After a few hints and leaks on the social media, the Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has launched Redmi 8 at just ₹7,999. This is truly a pocket-friendly handset with dual cameras and a bigger battery.

If you happen to grab the recently launched Redmi 8A, then you can call it a higher-end variant of it. The specifications and features are slightly upgraded over the Redmi 8A. One thing is for sure, these days Xiaomi is concentrating more on battery and camera department.

Redmi 8 with Dual Camera:

The Redmi 8 has got a dual-camera setup with a 12-megapixel f/1.8 aperture of Sony IMX363 sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor for better portrait mode. Moreover, it has got the popular Google Lens integration that helps you to translate any text in 104 languages.

The flagship Sony IMX363 sensor is the same one that’s been used in a lot of higher-end phones (>20K segment) including its POCOF1. Definitely, one could expect amazing snapshots.

In addition, the Redmi 8 features an 8-megapixel AI selfie camera. On the security side, it packs a rear fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock support.

Redmi 8 with Mammoth Battery:

The other notable inclusion is a powerful 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. The company boasts that the AI battery enhancement will provide an excellent battery life along with USB Type-C port for charging.

Though the handset is supported with 18W fast charging support, the box just contains a 10W charger. In a nutshell, the Redmi 8 box contains a smartphone, 10W charger, Type C charging cable, clear case, SIM card ejector, and user manual.

Powered by octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset and up to 4GB RAM, the Redmi 8 has an inbuilt storage capacity up to 64GB. Moreover, it has a dedicated microSD card slot where one can extend its storage capacity up to 512GB.

Redmi 8 Design & Pricing:

Design-wise, Redmi 8 sports a 6.22-inch HD+ resolution (720x1520 pixels) with Dot Notch at the top. The screen is protected by P2i splash-proof nano-coating and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 at the front. Hopefully, this might be a first in this price segment.

The Redmi 8 looks superb in the Aura Mirror design. If given a choice, I would pick the Sapphire Blue variant. The company has got Onyx Black and Ruby Red-colored variants too.

The latest budget smartphone will be offered in two variants 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM and 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM. Starting October 12th at 00.01 hours, the Mi lovers can grab their favorite Redmi 8 at ₹7,999 and ₹8,999 respectively on Mi India, Flipkart and Mi Home stores.

As the company is celebrating its 5th anniversary in India, Xiaomi has revealed special pricing for the first 5 million units. People who order 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM variant will automatically be upgraded to a 4GB variant. That’s a clear benefit of ₹1000 straight away. Just grab your favorite Redmi 8 at just ₹7999.

Interestingly, the Xiaomi India Head Manu Kumar Jain also revealed that Redmi Note 8 (64-megapixel QuadCamBeast) will be launched on 16th October. It’s to be noted that the Redmi Note 8 series is official in China and it’s a matter of one week waiting. Stay tuned!

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi A3 First Impressions - A Good Package at 13K

In spite of its financial crisis, the state-owned telecom firm BSNL has launched an interesting plan in its broadband product lineup. The newly rolled out “3GB BSNL CUL Broadband Plan” offers 8 Mbps broadband speed at just ₹499.

As per the reports, this new plan is rolled out in Tamil Nadu Circle and it would be extended PAN-India. Coming to details, the 3GB BSNL CUL Broadband Plan comes with a daily data limit of 3GB at 8Mbps speed. However, the data speed will be reduced to 1 Mbps speed after the Fair Usage Limit.

3GB BSNL CUL Broadband Plan:

Apart from broadband internet, the subscriber gets unlimited calling benefit to all the networks. When the telecom companies are offering to carry forward unused data to the next billing cycle, the BSNL has struck with a daily data limit. Leaving it aside, the subscriber can enjoy 90GB of data and unlimited calling at a monthly rental of ₹499.

2GB BSNL CUL Broadband Plan:

On a similar note, the BSNL has rolled out 2GB BSNL CUL Broadband Plan at 8Mbps speeds. The monthly rental of this plan is ₹399. Here, the FUP limit is 2GB and post the FUP limit one can enjoy the unlimited internet at 1Mbps speed.

With this plan, the subscriber can use 60GB of high-speed internet. In addition to the broadband internet, the plan offers unlimited voice calls to any network in India.

