Optical Telescope lenses. Elecguru Universal 18x Universal

lens, which can let you enjoy the unreal world. Telephoto

Optical Telescope Mobile Lens comes with tripod and can

lens can shoot the scene up to three hundred meters very

be used for a number of android and iphone devices. Its

clearly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wow! n

4-in-one universal clip lens has wide angle, macro lens, fisheye lens, telephoto lens Macro lens, can take clear

138 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Accessories

Specialfeature

TECHO Universal Professional HD

his is a 2 in 1 tiny clip-on detachable HD lens for mobile phones & digital cameras. New design universal

clip can attach every 37MM Thread Digital SLR Pro Lens on your mobile. TECHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional HD Lens reduces glass flare and ghosting caused by reflections. Its topgrade aluminum construction increases the durability of the product and let TECHO Lens be your partner of photography. Kit has universal detachable clamp design which works fine on most types of mobile phone. Its macro lens is also more powerful than most others at 12.5x, and importantly it also includes a universal 37mm thread clip that will allow you to attach DSLR lenses onto it too. n team@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 139

add-ons

CloudWalker’s Smart Cloud TV Enjoy the power of Internet on your TV now like never before

for 85,000 s R – 0 0 Rs. 18,5 size & models Price: e scre n various

loudWalker Streaming Technologies, a tech start-up

Educational, Kids content and more; or simply search for

creating digital ecosystems for large format screens

one’s favourite videos online & enjoy watching them on TV

directly through smart TV or through conversion of existing

with the state of the art Content Discovery Engine.

TVs into smart TVs, has launched the Curved & Flat 4K

The television has been paired with a ‘Super Remote’

UHD/Full HD TVs which is exclusively available on Flipkart.

which has an inbuilt Air mouse plus IR function to quickly

CloudWalker developed its own User Interface powered by

navigate all functions of the TV like switching channels,

a CDE (Content Discovery Engine) which curates digital

playing content, browsing the internet and other functions.

content available on the internet on Free, Premium or

To further make the viewing experience hassle-free, there

Freemium basis and also helps discover Apps that can

are many hotkeys with which users can access their favorite

be viewed on TV. Armed with a unique UI which offers

functions at a single press.

“Screen-Shift” method to toggle between Live TV and

The televisions available from 24 to 65 inches also

Digital TV, CloudWalker ultimately aims to enable every

comes with an attractive design, slim & aesthetically

home to enjoy digital content on their TV.

stunning sleek bezel, XLuminous Display, Dolby Digital

Available in Curved & Flat models with 4K UHD, Full HD

Sound for an unmatched cinematic experience, Bluetooth,

& HD resolution, the Cloud TVs have been designed to offer

Dual Wi-Fi and Airplay. Its additional CShare App smartly

digital content directly on televisions without the customer

controls & connects Android or IOS mobile phone or tablet

having to go through changing ports or cumbersome menus.

to the TV, enabling users to play videos, music & photos

The innovative Cloud TV is packed with unique features like

from the mobile gallery on TV. They can also mirror the

the Content Discovery Engine offering a dual experience of

phone to the TV or the TV to the phone and use the phone

watching Live TV & streaming digital content on the same

as a remote, an air mouse, a wireless keyboard or for voice

screen (side-by-side) without having to switch between

search.

ports. One can also download any Android app directly on

Customers can avail 1 year additional warranty; no

the TV or side-load from the browser to enjoy content of

cost EMI up to 9 months with Bajaj Finance and credit

your choice from thousands of applications available on

cards and up to Rs. 20000 off on exchange of old TVs on

the internet for Movies, TV shows, Music, Documentaries,

purchase of ‘Cloud TV’ range. n

140 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Ambrane P1313 (13000mAh) Powerbank A reliable and good looking companion

porting a gorgeous chassis with minimalistic design

and play function, Power will be turned on automatically

which spells sophistication, at the affordable price

for charging when connected with a Mobile device.

point, P1313 from the leading power bank manufacturer

In addition, with advanced smart control chips and

Ambrane India ensures a long lasting appeal and enhanced

charging/discharging chips, that provides 8 major circuit

utility. P1313 comes with an ergonomic contoured design

protection mechanisms; overcharge protection, over

for people who love to have a distinctive fashion style of

discharge protection, overvoltage protection, over power

their own. Available in the shades of Gold, Silver, Pink and

protection, current leakage protection, short circuit

Black the ultra high capacity power bank, with advanced

protection, over temp protection and auto shut off during

specifications, allows consumers to enjoy a smart mobile

abnormal status. n

lifestyle. The metal body has been anodized for protection against fading, corrosion

