DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Cellphone for less than 5k

23 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/cellphone-for-less-than-5k.186200/

GhorMaanas
GhorMaanas Original post #1
Aug 6, 2014 at 8:09 PM
1. Budget?
A: 2-4k.

2. Display type and size?
A: Touch UI. 3.5" or more.

3. Dual sim?
A: would be a benefit, but not a necessity.

4. Preferred choice of brand?
A: any; can't care more for servicing at such a budget.

5. What camera option you want (flash, front facing camera)?
A: Flash

6. Preferred operating system? (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, etc).
A: Android

7. Preferred connectivity options (3G, 4G ready).
A: WiFi and 3G (in that order of preference).

8. Primary use of handset (multimedia, camera, internet, gaming etc)?
A: calls, messages, chatting, emails, browsing >>> camera >> multimedia (rare-to-no gaming).

9. Any specific mobile phones in consideration?
A: No. too many choices.

10. Any other info that you want to share?
A: No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello!

so i need a phone as a back-up cell. i have a now unused htc chacha, but its keys have worn out. dont feel like investing in sourcing a new keyboard for it from outside. was thinking of selling it and getting a new cheap cell. am not sure whether i would do that or would be successful in it, but wanted to get some suggestions beforehand. saw a variety of options on flipkart, and was unable to decide. please suggest.

thanks!

UPDATE: Xolo A500 series looks good.
coderunknown
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:22 PM
Lenovo A369i: 4.5k
Karbonn Smart A12 Star: 4.1k

both has same spec of 4" WVGA display, mediatek dualcore Cortex A7 processor with 512MB ram & 4GB storage but Karbonn ships with Android 4.4 whereas Lenovo has Android 4.2. Lenovo one is a tried and tested model whereas Karbonn one is new.
srkmish
srkmish #3
Aug 7, 2014 at 12:57 AM
I can swear by Lenovo a369i. Shoot me any qs if u want.

Some niggles: When scrolling through massive content in tapatalk it stutters a bit. Also it might cause the browser to crash while loading graphic rich websites. But other than that, perfectly usable and smooth. I have rooted and greenified all the apps though.
GhorMaanas
Aug 7, 2014 at 12:27 PM
Lenovo A369i: 4.5k
Karbonn Smart A12 Star: 4.1k

both has same spec of 4" WVGA display, mediatek dualcore Cortex A7 processor with 512MB ram & 4GB storage but Karbonn ships with Android 4.4 whereas Lenovo has Android 4.2. Lenovo one is a tried and tested model whereas Karbonn one is new.

I can swear by Lenovo a369i. Shoot me any qs if u want.

Some niggles: When scrolling through massive content in tapatalk it stutters a bit. Also it might cause the browser to crash while loading graphic rich websites. But other than that, perfectly usable and smooth. I have rooted and greenified all the apps though.


thanks a lot, both of you!

is lenovo's service marginally better than karbonn's (i understand what 'service' these desi companies give)? although i wrote in questionnaire that service isn't important, but on second thought now, feeling that i should after all factor it in.

also, any words on Xolo A500s Lite / Xolo A500 Club?
srkmish
srkmish #5
Aug 7, 2014 at 2:05 PM
thanks a lot, both of you!

is lenovo's service marginally better than karbonn's (i understand what 'service' these desi companies give)? although i wrote in questionnaire that service isn't important, but on second thought now, feeling that i should after all factor it in.

also, any words on Xolo A500s Lite / Xolo A500 Club?

I took a risk with the service thing. Im not sure how lenovo's service is. Hope i dont have to use it :p. If you want good service, then get a nokia 520 after shelling some more.
K
kkn13 #6
Aug 7, 2014 at 3:12 PM
I took a risk with the service thing. Im not sure how lenovo's service is. Hope i dont have to use it :p. If you want good service, then get a nokia 520 after shelling some more.

lenovo has ok-ok service,better than most other brands but not as good as nokia etc its still good enough though

- - - Updated - - -

thanks a lot, both of you!

is lenovo's service marginally better than karbonn's (i understand what 'service' these desi companies give)? although i wrote in questionnaire that service isn't important, but on second thought now, feeling that i should after all factor it in.