Leaving it aside, the BSNL has also got a third plan with the same 2GB daily FUP limit. However, calling benefits are reduced. The user can enjoy unlimited calling on BSNL network and ₹600 worth of calling benefit to other networks. The monthly rental of this broadband plan is ₹349.

Comparison of Plans:

What’s Your Opinion?

On the pricing side, the plans seem to be economical. However, when one compares the above plans in the current market, BSNL has nothing to cheer. Even the private telecom operators are finding it difficult to match the stiff competition triggered by disruptive offerings of Reliance Jio.

When there is a huge gap between monthly revenues and expenses, the government should take a call and ensure revival roadmap for the ailing government-owned corporation.

Also Read: BSNL Revises Unlimited BB Plans to GB/Day Plans

@dipika-menon

Hope this comparison helps in deciding what to buy.

OnePlus 7 Vs. OnePlus 7 Pro - Specifications Comparision:

The state-run telecom company BSNL has revised its popular Plan Maximum 999 by offering extra 2.2Gb/day data with a validity of 181 days.

Unlike the private telecom companies, the BSNL has been in a good form. The company is taking on the momentum by the introduction of new plans. At the same time, the BSNL is revising its popular plans by adding freebies to a great extent.

BSNL Plan Maximum 999:

One among such initiatives is the revision of Plan Maximum 999. Under this plan, all the local/STD/Roaming calls are free and unlimited except in Mumbai and Delhi telecom circles. Moreover, one can access unlimited data.

Earlier the FUP limit was 1GB/day and it was revised to 2.1GB per day. Now, one can access an extra 2.2GB/day. That makes an astounding 3.2GB data per day. Post the FUP, the speed will be restricted to 40kbps. As a combo offer, one can enjoy 100SMS/day with respect to this high validity plan.

The validity of the Plan Maximum 999 is 365 days. However, it should be noted that the freebies have a validity period of 181 days. Post the freebies validity period (on 182nd day), one should either recharge the same plan or else the tariff would be deducted from the main balance.

Thus, by recharging with the Plan Maximum 999 one gets a mammoth 579.2GB of data with a validity period of 181 days. This is really a huge offering by the public sector company. In some telecom circles, this plan is also known by the name BSNL Bumper Offer.

BSNL Plan Vaarshika 1699:

The BSNL has also got two high-end annual plans. The first one, Plan Vaarshika 1699 offers an unlimited voice in home LSA/Roaming including Mumbai and New Delhi telecom circles. The subscriber can enjoy 2GB/day data for a period of 365 days. And post the FUP, the speed will be restricted to 80kbps. With regard to SMS benefits, one can enjoy 100 SMS per day.

As a complimentary benefit, one can enjoy PRBT (personalized ring back tone) facility with unlimited song change option. This enables the BSNL subscriber to set up his favourite tune instead of the default ring.

BSNL Plan Vaarshika Plus 2099:

This long validity plan has all the benefits mentioned in the BSNL Plan Vaarshika 1699 with 365 days validity. The USP of the Vaarshika Plus 2099 plan is its daily offering of 4GB/day data benefit.

BSNL FRC 186 Plan:

Apart from the high-end offerings, the BSNL has also got an FRC 186 that offers unlimited local/STD/roaming calls to any network except Mumbai and Delhi telecom circles. Upon revision, this FRC 186 plan now offers 3.2GB daily data and 100 SMS per day with a validity period of 28 days.

When the state-run telecom operator BSNL is trying hard to make 4G a grand success, the subscribers will definitely love the revised plans. What’s your take on the recently revised tariff plans?

Also Read: BSNL Freedom Chhota 29 STV Now Offers Unlimited Calling for 7 Days

Hathway, a Mumbai headquartered the first cable ISP in Inda, has come up with another thunder plan in broadband segment. The new Thunder Hathway Broadband plan offers 125Mbps speed internet at just ₹649 per month with no FUP limitation.

Under the new ownership of Reliance Industries Limited, Hathway has been offering blazing speeds at an affordable price. As per the new Thunder Plan, Hathway offers 125Mbps broadband speed without any FUP restrictions. Though the newly launched plan is just limited to Hyderabad, the company expects it to launch in other areas too.

