Micromax, a once-dominant player in the Indian smartphone market, is making a determined comeback with a focus on offering value-driven, "Made in India" devices. Their latest entry, the Micromax In 1, aims to capture the budget-conscious consumer with its appealing price point and clean stock Android experience. But can it compete against a crowded field of established players and recent launches? Let’s delve into the details of the Micromax In 1 and see if it lives up to the hype.
A Budget-Friendly Challenger: The Micromax In 1
The Micromax In 1 launches at an attractive price tag of Rs. 10,499 for the 4GB RAM/64GB storage variant (with an introductory offer of Rs. 9,999) and Rs. 11,999 for the 6GB RAM/ 128GB storage variant (with an introductory offer of Rs. 11,499). Available starting March 26th on Flipkart and the Micromax website, the In 1 is clearly targeting price-sensitive buyers.
Design and Display:
The In 1 features a large 6.67-inch display boasting a full-HD+ resolution and a punch-hole cutout in the top-center for the front camera. While Micromax touts this design as modern and immersive, the large camera cutout can be a distraction during everyday use. The phone’s display covers 82% of the NTSC color gamut and offers 80-degree viewing angles, which are respectable figures for a budget phone.
Build and Specifications:
The In 1 is a fairly large phone, measuring 8.99mm thick and feeling average in weight. It packs a 5,000mAh battery and a MediaTek Helio G80 SoC, making it a solid contender under the hood. 18W fast charging is supported. The phone offers two storage options: the base variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage and a more sizeable option with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Cameras and Features:
The Micromax In 1 features a three-lens rear camera setup, consisting of a 48-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Interestingly, there is a fourth dummy circle that might make it appear more premium at first glance. The rear camera module slightly protrudes from the back.
Software and Updates:
One of the key selling points of the Micromax In 1 is its adoption of stock Android. Unlike many other budget phones, you’ll find no bloatware, ads, or unnecessary modifications to the Android experience. This clean and familiar interface will be appreciated by users who value a clutter-free experience.
Micromax is promising two years of guaranteed Android updates and monthly security patches. The In 1 launches with Android 10, although it would have been ideal to have Android 11 at launch considering the software’s prominence. However, an update to Android 11 should be available by May, and the phone comes with the latest March 2021 security update.
Construction and Other Features:
While the In 1 offers great features at a reasonable price, there are some concerns around its build quality. Early reviews have reported that the rear panel flexes upon picking up the device, resulting in a creaking noise with even simple usage. Additionally, the regulatory sticker is challenging to remove and can leave a gummy residue on the phone’s back.
Performance and Battery Life:
The Micromax In 1’s performance, battery life, and camera capabilities remain untested at this point. We’ll provide a more detailed evaluation of these aspects in upcoming assessments.
A Strong Contender or Just Another Budget Phone?
The Micromax In 1 faces an uphill battle in the highly competitive budget smartphone market. While it offers a compelling price tag, a clean Android experience, and a decent set of specifications, the phone’s build quality concerns and lack of Android 11 at launch could potentially deter potential buyers.
However, the In 1 represents a hopeful sign for Micromax’s revival. Its focus on providing a pure Android experience with a budget-friendly price could resonate with Indian consumers. Ultimately, the success of the In 1 will depend on its performance, battery life, and camera quality.
Micromax needs to address the build quality concerns and ensure that the phone delivers smooth, reliable performance. If successful, the In 1 could be a strong contender in the budget segment, and a significant step towards Micromax’s ambition of reclaiming its position as a leading smartphone brand in India.
