[Discussion]An Interesting Trend in the High End Mobile Market!!

Hey guys, now as all you know I had suffered a lot in the hands of micromax, but when the A116 came out I was tempted to buy it, but the horrific thoughts of running to service center kept me away from it, now I was reading some comments here: Micromax A116 Canvas HD - User opinions and reviews

The trend is that people are going crazy over this, and as I had stated earlier that buying micromax is like buying a cheap watch, if it works you'll get your full money's worth, if not, then good luck.

Now my question is how companies like samsung are going to step up to this, the recent price cut for SGS III proves samsung is afraid of micromax, so are others I presume, if micromax can step up the supply it can potentially take the high end market as well, now phones like these had always existed, Meizu, Pantech are but a few, but this is the first time they are making an impact in India, it'll certainly not be nice for 25k+ phone users that a 15k device provides almost same if not better features(for reference 4xA7 is faster than Dual A9 and SGX5XT is pretty fast as well, also JB 4.1.2, shame on you samsung, sony and lg, plus a 2000mah battery), and for those who had suffered like me, our voices get drowned by the success of others, just like how failures by astrologers never get noticed, only the success :-?

Your views on this?

PS: Here's another interesting Note killer: *gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/swip...0-inch-display-android-41-for-rs-12999-330116

Micromax has really upped the game. If you buy from decent shops like TheMobileStore and Univercell and others like it, you are covered really well.

Micromax Canvas HD is not perfect, but for 14k, you can't get a better phone...

Other companies like Karbonn and Spice are also catching up very quickly. In the next 12 months, Samsung will not remain on the top in Indian phone market...

That's wrong. If I see right Samsung will be on top for at least another 5 years.
Besides, people like me will never consider Micromax (or any Indian brand) and I know there are a lot of people like me.

So far, Micromax hasn't been able to match the build quality and after sales support of the established companies. Right now, Micromax (and other local brands) have been targeting the people who'd like the specs of high end phones at 12k. But Micromax can't move up the ladder that easily. They basically slap their logo over Chinese ODM products. That might have worked well for them, but its not good enough for the high end market. There, you need something truly outstanding, something which no ODM can offer. You have to build it yourself. MMX is not in a position to do that yet. They made a gamble by catering to the low end; now people will hesitate to buy their high end phones priced similarly to flagship devices from the likes of Samsung or Sony. Unless MMX work hard to rework their popular perception of being the company that makes cheap/low quality phones, its gonna be an uphill struggle.

Flextronics and Foxconn are in Chennai. Indian companies can do a lot better if they get to use the facilities available here. Heck, if Micromax (or Spice/Karbonn/Videocon/Salora) buys out the Motorola facility at Chennai then even better (only I hope they learn about quality).

I for one, will never consider buying MMX products. Agreed somehow with @ithappy. MMX has to start working on A.S.S and innovating new things instead of just re-branding chinese phones. I like Canvas 3, but it can never be compared to build quality of Sammy, Sony, HTC etc.

Just hold S3 Mini and Canvas 3, you feel the difference.

furious_gamer said:
Just hold S3 Mini and Canvas 3, you feel the difference.

or check the pricetag to know the difference.

Samsung will remain the leader in the Indian market for the next year or 2 but soon it'll have to go down to aggressive pricing from Micromax.

My point is, everyone wants a highend mobile but not everyone can sell out 25-35k for it. and if you bring topics like A.S.S most people will opt for Micromax with 4" WVGA display and dual core processor rather than tiny 3" display with QVGA resolution. With the former, if something breaks its gone but latter is broken out of the box.

^^ It was my POV and people like me do exist.

ithehappy said:
That's wrong. If I see right Samsung will be on top for at least another 5 years.
Besides, people like me will never consider Micromax (or any Indian brand) and I know there are a lot of people like me.

Not in India, and trust me dude, guys like us are but a few, micromax has already overtaken samsung as the company that shipped the highest no. of units, a dangerous trend, if Samsung etc get a kickback in India they may leave it(i.e not bring the highest end phones here as often), then we are royally screwed.

I agree with you guys, the cheap phone maker sign has somewhat made high end users(15k+) avoid mmx, but for how long? Already canvas HD is getting plenty of press allover

tkin said:
Not in India, and trust me dude, guys like us are but a few, micromax has already overtaken samsung as the company that shipped the highest no. of units, a dangerous trend, if Samsung etc get a kickback in India they may leave it(i.e not bring the highest end phones here as often), then we are royally screwed.

I agree with you guys, the cheap phone maker sign has somewhat made high end users(15k+) avoid mmx, but for how long? Already canvas HD is getting plenty of press allover

India is a very large market. Samsung or HTC won't abandon it...

Still waiting for Huawei to enter Indian market in a big way... It is already on the number 3 spot in global phone sales after Samsung and Apple. Source: Huawei in third spot for smartphone sales in Q4, 2012

Samsung sells new phones like dual core Galaxy Grand in India for 20k and people buy it. It sells the same Galaxy Grand with a Quad core processor in South Korea for a lot lower price... So, margins are high, and companies like Micromax prove it with their value products.