Starting from Hyderabad, the Hathway Broadband Internet has now extended its operations to Aurangabad, Baroda, Bangalore, Bhilai, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, Surat and Thane, Visakhapatnam, Vadodara, and Vellore.

Hathway Broadband Plans:

Last week, the Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited (popularly known as Hathway) has launched the cheapest broadband plan where the subscriber can enjoy 25 Mbps speeds at just ₹399 per month with no FUP limitation. This SUPER 25 Mbps broadband plan also has an annual payment option at just ₹4500.

High Speed 300 Mbps Plan?

If rumours are to be believed Hathway is all set to launch high-speed 300Mbps broadband plans across the country. First, the company has already rolled out 300Mbps plan in Chennai, and it plans to make it other metros including Bangalore and Hyderabad. From there, the company plans to extend the launch of high-speed plans in a phased manner.

If one compares Hathway with other broadband internet providers like ACT Fibernet and Spectra then the Hathway is surely far behind in offering 1Gbps speeds. However, the backing of cash-rich Reliance Industries Ltd will surely help Hathway to grab the market in association with Reliance Jio GigaFiber.

Also Read: Mukesh Ambani Launches JioPhone 2 and JioGigaFiber in 1100 Cities

ASUS India has now launched the successor Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 in the Indian market. After the stupendous success of Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1, the company has been on watch for a while.

Apart from Zenfone Max Pro M2, the Taiwanese multinational has launched another smartphone Asus ZenFone Max M2. For a while, let us concentrate our discussion exclusively on Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2. Starting from premium design to powerful chipset, the handset has got the best specs to give counter RealMe and Xiaomi.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi A2 Launched at ₹16999, 6GB RAM Will Come Later

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 Specifications:

Regarding specifications, Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 sports a 6.26-inch Full HD+ screen with a notch on the top of the 19:9 aspect ratio display. The screen has 2280x1080 pixel resolution with 450 nits brightness. As per the company, the latest handset features the Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection.

The handset is powered by the powerful 1.95GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, Adreno 512 GPU (for graphics) and 3GB/4GB/6GB LPDDR4X RAM.

It provides an inbuilt storage space of 32GB/64GB ROM with a dedicated microSD card slot that can be expanded up to 400GB. The three storage variants are as follows – 3GB RAM/32GB ROM, 4GB RAM/64GB ROM and 6GB RAM/64GB ROM and are priced ₹12999, ₹14999, and ₹16999 respectively.

Decent Camera & Mammoth Battery:

Regarding optics, the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 features a dual-camera setup. With 12-mp primary sensor (f/1.8 aperture) and 5mp depth sensor, this setup also offers 4K video support with EIS. On the front, the smartphone 13mp f/2.0 sensor with LED flash. One can find rear fingerprint sensor and face unlock support as well.

Similar to its predecessor, the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 is backed by a mammoth 5000mAh battery with 10W charging support. Though one can’t call it a stock Android 8.1 Oreo version, the handset is preloaded with just 3 apps namely Facebook, Instagram and Facebook Messenger. The company claims to provide a confirmed Android 9 Pie upgrade by January 2019.

With respect to connectivity options, it supports dual-SIM VoLTE standby, Bluetooth v 5.0, 3.5mm audio jack, micro USB port and more. Unlike its predecessor, the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 will be available in two colours – Blue and Titanium.

What’s Your Opinion?

Starting December 18th 12 noon, the latest smartphone will be available for sale on Flipkart portal. As a launch offer, one can expect 10% instant bank discount on Master card for first online payment and complete mobile protection plan worth ₹1299 at just ₹99.

With similar hardware and specs, the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 will now take on Realme 2 Pro (₹13990), Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro (₹13999), Xiaomi Mi A2 (₹15999), and Motorola One Power (₹15999). Going by the popularity, one can expect an easy going for the latest launch Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2.

Also Read: Redmi Note 6 Pro Goes on Sale, Special Price ₹12999 Only for Today

The HMD Global officially launched its premium mid-end smartphone Nokia 8.1 in the Indian market. Starting December 21st, the latest smartphone will be available at a price tag of ₹26999. One can purchase it both online (Amazon India and Nokia website) and offline (all major retail stores) across India.

