In a significant move, BSNL has reshuffled all closed prepaid plans under one umbrella. As part of this strategy, the BSNL has migrated all its closed prepaid plans to the newly launched Advance per Minute or Advance per Second plans.

This migration will come up with immediate effect across India. Regularly, the state-run telecom network BSNL introduces some new plans and at the same time closes them when they become obsolete.

As per the 43rd Amendment of Telecom Tariff Order, the BSNL has issued a new guideline stating that the closed prepaid plans will hereby migrate to the Advance Per Minute or Advance Per Second.

BSNL Validity Minimum Recharge:

To the unaware, Advance Per Second ₹95 and Advance Per Minute ₹94 are the best and cheap plans to extend the validity of your BSNL SIM. Though there is ₹74 per second plan recharge, it has a validity of 60 days.

On the other hand, both the Advance Per Second ₹95 and Advance Per Minute ₹94 plans come with a validity of 90 days.

Within this 90-day validity period, the BSNL offers 3GB free data and 100 minutes free voice calls. These freebies are valid across India including home LSA and National roaming covering Mumbai and Delhi. The free PRBT default tune is complimentary but limited to 60 days.

Advance Per Second ₹95 Vs Advance Per Minute ₹94

The only difference between Advance Per Second ₹95 and Advance Per Minute ₹94 recharge is the pulse rate. The billed pulse rate is 1 second and 1 minute respectively.

If the BSNL subscriber is having the number as a secondary SIM or only for giving a missed call or just for the sake of incoming calls, then Advance Per Second ₹95 is the best recharge available.

How to Check BSNL Active Plan?

Currently, you can check the BSNL active prepaid plan on using 3 different methods.

1. Through USSD code. Just dial *123#. The BSNL will send you an instant message that displays the following information:

• Balance:
• Expiry:
• Status:
• GP1:
• GP2:
• Plan:

2. Through My BSNL App on a smartphone. Just download the app from Play Store. Open the installed app and click on prepaid info. By entering you’re your number, you get an OTP. After confirmation, you can check all your details regarding the prepaid BSNL number.

3. Through BSNL My Portal. By signing-in on the BSNL website, you get all the comprehensive details including the validity of your BSNL SIM.

If your BSNL prepaid plan is still active then don’t worry. If the plan is not listed there, then it will be automatically migrated to the Advance Per Second ₹95 or Advance Per Minute ₹94.

Just remember, if your plan was on the per-second pulse rate, then it will be migrated to Advance Per Second ₹95. Or else, it will be with Advance Per Minute ₹94 (minute as the pulse).

Hope this clarifies the new plans.

Also Read: BSNL Prepaid Recharge Plans for Validity Extension (Updated 2020)

Realme has recently launched the successor to its Realme 6 series. The new 7 series comprises of 2 handsets – Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro. Though the company boasts big upgrades lets check them in reality.

Both the handsets look stunning in terms of aesthetics (Mirror White and Mirror Blue colour variants). However, the premium model looks sleek and slim. You can’t go wrong with its killer looks.

Realme 7 Vs Realme 7 Pro Specs:

The Realme 7 packs a 6.5-inch display with 2400x1080 pixels screen resolution. The Realme 7 Pro comes with Super AMOLED display with a screen-to-body ratio of 90.8 per cent. Both of them have Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Now comes the super decider, processor! The Realme7 is powered by MediaTek Helio G95 SoC whereas its PRO version is backed by Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor. Both the processors have paired up 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage.

Realme 7 Vs Realme 7 Pro Camera:

On the optics front, both the handsets have a quad rear camera setup. It includes 64mp primary lens, 8mp ultra-wide lens, 2mp portrait lens and 2mp macro lens. They just differ in front camera setup. The Realme 7 has 16mp while the Realme 7 Pro has a 32mp selfie camera.

As usual, both the handsets have inbuilt camera features including AI scene recognition, AI Beauty, Super Night Scape etc.