Competition is tough. Micromax and other local companies will be forced to improve quality to survive in this competition. Its good for the consumers.

I might not buy a Micromax today, but in the next 24 months, I might be swayed by it when time comes to replace my Galaxy Nexus...

9000 set sold out in 1 day. !

9000 Micromax Canvas HD A116 sold within 24 hours

kool said:
9000 set sold out in 1 day. !

9000 Micromax Canvas HD A116 sold within 24 hours

The shop in the footpath in front of my house selling Biriyanis @ 40/- get 10 times more customer than the well known restaurants that sale the same for 120/-

tkin said:
The shop in the footpath in front of my house selling Biriyanis @ 40/- get 10 times more customer than the well known restaurants that sale the same for 120/-

Because not everyone can afford to shell out 120rs.

Whatever mmx is doing here is acceptable in a manner.

Rishi. said:
Because not everyone can afford to shell out 120rs.

Whatever mmx is doing here is acceptable in a manner.

And after that when you have serious stomach problems? Or cholera?

Even I was considering buying this phone. The ASS seems to be a prob but the build quality is doubtful too considering an earlier Bling phone died in its first year of operation. However how has their recent track record been? I am quite curious.

However at 14k and for the specs on offer, even if it lasts a good 2 years, it will be well worth it. It is being compared a lot to the lower res Galaxy grand which is 21k.

I do not think there is anything in its vicinity that offers so much for so less.

Finally, is there any reason I shouldn't be buying this phone?

Sarath said:
Even I was considering buying this phone. The ASS seems to be a prob but the build quality is doubtful too considering an earlier Bling phone died in its first year of operation. However how has their recent track record been? I am quite curious.

However at 14k and for the specs on offer, even if it lasts a good 2 years, it will be well worth it. It is being compared a lot to the lower res Galaxy grand which is 21k.

I do not think there is anything in its vicinity that offers so much for so less.

Finally, is there any reason I shouldn't be buying this phone?

*www.thinkdigit.com/forum/service-rma-watch/169297-micromax-company-run-satan-himself.html

tkin said:
And after that when you have serious stomach problems? Or cholera?

Then deal or die with it.
Neither of them is correct or totally justified.

Those who can afford a better brand while looking for same specs shouldn't buy it. That's justified.

However those can't afford big brands, they have no options. Either take the risk or settle with half filled stomach.

In fact this competition is healthy for consumers. Big brands will try to reduce the cost of their phones to survive.

Sarath said:
Even I was considering buying this phone. The ASS seems to be a prob but the build quality is doubtful too considering an earlier Bling phone died in its first year of operation. However how has their recent track record been? I am quite curious.

However at 14k and for the specs on offer, even if it lasts a good 2 years, it will be well worth it. It is being compared a lot to the lower res Galaxy grand which is 21k.

I do not think there is anything in its vicinity that offers so much for so less.

Finally, is there any reason I shouldn't be buying this phone?

If you mind taking the risk then don't buy it.
Chances of running 2 years in this build quality are pretty slim.

Sarath said:
Even I was considering buying this phone. The ASS seems to be a prob but the build quality is doubtful too considering an earlier Bling phone died in its first year of operation. However how has their recent track record been? I am quite curious.

However at 14k and for the specs on offer, even if it lasts a good 2 years, it will be well worth it. It is being compared a lot to the lower res Galaxy grand which is 21k.

I do not think there is anything in its vicinity that offers so much for so less.

Finally, is there any reason I shouldn't be buying this phone?

do you really think it will work for 2 years? buying an elcheapo **** for 3-4k makes sense sometimes but spending 14k? Better up your cash reserves, get a phone from proper brand with neat ASS. Peace of mind. Also, with most major brands, you can have the warranty extended before the end of the warranty and get peace of mind for another year.

Sarath said:
Even I was considering buying this phone. The ASS seems to be a prob but the build quality is doubtful too considering an earlier Bling phone died in its first year of operation. However how has their recent track record been? I am quite curious.

However at 14k and for the specs on offer, even if it lasts a good 2 years, it will be well worth it. It is being compared a lot to the lower res Galaxy grand which is 21k.

I do not think there is anything in its vicinity that offers so much for so less.

Finally, is there any reason I shouldn't be buying this phone?

My Galaxy SL is still working fine after 2.5 years. But my dad's MMX Android mobile(forgot the model) died after 4 months and can't repaired so he switched back his old nokia mobile.

People do trust Micromax but this is the case when their budget is quite low and that's the only reason that mmx kept the price of Canvas HS so low...If the price would have been a bit higher then I can bet they won't be able to find much customers for the phone....
When it comes to get costly, no one would trust mmx anf they would go for samsung, HTC, nokia or so.

Only those who are on a tight budget and don't really care about the brand name buy Micromax products. Someone like me would pick a Samsung/HTC/Apple any day over Micromax.

