Never let it be said that the West ever misses an opportunity to shaft the natives.
A few hours back, Google’s Motorola unit launched the $117 Moto E Android smartphone for Indians but offered them a mere 2.2GB of internal storage (remaining 1.8GB is taken by system software).
Come on, 2.2GB of internal storage for Indians?
What is the average Chutiya with his 1TB cache of stolen Bollywood, Kollywood and Tollywood drivel supposed to do?
Go out and buy microSD cards to fill it up with videos of Anushka Shetty’s jiggling udders and Tamannnnnnaahhhh Bhatia’s Martian mien?
Is there no justice at all in the world? 🙁
Cheap Phone – Looks Cheap
Moto E runs on Android 4.4 (KitKat), has a 5MP rear camera, a 4.3-inch screen, a MicroSD slot to add up to 32GB storage and a 1980mAh battery that’s supposed to last a full day (no, it won’t).
The device is 12.3mm thick (6.2mm at edges), weighs 142gms, includes microUSB and provides a dual SIM option.
Display quality is 540x960 qHD, 256ppi and the device has the more durable Gorilla Glass 3 surface.
There’s no front camera so selfie-lovers are screwed!
I guess Indians will be pleased with the interchangeable plastic backs in gaudy colors.
Moto E is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 chipset with 1.2GHz dual-core A7 CPU Adreno 302 400MHz single-core GPU (not the greatest).
Moto E is slated for availability in early June. You can order Moto E for Rs 6,999 ($117) via the Flipkart web site.
If you ask me, Moto E is a cheap smartphone and indeed looks like one!
Indians would be better advised to look at Xiaomi’s smartphones and phablets.
Moto E Plays Shabby Trick on Chutiyas added by SearchIndia.com on
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I don’t see how people are going to buy it.
There are better options available like Xiaomi’s stuff you mentioned.
This one is going to be a flop.
We may be Chutiyas but we are value conscious Chutiyas who want to squeeze out the most for our money.
The ones with money to burn will still go for iPhone or something.
I beg to differ. Xiaomi phones are not yet available in India.
And there are no other companies that I know of which offer Android 4.4, dual core CPU phones at this price point – minimum is at least Rs. 10,000 or more.
The only alternatives are Karbonn, Micromax, Lava etc., which are basically rebranded Chinese handsets – and are bought more to use for a year and throw away since their service is dismal.
Moto E is the only credible option for people with shallow pockets for a chance at a decent smart phone. Yes, it looks cheap and it is not even close to what more expensive phones are offering, but at this price point, there is no competition.
You say that this will definitely be a flop, but Flipkart – the only authorized seller for the Moto E, crashed on the date of release, and the phone has gone Out of Stock within 48 hours.
So, yes, although it is not to SI’s liking or your liking, it is a huge hit in India, where the market is extremely price sensitive.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Well, if Indians want to get a 2GB storage phone who’s to stop them!
Xiaomi should hit Indian market in the next three to four months.
It’s the first Chinese company with a solid brand and good fan following (in that sense, it’s a smaller version of Apple).
Let’s see if Xiaomi can repeat their Chinese success in India.
With so much happening on the smartphone front, my iPhone 5S now seems like a dinosaur!
Yes, 2 GB is ridiculously small, and probably won’t be able to load too many apps. But let me remind you, so many of the folks I know, own a Samsung Galaxy S Duos, or other shabby phones which have similar storage and are happy with it. Reason? They don’t know that there are so many apps to choose from. Their only thing – status: Yes, I own an Android. Otherwise, most smartphone users in India are not smart enough to use them 🙂
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. Ha ha, ha, 2GB storage is enough because “most smartphone users in India are not smart enough to use them.” Of all the funny things I’ve heard lately, this must be the funniest! 😉
2. On a serious note, the limited 2GB of internal storage does cause problem. Please see Ars Technica’s review of Moto E and scroll down to storage.
There are serious issues with the 2GB storage. Some apps can’t be off-loaded to external storage (built-in apps, cloud storage, productivity apps), some apps (Need for Speed Most Wanted) just won’t run etc.
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/05/the-best-unlocked-phone-129-can-buy-motorolas-moto-e-reviewed/2/
The unwashed Indian masses (yeah, the ones who in your opinion are not smart enough to use smartphones) need something better than Moto E.