Price: Rs. 1,399

Gadget Corner

add-ons

or similar wear. Designed for the everyday use, the 13000mAh features Dual USB ports, one Micro-USB port and gives 5V/2.1A MAX (Auto Switch Mobile Phone Dependent) output. It also comes equipped with the support for fast charging technology. The

power

pack

supports upto 4.5 full charges of average 2600 mAhbattery with its super sized capacity and can also withstand upto 500 times charge discharge cycle, making sure your electronic arsenal is always ready when you are. With an average 7 to 8 hours charging time, P1313 power bank boasts being compatible with the most of the portable gadgets. And bringing safety, stability and high efficiency is the Samsung Lithium-ion Polymer battery which u s e s a d v a n c e d RI S C Micro processor chipsets for safety. P1313 is built in with smart detection, plug

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 141

Gadget Corner

add-ons

Philips SHQ3300 Earplugs Specially made for women on the move

usic is loved by every woman. The easiest way to enjoy music

or manage convenient conversations is through earplugs. Earplugs can be carried in a purse which means that the music will be with you even when you are traveling and will allow you to hear your favorite music anytime and anywhere. Tuned for music addicts

Price: Rs 925

with adjustable ear hook for secure fit this lightweight Philips SHQ3300 is the best gift for a music lover. The product is designed especially f o r s m a r t p h o n e c o m p a t i b i l i t y. Women will definitely appreciate the thoughtfulness of giving this gift because it will not just improve her overall device using experience but also improve convenience level of the gadget use. n

142 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

Gadget Corner

add-ons Huawei TE10 Cloud Video Endpoint Smartly packed convenience

he award winning Huawei TE10 huddleroom cloud video endpoint TE10 was

introduced in September 2016 and has been exhibited Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 as well as CeBIT 2017. The TE10

incorporates a full high definition camera, codec, microphone, speaker, bluetooth and WiFi, and foldable bracket into a single metal box. The box is 9 cm (3.54 in.) in height, width, depth and weighs just 500g (1.10 lb). The TE10 is a good fit for huddle rooms and any place there is a need for video collaboration. The Huawei design team maintained a usercentric focus, infusing the TE10 with a smart, convenient, and lightweight design throughout the process. The result is a portable device that can be set up within one minute, and easily access cloud video conferencing services. According to the company the TE10 video endpoint is an outcome of its strategy of developing cloud-based, converged communications, and open architectures. Its innovative design and

cloud video endpoint had won an iF Design Award for 2017. The award is the result of the product’s sleek appearance, easy-to-deploy features, seamless integration of software and hardware, and lightweight, interactive design. n

funcationality helped it win the iF Design Award, which is popularly regarded as the “Design Oscar”. The iF International Forum Design GmbH had recently announced that the Huawei TE10 huddle-room

www.mymobileindia.com

april 2017 | 143

Gadget Corner

add-ons Brainwavz BLU-Delta Bluetooth 4.1 Earphones A high performer he Brainwavz BLU-Delta brings together

the iconic Delta earphones with their

award winning design, sound signature and the wireless freedom of Bluetooth. BLUDelta is designed for easy mobility and tangle free. It offers 8 hours of continuous audio playback, 100 hours of standby and can be fully charged in under 2hrs. With a range of

Price: Rs 3,699

30ft (10m), you can comfortably be away from your audio source with no disruption to audio quality or performance.The low profile in-line remote sits comfortable to one side and the comfy fit of the earphones make them versatile while on the move or being active. The included cable cinch and clip provide for an even more secure fit. The BLU-Delta comes with 3 sets of silicone ear tips in small, medium and large sizes and 1 set of Comply™ foam tips for added comfort

Features:

and enjoyable listening. n

• Wireless Bluetooth earphones. • 8 hours of continuous playback, fully charged in under 2 hours. • Instruments and vocals reproduced with clarity.

Specifications: • Transducers/Drivers: Dynamic, 8mm • Rated Impedance: 16 ohms Closed Dynamic • Sensitivity: 100dB at 1mW • Frequency range: 20 ~ 20000Hz • Bluetooth 4.1 (CSRBC8645) with aptX • Operation max distance: 30ft (10m) • Battery: 8 hours of continuous playtime, 100hrs standby, 2hrs for full charge (Micro USB charging) • CVC echo and noise cancellation • Supports voice prompt for MMI: Power on / Paring / Connecting / Battery low / Power off • Supports HFP, HSP and A2DP • 3 Button In-Line Mic/Remote, works with Apple iOS products, Android & Windows phones & PC Warranty: The product carries a 2 year warranty and is available at Brainwavzaudio.in

