HTC launches One S in India; Idea comes up with low-cost dual-SIM Android smartphone

After Nokia's giant camera phone, its HTC's turn to launch a device it had unveiled at the Mobile World Congress earlier this year. The company has launched HTC One S, an Android smartphone and the younger sibling of One X, in the Indian market.

But that's not all. While HTC is busy targeting high-end customers, telecom operator Idea has come up with its third Android handset (the earlier ones were Blade and ID-280) called Idea ID 918. But this time, it's a low-priced dual-SIM offering.

Let's have a look at the handsets.

One S for Rs 33,000

One S features a 4.3 inch super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen (540×960 pixel resolution) display with 256 ppi (pixels per inch) and runs on the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS (out of the box) with HTC Sense 4. It is powered by a 1.7 GHz dual core Qualcomm processor, has 1 GB of RAM and the internal memory amounts to 16 GB.

The handset comes with an 8 MP auto focus rear camera with LED flash that can also record full HD videos (1080p) at 30 frames per second (fps) and a front-facing VGA camera for video-calling that can also record videos. And just like its big brother One X, this smartphone can also record videos and take still pictures simultaneously.

On the connectivity front, the device comes with Bluetooth v4.0, Wi-Fi (with Wi-Fi hotspot) and 3G, and also features a micro USB 2.0 port. Additionally, you will find A-GPS support, Stereo FM radio with RDS and Beats audio for improved sound. The handset measures 130.9mm x 65mm x 7.8mm and weighs 119.5 gm. It has a 1,650 mAh battery and will be available in dark grey colour.

Idea ID 918 for Rs 5,994

This smartphone is made by Alcatel (who will also handle after-sales service) and has dual-SIM capabilities (GSM+GSM). It has a 3.2 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen (480x800 pixel resolution) display and runs on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. The device has 512 MB of RAM and the internal memory is 150 MB, expandable up to an additional 32 GB with a memory card (the company is providing a 2 GB card).

There is a 3.2 MP rear camera that can also record VGA quality videos. But no front-facing camera has been provided for video-calling. On the connectivity front, the device comes with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G, and also features a micro USB 2.0 port. You will also find FM radio and GPS in the device. The company has provided a 1,300 mAh battery and claims that it will provide four hours of talk time and 200 hours of stand-by time. The smartphone is available in black and Idea is also providing extra white panels.

The smartphone also comes bundled with a special introductory offer exclusively for Idea subscribers (both pre-paid and post-paid). If an Idea subscriber makes a recharge worth Rs 259 (circle wise denomination may vary by +/- Rs 5), he/she will receive 2 GB of 3G data (per month) free for three months (post 2 GB usage, one has to pay 5p/10KB) and an Idea TV pack worth Rs 150 (per month), also free for three months.

We think One S is a highly over-priced offering (according to us) and may not be worth the price tag. Instead, you can opt for One X that comes with a Quad-core processor and is available for a little extra (Rs 3,099 to be exact). However, going by the price tag, the new offering from Idea could be a decent buy, especially when you consider the added benefits (data+TV pack) you get if you are an Idea subscriber.