To update, the Nokia 8.1 is a global variant of Nokia X7 that was launched in China in the month of October. Officially, the handset was given the name Nokia 8.1 in Dubai last week. HMD Global took no time in releasing it in the Indian market. Incidentally, HMD Global has launched more than 12 smartphones in India and thus one can expect its strategy.

Also Read: OnePlus 6T Review – Full Specifications, Price, Latest News & More

Nokia 8.1 Specifications:

Specifications wise, Nokia 8.1 is a premium mid-end Android-One branded smartphone. It sports a 6.18-inch Full HD+ IPS HDR 10 supporting display. With 1080x2244 pixel resolution and 18.7:9 aspect ratio and 500 nits peak brightness, the handset have got the best display.

Powered by the modern octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 SoC and 4GB LPDDR4x RAM, the handset has an inbuilt 64GB storage space that can be expandable up to 400GB.

The Nokia 8.1 sports a dual rear camera with 12mp f/1.8 primary lens and 13mp secondary optics with Zeiss branding for portrait capture. It also supports 4K video recording with OIS and EIS.

Bothie and Google ARCore Support:

On the front, there is a single 20mp f/2.0 camera with AI scene detection for selfies. The USP of these cameras is “Bothie” feature that enables simultaneous photo/video shooting facility from both cameras. It also has Google ARCore support.

Backed by a decent 3500mAh battery, the company expects it to last 2 days on a single charge. Moreover, it supports 18W fast charge. The other USP of this dual-SIM Nokia 8.1 handset is booting of the stock Android 9 Pie. Being a part of the Android One, one can expect timely updates for their handsets.

Starting December 10, HMD Global is accepting pre-orders of Nokia 8.1 smartphone available in two colours (Blue/Silver and Iron/Steel).

What’s Your Opinion?

To be frank, the latest Nokia 8.1 is a decent premium handset but slightly overpriced. When the premium Snapdragon 845 chipset handsets are available for 20K, the Snapdragon 710 SoC packed Nokia 8.1 looks to be a bit over-priced. However, the Android One branding coupled with Nokia makes it a decent buy.

As a part of launch offer, HMD Global has tied up with HDFC Bank to offer 10% cash back on the purchase. Similarly, Airtel Postpaid subscribers are eligible for 1-year Amazon Prime subscription and 3-month Netflix subscription. There are many more offers to come up. Just browse the Notify Me page on Amazon India.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi A2 Launched at ₹16999, 6GB RAM Will Come Later

The Chinese consumer electronics company Meizu Technology Co. Ltd has made its comeback in India. Today, Meizu India officially launched the flagship smartphone the Meizu 16th with Snapdragon 845 chipset and 8GB RAM.

Though the Meizu made a debut in 2015, it couldn’t make it big. With this company has packed the top-of-the-line specifications to compete with OnePlus 6T and Xiaomi Pocophone F1. Priced at ₹39,999, the Meizu 16th will be an Amazon India exclusive.

Meizu 16th Specifications

Regarding specifications, the Meizu 16th sports a 6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 2160x1080 pixels resolution. It also features an in-display fingerprint scanner in similar lines with OnePlus 6T.

Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and 8GB RAM, the flagship handset provides an inbuilt 128GB storage. Though the company has got other variants, it has packed only the 128GB storage variant (Morning White & Midnight Black) for the Indian market. The lack of microSD card support will surely disappoint the multimedia lovers who store loads of content on their device.

The flagship smartphone portraits an impressive 12mp + 20mp Sony flagship lenses setup with f/2.0 aperture. Though the company claims awesome dark photography, the reviews are not in favour of it.

When the flagship smartphones are shipped outright with Android 9 Pie, the Meizu 16th is still booting Flyme 7 based on Android 8.1 Oreo.

This dual 4G VoLTE handset supports all the latest connectivity options. There’s a 3010mAh battery equipped with mCharge fast charging support. The company boasts to provide 60% charge in 60 minutes. Not a great battery but still will be able to last a day.