144 | april 2017

MYMOBILE

HGD Travel Chargers High on efficiency and low on energy consumption

ong Guang De Technology India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Shenzhen based HGD

China, has been a professional power supply and manufacturing company with over 10 years of fine legacy. It started its India operations in 2015 Hong Guang De technology India Pvt Ltd is willing to make progress together with you for mutual benefit and common development. Among other products, it also

Gadget Corner

add-ons

makes a range of phone chargers. Its travel chargers are reliable, high on efficiency and low on energy consumption. Little wonder the company is already a preferred OEM supplier for many brands including Lava, Xolo, Onida, Micormax, Intex, Celkon, Swipe, TCL etc. n

www.mymobileindia.com

march 2017 | 143

Exclusive

Vantage Point

Why offline is still the key for mobile phone brands eyeing for success in the Indian market

ndia is fast emerging as a tech-enabled nation in the global

question. Consumers can touch and feel the product, which helps

landscape with unprecedented activity in the digital realm.

in building trust and confidence with the brand and is known to

But as the nation continues to move towards a digital-first

play a major role in influencing the final purchase decision. Offline

approach for everything from social network to shopping and from

stores also offer prospective customers a chance to conveniently

banking services to information seeking, is it safe to say that the

compare different products and brands. In-store demonstrators

online medium offers better prospects to mobile phone brands in

and branding also help in the generation of more queries by

India? They don’t, if the market data is anything to go by. Close

providing product-related information and building brand

to 70% transactions in India take place through offline sales

awareness. Furthermore, offline channels have much lower rates of

channels, underlining that offline is still the medium of choice for

product return and replacement, with the rare offline replacement/

the country’s consumers.

return requiring significantly lower

Key Reasons: The major reason why

capital expenditure on the part

offline channels continue to enjoy such

of the mobile brand and its retail

significant lead over the online medium

partners.

is their greater penetration and reach.

Another key operational aspect

With consumer markets in tier-1

for any mobile phone brand is the

geographies approaching saturation,

strength of its channel network.

brands and businesses across industry

Channel partners are the first

verticals are now looking at meeting

and most pivotal intermediaries

the demand in rural, semi-urban, and

between the brand and the end-

tier-2/tier-3 markets. Offline networks

user. Their customer relationship,

rule the roost in these geographies as

service quality, and overall goodwill

the most preferred mode of distribution

are the key influencing factors in the

despite the growing influence of online

end-customer’s decision. They can

channels, and account for nearly 75%

greatly amplify the brand visibility,

of the overall market share in India.This

making it imperative for a business

is what makes it essential for mobile

to align its channel partners with

brands in the country to leverage more

its core brand messaging. Not

conventional channels in order to gain a larger market share.

only does it stimulate demand by conveying the brand’s USPs to its target audience more effectively,

Mobile phone penetration has gradually been increasing in India,

but also directly results in an increase in its business outreach and

and, with it, the number of internet users. Yet, this phenomenon

bolsters the overall market position. Keeping their channel partners

is observed more prominently in urban areas as compared to non-

satisfied and content, therefore, is vital for mobile brands in India.

urban geographies. The rural areas, which house close to 70% of

Offline operations once again steal a march on online channels

the Indian population, have lagged a lot in terms of infrastructural

in this regard. With better margins and higher sales volume, the

and service penetration. This has left a large chunk of population

offline model adequately addresses the major channel pain points

wary about digital exchange of services. A survey by Boston

and is therefore more advantageous for mobile brands looking to

Consultancy Group revealed that 40% rural consumers believe

generate greater output from the market.

that internet is a threat to their personal information, 30% believe

A few recent entrants in the Indian mobile phone industry

online channels have poor product quality, and 25% believe that

have adopted an aggressive channel expansion strategy with

e-commerce websites and applications have interfaces which are

offline channel as their primary focus area. This approach has

hard to use. With e-commerce companies also cutting down on

allowed them to successfully bring strong disruptions within the

their heavy discounts in order to minimise their burn rate, online

highly cluttered market segment, thanks to robust offline sales and

shoppers are no longer looking exclusively at the online medium

marketing networks, underlining why any mobile brand looking

to fulfil their mobile phone ownership requirements.

for success in India must place offline operations at the heart of

Offline Advantages: A major advantage that offline retail stores have over the online channel is that they offer prospective customers a rich experiential interaction with the product in 146 | april 2017

its operations. n The author, Arijeet Talapatra, is Head, Sales & Distribution, Transsion Holdings India (Makers of itel mobiles).

MYMOBILE

RNI REG NO./DELENG/2005/15033 DL (ND) - 11/6100/2015-16-17 (Posting Date 26-27 of every month) Publishing Date- 22-03-17