The Tech Update

The world is moving faster than ever and the smartphones are becoming smarter day by day. With the hope that they don’t outsmart the human race, Akshit Chawla mentions a few smartphone picks that set a base for upcoming devices

Lava Iris Fuel F2

This budget smartphone comes with a price tag of Rs. 4444 with a 5 inch screen and runs on android lollipop (5.1). It is powered by a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor clubbed with 512 MB of RAM. The storage can be expanded up to 32 GB via micro SD card whereas it comes with an 8GB internal storage. It has a 5 megapixel rear and 0.3 megapixel front camera. The dual-sim device offers the basic connectivity options like Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G and Bluetooth with a giant 3000mAh battery. This would be a great choice for people looking for a large Smartphone with long lasting battery.

InFocus Bingo 10

Regarded as the most affordable smartphone running Android Marshmallow (6.0), the Bingo 10 costs just Rs. 4299. The Bingo 10 sports a 4.5 inch display powered by a 1.3 GHz quad – core processor and 1 GB of RAM. The phone supports expandable storage via micro SD card upto 64GB and comes with an 8 GB inbuilt memory. The 5 megapixel front and back camera is equipped with flash on both the sides for taking great selfies and would surely attract a large number of buyers. It comes with all the basic connectivity options like Wi–Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 3G and has a battery of 2000mAh. The Bingo 10 has good hardware specifications and would be a great choice for selfie lovers.

Intex Cloud Breeze

The 5 inch smartphone is on for sale for a mere price of Rs. 3999 is powered by android KitKat (4.4). The newly launched smartphone is powered by 1.2 GHz dual core processor clubbed with 1 GB of RAM. It has an expandable storage up to 32 GB via micro SD card and comes with 8GB internal storage. It comes with a 5 megapixel rear and 2 megapixel front camera. It supports dual-sim and comes with Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS and Bluetooth but a non – removable 2300mAh battery. This phone would be a great choice if you are looking for an economical Android device with a large screen.

Apple iPhone SE

Apple is back with its new iPhone SE (Special Edition). Apple has taken a big risk by launching this small 4inch screen device which is like an update to the iPhone 5s. The small device is a beast powered by the Apple A9 64 bit processor. The 12 megapixel rear camera captures amazing live photos and records videos in 4k whereas the front camera captures 1.2 megapixel images. Apple claims the iPhone SE to have the same processing and graphics performance as the iPhone 6s whereas the design is very similar to the iPhone 5S. It will be available for sale in India from early April starting at Rs. 39,000. Moving to a smaller screen might be a risky move in the Indian market considering the high demand for large screen phones but this phone is a sure delight with the comfortable and premium design of the iPhone 5s and features of the iPhone 6s.

MONEY SAVING AND CONVENIENCE APPS
Worried that you’re spending too much money? Well, not anymore. Read on for our top 5 apps that help you save while you spend more fun experience

Crown It
Platforms : Android, iOS
Crown it is an app that offers cashbacks and rewards every time you patronize one of its partner outlets. Simply check in at a restaurant, a salon or a service provider and click a photo of your invoice/bill and upload it to the app. The app will generate crowns for you after verifying your purchase and allow you to redeem crowns for rewards like movie tickets or online shopping vouchers etc. This is like a small kickback you get on every purchase you make! Give this new kid on the block a shot!

Coupondunia
Platforms : Android, iOS
India’s largest coupons website. Need we say more? Lists a whole lot of coupons for online stores as well as bill payments and DTH recharges so you save some money whilst spending it. Flipkart, Paytm and other large online merchants are on it already. This one is a personal favorite at work when the office orders lunch! Sure helps us sail through month ends when our savings are gone but are cravings aren’t!

MobiKwik
Platforms : Android, iOS
This one is for all you prepaid mobile customers and DTH hoggers. It offers discounted/promotional plans for prepaid customers and allows you to make payments cashlessly with merchants and earn cashbacks as well as loyalty points with providers such as PAYBACK that you can redeem later. The app also has a cash pick up facility that allows you add cash to your digital wallet, a nifty feature that will make you want to ditch those cards.

Swiggy
Platforms : Android, iOS
Swiggy is a food order and delivery app that lets you order food in less than a minute once you save your preferences. No matter where you go Swiggy can track your location and order from outlets nearby. The one thing that makes it stand out is the no minimum value or order size and that cool customization feature for food, so if you like your food a little less spicy or a meat a little more cooked, go ahead and punch it right in.

Uber
Platforms : Android, iOS
Does this need an introduction? But for the uninitiated, Uber is an app that lets you get a cab anywhere, anytime and within minutes. It’s fast, it’s proven and it’s very very addictive. The amount of convenience will help you get rid of your every day commuting nightmares. Carpool with friends and get an Uber, save money traveling together. Take advantage of their regular offers and discounts but be aware of the surge time pricing too – peak pricing for peak hours.

 

Volume 5 Issue 10