also, any words on Xolo A500s Lite / Xolo A500 Club?

karbonn and xolo service is not that great,lenovo is decent but still not as good as nokia etc
get the lenovo,its a safer buy
if u can spend a bit more,get the moto e,its a vfm deal and is worth the extra money
M
Minion #7
Aug 7, 2014 at 5:50 PM
lenovo looks good.
GhorMaanas
Aug 7, 2014 at 7:33 PM
I took a risk with the service thing. Im not sure how lenovo's service is. Hope i dont have to use it :p. If you want good service, then get a nokia 520 after shelling some more.

thanks, its a good option, but can't spend more at the moment, nor inclined to save up. :p

- - - Updated - - -

lenovo has ok-ok service,better than most other brands but not as good as nokia etc its still good enough though

- - - Updated - - -



karbonn and xolo service is not that great,lenovo is decent but still not as good as nokia etc
get the lenovo,its a safer buy
if u can spend a bit more,get the moto e,its a vfm deal and is worth the extra money

hope i won't need any servicing. from my side, the usage would be minimal, far from rough, and would pray that any manufacturing defect doesn't crop up.
moto e is a good choice, but the budget is a significant constraint for me as of now.

- - - Updated - - -

lenovo looks good.

it seems then lenovo is a general consensus here. i hope a dated android version won't pose any handicap?

hoping for some xolo a5000s user to chime in as well. :)
saswat23
Aug 7, 2014 at 8:12 PM
How about the Asus ZenFone 4 for 1k more?
M
Minion #11
Aug 8, 2014 at 10:19 AM
Increase your budget get a Xolo Q500S IPS.
GhorMaanas
Aug 8, 2014 at 12:31 PM
hehe. can't do that.
Skyh3ck
Skyh3ck #13
Aug 12, 2014 at 6:27 PM
so what you bought at last, please give your thoughts i am also looking a phone in same budget
GhorMaanas
Aug 16, 2014 at 3:07 PM
haven't yet bought. will msg you if and when i get one.
N
Oct 13, 2014 at 2:17 PM
Hi,
I would like to know about BQ s37 plus mobile thats available for 3K. Is it worth and is it stock kitkat 4.4.2 os? Any of yours suggestions are welcome and appreciated.. :)
GhorMaanas
Oct 26, 2014 at 11:35 AM
Quick bump & questions:

1. For 5-6k, is android one a better proposition?
2. Spice android one or karbonn android one?!
K
kkn13 #17
Oct 26, 2014 at 5:24 PM
Quick bump & questions:

1. For 5-6k, is android one a better proposition?
2. Spice android one or karbonn android one?!

only if you want camera flash
otherwise Moto E is better in every other aspect
if android one was made by oems like Moto,HTC or even Samsung i would have recommended it over the zenfone and Moto E
GhorMaanas
Oct 27, 2014 at 12:34 PM
only if you want camera flash
otherwise Moto E is better in every other aspect
if android one was made by oems like Moto,HTC or even Samsung i would have recommended it over the zenfone and Moto E

alright. i had read the spice android one review here a day or two back, and hence it struck me why not get that as a low-cost phone. however, now even moto g1 is crossing my mind, upping the budget-bar. will need some more time to think.
omega44-xt
Oct 27, 2014 at 1:16 PM
very low battery life. not worth it.
You can't say it as low......... everyone said that zenfone 5 also had low battery life, but its decent enough (better than my Nexus 4).... So I think Zenfone 4 is a good option
A
Oct 27, 2014 at 3:48 PM
Try this
Adcom A440 Plus

Lenovo has jelly bean :(
Skyh3ck
Skyh3ck #21
Oct 28, 2014 at 6:21 PM
I have Lenovo A269i purchased from Amazon.in its a basic android phone with wifi and 3g

let me know if you need it, its has 12 months warranty and original bill
K
kkn13 #22
Nov 6, 2014 at 10:14 AM
lenovo rom is a pain ,they dont release updates and closed source means no custom roms etc
might as well get Moto or zenfone
$hadow
$hadow #23
Nov 6, 2014 at 3:41 PM
try to avoid lenovo