There are 10x more budget conscious people than quality conscious people. Majority of population want more bang for buck. If you ask people, almost 8 out of 10 people will buy MMX than Samsung. That's why MMX will sell more phones than Samsung in upcoming years. Just like Bajaj sells Pulsar vs Hero sells Xtreme (bike). NO phone offers MMX like features at 14K, I can't imagine why a 14K mobile is pitted against 20K mobile when they both are priced differently.

In case of mine, I'd rather get Samsung than MMX at present.

tkin said:
Not in India, and trust me dude, guys like us are but a few, micromax has already overtaken samsung as the company that shipped the highest no. of units, a dangerous trend, if Samsung etc get a kickback in India they may leave it(i.e not bring the highest end phones here as often), then we are royally screwed.

I agree with you guys, the cheap phone maker sign has somewhat made high end users(15k+) avoid mmx, but for how long? Already canvas HD is getting plenty of press allover

Right you are. The major difference I've seen is foreign people don't like to comprise with quality, but Indians do!
Like that Biriyani case, a people who can afford Rs.40 one, he can afford Rs.120 one too, but there comes sub par mentality, let's save 80 rupees. Then spend that or double in medicines, or maybe doctor, yet they'll continue to do that.
Pathetic!

Well if you can't spend more than 10-12k.either buy Indian Brands or Import Pantech Burst...
if you have a budget of >12k get reputed brands

tkin said:
PS: Here's another interesting Note killer: Swipe launches MTV Volt phablet with 6.0-inch display, Android 4.1 for Rs. 12,999 | NDTV Gadgets

*cough* you sure?

pratyush997 said:
*cough* you sure?

The way Micromax is selling the canvas, I can bet on it, also unlike micromax this comes with a impressive brand name, MTV, roadies.....

Lets see now:

huge 6-inch (854x480 pixels) capacitive 5-point multi-touch display.

the device runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box. The device comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 1.3-megapixel front facing camera too.

Only issue I see:

1GHz dual-core MTK 6577 processor with 512MB DDR3 RAM. There's 4GB of internal storage that can be expandable by another 32GB via microSD card. The device also has an inbuilt TV-player that offers on-the-go access to MTV and also features FM Radio with FM Transmitter.

The MTV Volt supports dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) functionality and comes with a 3,200mAh battery claiming anywhere between 8 to 10 hours of talk time. The device boasts connectivity options like WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0 EDGE and GPS and also comes with an additional navigator flap cover.

MTV had launched two devices under a similar partnership with Micromax three years ago namely the Micromax MTV X505 Psych and the Micromax MTV X360. It sold 2.3 lakh units of the two phones.

As I had said, the MTV Brand name is huge in India, people will buy this phone, even people who can afford a say L9 or Grand but will try to save 8k.

854x480 on 6" :fail:
512 MB RAM on Android JB -

pratyush997 said:
854x480 on 6" :fail:
512 MB RAM on Android JB -

People who have 12k to spend on a phone don't usually care much about the specs

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One thing I'd also like to discuss here, how's the Internal Memory Speeds of micromax phones? I remember installing apps on my funbook took near forever, buts its blisteringly fast on my L9, I installed meriam websters the other day, now the app does some unpacking during first tun, while it took a really long time for my funbook it was over within a minute on my L9(or faster, I just left it after remembering funbook's time and when I looked at it a minute later it was done), same with installing slightly big games, its really fast.

Potential buyers of Canvas HD should wait for other budget brands like Spice to rollout quad core models. Honestly, I trust Spice phones more then any other budget brands. My dad bought one Spice phone 2 years ago & it is still running strong. Also, on a recent visit to a mall I saw a phone i.e. Spice Stellar Pinnacle Mi 530 kept next to Canvas 2. Specwise it is nothing compared to Canvas HD but the device felt so solid & well built then Canvas 2.

^^ Well experiences are different for me. Spice mobile sucked and finally my room mate is frustrated and bought low end nokia mobile. I used that mobile and i don't tell the same thing what you said. MMX is better compare to Spice, not in build quality but other aspects. End of the day, phone has to work.

furious_gamer said:
^^ Well experiences are different for me. Spice mobile sucked and finally my room mate is frustrated and bought low end nokia mobile. I used that mobile and i don't tell the same thing what you said. MMX is better compare to Spice, not in build quality but other aspects. End of the day, phone has to work.

And one of my friends MMX died in a month lol. I must say products from Indian brands are very unpredictable. Not only mobiles but cars & bikes too (M&M, Tata, Bajaj, Tvs). I remember last year when we booked a Tata Aria all our friends & relatives started chanting "Don't buy Tata...that car will self destruct in 1 month etc etc" lolzzz.

pratyush997 said:
Where is the topic going

have anyone any experience with Meizu phones?

atleast coz of these cheap phones and tight competition, known companies have to go through the pricing all the way and we may have some better specs/performance for the same or reduced price :wink:

tkin said:
have anyone any experience with Meizu phones?

even i am keen to know about this particular one and heard quite much about it. guess its got good build quality one called Mx 4 core.and there one new Oppo Find5

..looks pretty stylish.

Micromax A116 Canvas HD Review