iBall Andi 5c launched in India for Rs. 12,999

iBall is expanding its smartphone line-up and after recently unveiling the Andi 3e and Andi 4d, the smartphone manufacturer has now launched the iBall Andi 5c in India. The highlighted feature of this handset is the large 5-inch display and it aims to go toe to toe with the highly successful Samsung Galaxy Note and the LG Optimus Vu, both of which feature display sizes of over 5-inches.

Commenting on the smartphone, the brand states that the Andi 5c takes a cue in looks from its brand ambassador Kareena Kapoor and is sure to please its owner with features, design and utility. iBall states, “The IPS 5-inch screen adds to its appeal to keep looking at everything on this phone; apart from giving a multi-angle view with crisp display.  It is loaded with a 5 MP auto-focus camera. The Andi 5c also features a built-in flash and provides various options of multi-shot and panorama capture which lets one capture a wide area of space and combines all frames to make a single picture to surprise all.” Apart from having a 5 megapixel rear shooter, this smartphone is also fitted with a front facing camera that can be used for video calling over 3G.

The newest large smartphone

Andi 5c works on the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and the brand claims that it has above average performance due to the 1GHz cortex A9 processor. Built-in GPS, 3G with HSUPA 5.76Mbps, HSDPA 7.2Mbps and a battery of 2300 mAh provides a user with ample time for talking and gaming with every charge. The phone is also equipped with G-sensor, proximity sensor and light sensor.

iBall states, “Apart from the smooth gaming, web browsing and travel experiences, the Andi 5c offers a dual sim advantage, and its quad band GSM phone will let you use it the world over. Face unlock, control over network data, a gallery app with photo editor, red-eye remover, redefined notification panel and multitasking functions make this phone as good as the best in the Android range.”

This smartphone adds to the recently announced Andi 3e and 4d. The first phone, the Andi 3e is priced at Rs. 6,990, while the Andi 4d comes in just a bit higher at Rs. 9,490. Looking at the current range of phones in the market, these new entrants by iBall are going to have a tough time competing with other manufacturers. At present, manufacturers like Samsung, Micromax, LG, Spice and Lava have handsets in the sub-10k mark, so there’s no dearth of competition. Sony’s Live with Walkman is an interesting device hovering around the 10k mark as well and it will receive Ice Cream Sandwich. The one thing that can set these devices apart from the other handsets is the build quality and the interface. If Spice has managed to get the devices running slick and fast, then we may have an interesting battle in the sub-10k genre.

This handset is priced in India at Rs. 15,999 and is available with a best buy price of Rs. 12,999. This handset also goes up against the recently unveiled Wicked Leak Wammy Note which also features a 5-inch display. It will be interesting to see which budget phablet does better in the market as both handsets feature similar dimensions. However, the Wammy Note has one thing going for it – its price tag of Rs. 11,000 which is nearly Rs. 2,000 less than the offering from iBall.

Stay tuned for the review of both the products to see which phablet comes on top.