Backed by a mammoth 5000mAh battery, Realme has a 30W fast charging support. It gives a full charge of 65 minutes. While the Realme 7 Pro has 4500mAh battery with 65W fast charging. Within 34 minutes, you get a full charge in Realme 7 Pro.

What’s Your Opinion?

The Realme 7 with 6GB RAM+64GB ROM is priced at ₹14.999 and the 8GB RAM+ 128GB ROM variant costs ₹16,999. Similarly, the premium Realme 7 Pro has 2 variants: 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM costs ₹19,999 and the 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM costs ₹21,999.

By going through the specifications, one could consider Realme 7 Pro. However, the competition seems to be very tough. Motorola One Fusion+ and yet to be launched Poco X3 could give a tough fight. Let’s wait for another week and find out the real winner in this 15K-20K price segment.

Also Read: Realme 6 & Realme 6 Pro Offers 90Hz Refresh Rate Display

Vodafone Idea Ltd, the pan-India integrated GSM telecom operator, has added 2 new plans to its prepaid segment. Interestingly, both the prepaid plans ₹109 and ₹169 has the same validity period of 20 days.

As per the official reports, both the plans are available for recharge on a pan-India basis. Earlier some plans were exclusive to certain telecom circles. In contrary, Vodafone Idea has got these prepaid plans across India.

Moreover, both Vodafone and Idea networks have got this plan in their prepaid kitty. Regarding the plan benefits, let’s take each plan and observe them closely.

Vodafone Idea ₹109 Prepaid Plan:

Coming to the Vodafone Idea ₹109 recharge, it offers unlimited local and national calling (no daily FUP limit) with a validity of 20 days. Here, the subscriber gets just 1GB data and 300 local and national SMS.

Vodafone Idea ₹169 Prepaid Plan:

The higher denomination ₹169 recharge offers truly unlimited local and national calling to all networks with a validity of 20 days. The main advantage of this ₹169 plan is its daily 1GB offering and 100 SMS per day.

That means, one gets 20GB data and 2000 SMS in its 20 days validity period. This makes a huge difference.

This is VIL’s most affordable truly unlimited prepaid recharge.

Incidentally, both the plans do not offer Vodafone PLAY and ZEE5 subscription. Don’t know why these add-ons weren’t included in both the packs.

Comparison of ₹109 and ₹169 Plans:

Vodafone Idea Prepaid	Rs 109 Plan	Rs 169 Plan
Cost	Rs 109	Rs 169
Validity	20 days	20 days
Data Benefit	1 GB	Daily 1 GB
Voice Calls	Truly Unlimited	Truly Unlimited
SMS Benefits (Local + National)	300	Daily 100

However, if you look at the cheapest recharge from Vodafone Idea (₹19); it offers both Vodafone PLAY and ZEE5 subscription. To those unaware, the ₹19 recharge offers truly unlimited voice calls and 200MB data with a validity of 2 days.

Vodafone Idea ₹1499 Prepaid 1Yr Plan:

The loyal customers who are looking at long-term validity can recharge with ₹1499 pack that offers truly unlimited calls (local and national calls to any network) for a period of 365 days. Along with the unlimited voice calls, the subscriber gets 24GB of data and 3600 local and national SMS benefit. Vodafone PLAY and ZEE5 subscription are the additional benefits.

Also Read: BSNL Adds ₹365 STV with 365 Days Validity

After releasing so many teasers, Xiaomi has finally launched Mi Smart Band 4 in the Indian market. It’s to be noted that the company has already launched the latest fitness tracker in the native country.

Starting from day one of its Chinese launch, the product has been getting rave reviews. The reason is it’s not just an updated version of the previous generation of Mi Bands. It’s a full package with a 24bit colored AMOLED full-touch display.

The retail channel Mi Home Store will stock the 4 color bands including Orange, Purple, Black, and Burgundy. Starting September 19, the latest Mi Smart Band 4 can also be grabbed online at Amazon.in and Mi.com.

