Aiming at the entry level market, Idea has launched a couple of brand new Android smartphones, the Ultra II and !d 1000. Yes, we agree the naming on the latter is quite weird.
The better equipped of the two is the Idea Ultra II. It features a 5.5-inch display and is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor. There’s a 8MP rear camera with flash and a 2MP front facing camera. Android 4.2 Jelly Bean runs the show and there’s a 2500 mAh battery to keep the device going. There’s 3G connectivity as well.
Idea ULTRA II is available in White and Electric Graphite and is priced at an MRP of Rs. 12,500 only. The phone will be available in Idea’s major 3G markets – Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra & Goa, MP & Chhattisgarh, Haryana, UP West, and UP East.
The other offering, Idea !d 1000 makes up for the bottom of the food chain in the smartphone market. It features a 3.5-inch display and is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor. There’s 4GB internal storage with microSD expansion. Android 4.2 Jelly Bean runs the show and a 2MP camera graces the back. The !d 1000 is priced at an MRP of just Rs. 5,400, this smartphone will be available across Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra & Goa, MP & Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, UP West and UP East.
Speaking at the launch event in the city today, Mr. Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular, said, “Lack of availability of affordable 3G smartphones with high-end features is the deterrent to mobile data growth in India. Idea has tried to bridge this gap by offering the best value for money 3G devices, in addition to our superior 3G products, services, and network coverage. We have witnessed consistent growth in data uptake in our 3G markets where Idea branded 3G smartphones have been selling, for the past two years. This has encouraged us to further expand our devices portfolio with the launch of our first 14.0 cms (5.5”) 3G smartphone, ULTRA II, and the entry-level !d 1000, which will help us target consumers at both ends of the spectrum.”
