A Series of Rapid Innovations
The term “smartphone” was first used in 1996 to describe the Nokia 9000 Communicator. Not long after, the first camera phone was launched in Japan. In November 2003, the infamous Nokia 1100 was launched to make it the best-selling mobile of all time. Within the next couple of years, the design and look of the mobile phones began to gain attention, and in 2007, iPhone 2G, the first ever iPhone was released by Apple, followed by App Store, with over 500 applications to provide more features to the phone.
In 2008, the first ever Android phone hit the market, and only a year later, Android became the most famous operating system. In December 2013, the mobile phone market peaked with over a billion shipments. Fast forward to 2020, we now have phones with quad-rear camera setup, a front camera, up to 12GB RAM and sleek design which can hold a 4500mAh battery. We also have wireless phone accessories, and our smartphones have moved beyond just providing access to communicate with each other.
Reasons for Evolution of Smartphones
1. All-in-One Resource: Because of smartphones, we no longer have to maintain a separate phone book, invest in a camera, or ask for directions. With the advent of AI and IoT (Internet of Things), a mobile phone has become an all-in-one source. We maintain notes, grocery lists and contact details in one place. Because of these reasons, smartphones have become indispensable.
2. Digitizing Our Tasks: As most of our activities continue to be digitized, right from reading the news to making grocery lists or remembering to do specific tasks, smartphones are often compared to oxygen. Mobile devices can be used to monitor our health, track our productivity, or to just call someone who lives on the other side of the world through the click of a button.
3. Portability: Considering smartphones are pocket-sized, and fit in the palm of our hands, they can be carried anywhere without any hassles. This portability feature enables companies to innovate. Our smartphones now come with GPS trackers along with geo-mapping to keep us safe, and real time updates on traffic congestion is possible only because we can update our smartphone on-the-go.
4. High Demand: As each brand pushes for greater market share in a highly competitive smartphone market, each model has to be better than the competitor’s product. Thus, we now get smartphones unique features and additional plug-ins to attract a wider audience.
Budget-Friendly Smartphones
Some of the best mobiles under 25,000 INR that are available in the Indian market include:
1. Redmi K20 Pro
Priced at Rs. 24,749, this phone runs on the Snapdragon 855 SoC and octa core processor. It comes with a 48+13+8MP triple-rear camera setup, along with a 20MP selfie camera in the front, equipping consumers with an impressive device to click stunning photos.
2. Vivo V17
This elegantly-designed smartphone is offered in white and black colours, and is quickly gaining popularity with its punch hole cut-out. It is available at Rs. 22,990, and has an in-display fingerprint sensor, high screen to body ratio and an AMOLED display. Offering such premium features at this price point is Vivo’s USP.
3. Huawei Honor 20
Launched in the first half of last year, Honor 20 has quickly become one of the best-sellers in the market. The base variant comes with 6GB RAM, while 8GB RAM mobile variant is also available in the market. This phone runs on the Huawei Kirin 980, and also sports a punch-hole display.
4. Vivo V15 Pro
Powered by the Snapdragon 675 SoC, Vivo V15 Pro can handle any task without putting too much strain on the processor. It has a good battery life, and with a triple camera set up at the back, the phone takes photos with good detail and sharpness. An 8GB RAM mobile variant is also available, which ensures superior performance.
5. Samsung Galaxy A70
With a water drop notch at the front and a triple camera setup at the back, this phone is among the most popular smartphones in its price range. Galaxy A70 sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, and is powered by Snapdragon 675 SoC.