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4 Specifications:

Xiaomi, at its Smarter Living 2020 event held in Bengaluru, launched the most popular Mi Band 4 in India. Sticking to its original design, Mi Band 4 displays a 0.95-inch AMOLED screen with 240x120 pixels resolution. This has got about 40% bigger display when compared to its previous edition Mi Band 3.

On top, there’s a protective layer of 2.5D curved tempered glass with anti-finger coating. Moreover, it is 5ATM rated making it water-resistant up to 50 meters. It is equally capable of recognizing 5 different swimming strokes namely freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, and mixed-style.

This is in addition to the detection of regular activities like treadmill, exercise, outdoor running, cycling, walking, pool swimming, etc.

In contrast to Band 3, this Mi Smart Band 4 has a lot of several tracking features and a heart rate sensor. The Mi Band 4 packs a microphone, Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity and a bunch of sensors including PPG all-day heart rate checking, idle alerts, capacitive proximity, calorie counter, workout completion, and sleep monitoring.

True to its name, the Mi Smart Band 4 is capable enough to show notifications like phone, alarm, SMS, WhatsApp, fitness details, weather forecast, etc. Moreover, one can control music playback functions such as increase/decrease volume, song shuffling, etc.

Powered by a 512KB RAM, 16MB ROM, and 135mAh LiPo battery, this Mi Band 4 offers battery life up to 20 days on a single charge. It’s super light and weighs just 22.1 grams despite being made of thermoplastic polyurethane material.

Also Read: Reliance Jio Extends Tariff War to Postpaid Segment with ₹199 Plan

The dream has turned out to be a reality. Within 3 years, the new entrant in the telecom sector captured the Numero uno position. You read it right. Reliance Jio has emerged as the biggest telecom network provider in India.

Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries Limited commercially launched its telecom services on 5th September 2016. Within 30 days, the Reliance Jio has acquired a mammoth 16 million subscriber base. In fact, this is a world record of itself where no other telecom company achieved this feat.

Reliance Jio – India Ka Number One Company:

As per the company data, Jio has achieved 50 million subscriber base in 83 days since its launch. On 22nd February 2017, the Jio has amassed 100 million subscribers. As per the latest financial results reported by its parent company, the subsidiary Reliance Jio has a remarkable user base of 331.3 million.

In contrast, Vodafone Idea Ltd reported an erosion in its customer base. In the March quarter of 2019-20, Vodafone Idea Ltd reported a subscriber base of 334.1 million. However, the latest financial report of Vodafone Idea Ltd revealed that its customer base has shrunk to 320 million.

Interestingly, the company released a statement that this customer churn is as a result of the introduction of service validity vouchers. Whatever may be the reason, India’s largest telecom merger turned out to be a big failure as it is continuously losing the subscriber base.

How Jio Destroyed the Largest Competitors?

On 31st August 2018, the merged entity (both the Idea and Vodafone brand combined) had more than 400 million subscribers and became the world’s second-largest telecom company. However, within a year the merged entity lost more than 80 million users.

The company lost its esteemed customers every month. The introduction of minimum recharge plan is considered to be a big hindrance for its erosion.

As per the latest figures, there are 1161.86 million wireless subscribers in India. Of them, Reliance Jio tops the telecom sector with 27.8% market share and 331.30 million active users. The Vodafone Idea Ltd combined entity drops to the second spot with 23.36% market share and 320 million active users.

Once the king of telecom sector Bharti Airtel is now content with 21.57% market share and 310.94 million users. Unfortunately, the inclusion of Tata DoCoMo subscribers didn’t give any fair advantage.

The state-owned BSNL & MTNL combine is placed last in the table with 10.28% market share and 119.43 million users.