What’s Your Opinion:

At ₹39,999, the Meizu 16th is definitely not the cheapest flagship handset to purchase. When compared with Asus, Honor, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, the Meizu 16th can’t score more ratings in the mid-range flagship segment.

@mrinal-chauhan
@vikas-jadhav

Just received the following message on my Airtel number which has an unlimited recharge plan of ₹448.

Please Note! Base tariff for your Airtel Mobile has been changed w.e.f. 22-Nov-18.
You are required to pay Rs23 or more for 28 days validity. Else you can opt for unlimited/smart recharge from your main account balance.
Dial 12151#.
Ignore if recharged

It is highly disappointing to note that TRAI (instead of helping the customers) is trying the best to bail out these top telecom companies! By asking the telecom companies to send the SMS, TRAI has officially approved and thus put an end to free incoming calls for the lifetime.

This is totally unfair!!

The Chinese giant OPPO officially launched Realme 1 as an Amazon India Exclusive. Though claimed as a midrange phone, Realme 1 gets an AI processor meant for AI-based selfies features and efficient battery management.

When the whole nation is busy in following Karnataka Assembly Election Results 2018, OPPO launched Realme 1 smartphone. Grabbing all the attention with power and style, OPPO Realme 1 looks to be a pretty impressive smartphone.

Even before the launch date, the specs got leaked on Twitter and thus there are higher expectations on it. Moreover, the microsite on Amazon India revealed many key features. With decent specs, OPPO Realme 1 looks to challenge Xiaomi by competing with Redmi Note 5 smartphone. The launch clearly states that the Indian market is heating up with budget smartphones.

OPPO Realme 1 Specifications:

The Realme 1is a 6-inch handset with 2160x1080p LCD display, powered by 3GB/4GB/6GB RAM and Octa-Core Helio P60 chipset. On the optics side, it sports a 13 and 8-megapixel snapper on back and front respectively. In-camera department, the phone looks promising and similar to the premium OPPO F7. Incidentally, there’s no fingerprint sensor but is equipped with facial recognition feature. Lack of fingerprint sensor is a big let-down.

On the battery side, OPPO Realme 1 is powered by 3,410mAh battery. The AI battery management and AI shot for the camera makes it a better performance oriented handset. Moreover, it improves power efficiency.

This dual 4G VoLTE handset runs on Android 8.1 Oreo-based ColorOS 5.0. In short, OPPO Realme 1 stands for Helio P60 chipset, AI processor coupled with 6GB RAM and 3410mAh battery. Unless the user plays for hours, the battery is sufficient enough to last for a day. The rear side design looks astonishing and Helio P60 processor has got positive reviews in line with Qualcomm SD660 processor.

Dual-core AI-specific Chip:

The smartphone is a Made in India product and a new brand meant exclusively for e-commerce channel Amazon India. With the stylish design and dual-core AI-specific chip, OPPO Realme 1 is in direct competition with Xiaomi product line.

And, the 3Realme brand will be completely separate from the OPPO brand.

As per the data revealed by Counterpoint Technology Market Research, China’s Xiaomi is India’s leading smartphone brand with 47% market share in the online segment. In contrast, OPPO is placed in 4th position with 5.6% market share.
Realizing the importance of the online market, OPPO has adopted online channel for its Realme brand before launching it to any other global market.

Strengthening its after-sales service, OPPO has decided to open up another 500 plus service centers across India. The Chief Product Officer, Mr. Levi Lee, Realme, OPPO Electronics also clarified that entire Realme product line will be locally made at OPPO’s factory located in Greater Noida.

Pricing & Launch Offers:

Starting May 25th, the Realme will be open for sale through flash sales model on Amazon India. And the handset will be in Diamond Black, Solar Red, and Moonlight Silver colors. The 3GB RAM/32GB ROM and 6GB RAM/128GB ROM variants are priced at ₹8,990 and ₹13,990 respectively. As a launch offer, there will be a 5% cashback on SBI cards, free case and screen protector, Jio benefits worth ₹4,850 and 80% discount on Kindle ebooks.

Considering the premium value of Helio P60 chipset and the best AI specific camera, OPPO Realme 1 could be a serious challenger to Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 or for that matter, any phone under ₹15,000 price range. Undoubtedly, the best midrange smartphone!