Nokia has made a major play to become the next big thing in the Indian smartphone market by slashing the price of the Nokia 1 to Rs 3,999. With this discount, the Nokia 1 has become the most affordable Android Go smartphone on the market, undercutting the Xiaomi Redmi Go.
Launched earlier this year, the Redmi Go costs Rs 4,499 and was the cheapest way to get an Android Go device. Google’s stripped-down version of Android helps OEMs create affordable devices.
Android Go has launched over a year ago and has the goal of transforming the budget-end of the mobile market. Google wants the lighter OS to be the bridge for users moving from feature phones to smart ones, but also to make entry-level smart devices more usable. One way Android Go works is by providing a lighter operating system with applications that are 50% lighter.
Certainly, while Rs 500 would not be much of a price difference at the higher price points of the market, at entry-level it is an important sum for consumers. Nokia 1 is now the most affordable way to jump aboard Android Go, but does that mean the handset is better than the newer Redmi Go?
Below is a comparison of specs:
| Xiaomi Redmi Go | Nokia 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5-inch 1280 x 720 HD | 4.5-inch 854 x 480 Standard |
| Processor | Quad-core Snapdragon 425 clocked 1.4GHz and Adreno 308 GPU | Quad-core MediaRek MT6737M clocked 1.1GHz with Mail-T720 GPU |
| Software | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go) | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go) |
| RAM/Storage | 1GB of RAM with 8GB storage (expandable to 128GB via microSD) | 1GB of RAM with 8GB of storage (expandable to 128GB via microSD) |
| Camera | 8-megapixel rear with LED flash. 1080p video, f/2.0 aperture. 5-megapixel selfie camera with f/2.2 aperture | 5-megapixel rear with LED clash. 2-megapixel front camera |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 2150mAh |
As can be seen above, the Redmi Go beats the Nokia 1 across most major spec categories, such as a better display (HD compared to standard definition), battery life, processor power, and camera. For its Rs 4,499 price tag, Xiaomi’s Android Go device remains a potent option. It is arguably worth the Rs 500 more it costs compared to the Nokia 1.
That said, for millions of Indians looking for their entry into the smartphone market, who have little money to spend, the Nokia 1’s new price makes it an enticing alternative to the Redmi Go.
Having two devices truly competing in the Android Go market may help the platform grow. We reported last week Google has struggled to convince feature phone users in India to embrace its new lighter smartphone OS.
Despite the platform being backed by Android OEMs such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Lava, Micromax, and Nokia, Android Go phones are not yet popular. Google has confirmed India is now “by far” its biggest market for Android. Growth could increase further as millions of customers switch from feature to smartphones over the next few years.