Current Position of Wireless Operators in Indian Market:

Rank	Telecom Operator	Active Users (in million)	Market Share
1	Reliance Jio	331.30	27.80%
2	Vodafone Idea Ltd.	320.0	23.36%
3	Bharti Airtel	310.94	21.57%
4	BSNL & MTNL	119.43	10.28%

Also Read: Reliance Jio Extends Tariff War to Postpaid Segment with ₹199 Plan

After a lot of teasing, Xiaomi has finally launched Redmi 7A in the Indian market. The original Chinese variant was launched in May. And within 2 months, the Redmi Indian fans will be able to grab the new handset from Flipkart and Mi.com online stores.

Starting July 11th, the wannabe customers of Samsung Galaxy M10, Nokia 2.2 and Realme C2 will have a new handset to choose from. The Xiaomi Redmi 7A sports an HD+ display, octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 SoC, 12-megapixel Sony sensor, 4000mAh battery, 2yr warranty all at ₹5999.

This is to remind that the Chinese telecom major had branded Xiaomi Redmi 6A as “Desh ka Naya Smartphone" in the last September. Keeping up its tradition, the company has kept the affordability as the main moto while launching the successor to the popular smartphone.

Xiaomi Redmi 7A Specifications:

Regarding specifications, Xiaomi Redmi 7A sports a 5.45-inch HD+ (720x1440 pixels) display with 18:9 aspect ratio. Powered by Qualcomm’s octa-core Snapdragon 439 SoC clocked at 2Hz, the handset has 2 variants - 2GB RAM+ 16GB ROM and 2GB RAM + 32GB ROM priced ₹5,999 and ₹6,199 respectively.

As a special offer (5th Anniversary in India), the company is offering ₹200 instant discount for the same in the month of July. This means the users can grab their favourite Xiaomi Redmi 7A at just ₹5799 (16GB variant) and ₹5999 (32GB variant).

Mi A2 Camera Sensor:

On the camera front, it is equipped with a 12-megapixel Sony IMX486 camera sensor at the back. This is the same sensor that the company has used it in its higher-end smartphone Mi A2. On the front, it sports a 5-megapixel camera equipped with AI portrait mode.

Moreover, the users can also enjoy the enhanced security option through AI Face Unlock and the company promises to bring AI scene detection feature through over-the-air (OTA) update.

The handset offers dual 4G VoLTE and dedicated microSD card slot that supports 256GB. Currently, the Xiaomi has plans to offer this handset in 3 colour variants namely Matte Black, Matte Blue, and Matte Gold.

Backed by 4000mAh battery with 10W charging support, Xiaomi Redmi 7A will not disappoint you for a day and even more. One can expect Android 9 Pie based MIUI 10 out of the box.

Mi 2-Year Warranty:

With matte finish unibody, the new handset is splash proof (P2i) providing decent protection against accidental falls and spills. Moreover, the handset has got a 2-year warranty period. This is the first instance that Xiaomi has been proud of. None of the mobile manufacturers has got this unique feature for their offerings.

What’s Your Opinion?

Pretty decent specs for the price!! Surely, the handset will win the hearts of budget-handset lovers in India.

Also Read: Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S First Impressions

If one has to thank the current telecom tariff, then it could be none other than Reliance Jio. The entry of Mr Mukesh Ambani in the telecom space changed its dimensions.

With the new directions from TRAI, the telecom companies have started offering annual recharge packs to lure the subscribers. One among them is the new offering of Airtel ₹1699 annual pack.

Interestingly, Bharti Airtel has another unlimited recharge Airtel ₹169 in its kitty. The validity of this monthly recharge is 28 days. With more or less similar benefits, both the Airtel ₹1699 and Airtel ₹169 has attracted the new and old customers alike.

This article will highlight the benefits of prepaid recharge and helps you to make a better decision.

Airtel ₹1699 Annual Pack:

First, let me go with the Airtel ₹1699 annual pack. Here, you’ll get a 365-day validity period. Unlimited voice calls, 1GB data per day and 100 SMS benefits per day form the core of the annual pack. For a period of 1 complete year, just go tension-free. And enjoy the benefits to the core.

In addition to the long-term validity, the Airtel ₹1699 annual pack also offers a bunch of freebies. It includes a complimentary subscription to Airtel TV Premium, Zee5, HOOQ, Norton Mobile Security (1 yr), Airtel Cloud backup and Wynk Music subscription for free.

Airtel ₹169 Monthly Recharge:

While the monthly recharge Airtel ₹169 comes with a 28-day validity period. It offers unlimited voice calls, 1GB data and 100 SMSes per day. Undoubtedly, this is the most economical unlimited pack in Airtel product line.

However, if you forget to recharge after its due date, you will lose the unlimited calling benefits. In such a scenario, the main balance would be deducted. Leaving it aside, you end up paying more than ₹329 to enjoy the same unlimited calling benefits for a complete year.

If you happen to consider this extra ₹329, then the Airtel ₹1699 annual pack would be an affordable solution. Moreover, you get a lot of freebies including a subscription to Airtel TV Premium, Zee5, HOOQ, Norton Mobile Security, Airtel Cloud backup, and Wynk music subscription.

What’s Your Opinion?

The choice seems to be simple. However, the subscriber needs to understand the future dynamics of telecom space. If you are happy with the coverage and service of Bharti Airtel then go with the annual pack or else monthly recharge would better suit the bill.

Airtel ₹1699 Annual Pack Vs Airtel ₹169 Monthly Recharge

Bharti Airtel	₹1699 Annual Pack	₹169 Monthly Recharge
Cost	₹1699	₹169
Validity Period (in days)	365	28
Voice Benefits	Unlimited Calling	Unlimited Calling
Local, STD & Roaming	Free	Free
High Speed Data	1GB/day	1GB/day
Total Data	365GB	28GB
Cost per GB data	₹4.7 per GB	₹6 per GB
SMS	100/day	100/day
FUP	No Limit	Yes
Next Recharge	Every 365 days	Every 28 days
Airtel TV Premium	Yes	No
Zee5	Yes	No
HOOQ	Yes	No
Norton Mobile Security (1 yr)	Yes	No
Airtel Cloud backup	Yes	No
Wynk Music subscription	Yes	No

HMD Global owned Nokia launched a flagship for everyone under Google’s Android One platform. Priced at ₹25999, this is undoubtedly the best offering by Nokia both in terms of functionality and practicality.

Though one cannot compare the phone to iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S9, this premium mid-end smartphone is the best in its class. Starting from design to the battery, Nokia 7 Plus has got decent specs to be counted as the dependable smartphone.

Nokia 7 Plus Specifications:

Nokia 7 Plus has got 6-inch IPS LCD display with Full HD+ 2160x1080 pixels and 405 ppi density. Featuring a bezel-less design and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, the design seems to get an inspiration from Google Pixel 2 XL. It has got a brightness value of 500 nits.

Also Read: Google Pixel 2 Vs Google Pixel 2 XL: What’s The Difference?

Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset and 4GB RAM, the handset has a 64 GB internal storage space. Interestingly, Nokia has packed the best processor in this price range and scored 139,482 on the AnTuTu benchmark test.

In the camera department, Nokia 7 Plus sports a dual camera setup with 12-megapixel primary and 13-megapixel secondary telephoto lens. The photos are sharp and colorful even in low light conditions. A 16-megapixel selfie camera is another addition. To be frank, it is much better than Nokia 8’s mediocre imaging.

Backed by 3800 mAh, one can expect a decent battery juice for at least a day with normal usage. Moreover, the Quick-charge enables it to get 100 percent within 90 minutes of charging. The best thing about Nokia 7 Plus is its pure stock Android 8.1 Oreo. No third-party apps. No bloated software. Purely, an Android-One smartphone!

The Nokia 7 Plus packs a USB Type-C charging port and a mono speaker. The fingerprint scanner makes the device more secured yet responsive to easily unlock the device. Though the handset is all-premium in specifications, it doesn’t have the water and dust resistant capacity. Leaving it aside, there’s nothing to complain.

What’s Your Opinion?

Ironically, the Finnish manufacturer Nokia name still carries a lot of weight in the Indian market. With specs and stock Android experience, Nokia 7 will definitely have an upper hand over One Plus 5T, OPPO F7, and Moto X4.

Starting April 20th, the Android lovers can cherish the flagship experience at ₹25,999. Personally, I would like to grab it as I’m pretty satisfied with the review handset. Definitely, the smartphone to rely upon!

Also Read: OPPO F7 Open Sale Across All Channels at ₹21990

The state-run telecom company BSNL has launched ₹499 plan in postpaid segment. With super success of the recent ₹399 plan, BSNL is making 100% effort in gaining postpaid subscriptions.

BSNL ₹499 Postpaid Plan Tariff:

According to the official website, the new ₹499 plan offers unlimited voice calls (local, STD and roaming calls), 45GB of data and daily 100 SMS benefits in its billing cycle. On contrary to Airtel, the BSNL postpaid plans don’t come with data carry forward option. Thus, you need to use all the data within your billing cycle.

Also Read: BSNL Aadhaar Link – Easy Ways to Link Aadhaar with BSNL Mobile Number

There is no FUP limit on the usage of data or voice calls. On contrary, we find daily usage limits of 300 calls or 1GB data on plans offered by competitors. If we consider the data usage limit and affordable monthly rental, ₹499 postpaid plan is a better package.

Above all, BSNL Loot Lo Offer enables you to get up to 60% discount on all postpaid plans. If you compare the latest BSNL ₹499 postpaid plan with other telecom operators (mainly Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, and Idea Cellular), BSNL is offering a better deal as it offers more data (extra 5GB) with the same rental.

What’s Your Opinion?

However, the incumbent telecom operators have an advantage of data rollover that’s not provided by the state-run telecom entity. Moreover, the patchy network of BSNL is a serious issue of concern.

Leaving it aside, if you have a good coverage of BSNL network in your area, then this is definitely a plan to consider. Let us know your comments on BSNL’s latest offering.

Also Read: BSNL Launches ₹99 Unlimited Plan with 26 Days Validity

The state-run and owned telecom company, BSNL, has announced an extension to its popular free Sunday calling service. The decision has been announced in view of the popular demand. As per the earlier statement, starting February 1st, the free voice calling on Sundays has been discontinued.

However, keeping in view of the public demand, the BSNL issued a public statement that the telecom operator would extend its free Sunday calling service for another 3 months. With this, the free voice calls on Sundays can be enjoyed by the subscribers of landline/combo/FTTH broadband.

The sad part is it being limited until April 30, 2018. After the said period, there would be no free Sunday calling facility and the calls would be charged. This tariff revision is applicable to both new and existing customers of BSNL.

Free Night Calling & Free Sunday Calling - A Game Changer?

Starting August 21, 2016, the BSNL has introduced free night calling and free Sunday calling facility. This has enabled free unlimited calling to any network across the country. The free night calling includes timings of 9 pm to 7 am. The BSNL has recently revised the timings and made free calling only between 10.30 pm to 6 am.

With the rise in popularity of wireless broadband, the fixed wireline broadband service players are facing the heat and thus losing its subscriber base. BSNL being the leading broadband service provider with 14.35 million customers is shedding its losses by trimming its popular free services.

What’s Your Opinion?

Till date, BSNL’s BB249 plan is considered to be the best plan across the length and breadth of the country. With the decision of stopping free Sunday calling, there might be some disrupt leading to the erosion in subscriber base.
In the latest budget, the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced ₹10,000 crore package for creation and expansion of telecom structure. Hope it would revive the ailing BSNL and helps to compete in 4G space.

Also Read: BSNL Offers 4Mbps Minimum Download Speed Starting May 1