4G devices now more affordable for Indian consumers

A new breed of smartphones equipped with the latest 4G technology promises to push internet accessibility to an unprecedented level, and that too at an affordable four-figure price, especially for India.

In its bid to accelerate India’s smartphone revolution, global giant Samsung Electronics has launched four smartphones - Galaxy A7, one of the slimmest phones at 6.3 mm width, Galaxy Grand Prime 4G, Galaxy Core Prime 4G and Samsung J1 4G. The company says the new phones are the best in their class, and will make the 4G experience “more affordable and accessible” for Indian consumers. “The new best in class smartphones are designed to help Indian consumers unlock the true potential of 4G and make the experience more affordable and accessible,” a Samsung official told IANS here. With this latest launch, Samsung now has nine 4G devices in the market that offer faster download speed of up to 150 MBPS. “India is at the cusp of its digital revolution journey and we expect 4G technology to rise and push internet usage to an unprecedented level,” said Asim Warsi, vice president for marketing, mobile and IT at Samsung India. He said consumer demand was “constantly shifting towards devices offering multi-tasking capabilities, 24x7 data connectivity with increased video consumption and real-time mobility solutions which enable global interactions”. The Galaxy A7, one of the slimmest smart phones at 6.3 mm, has 5.5-inch full HD display, and a dual SIM capability. Boasting new add-ons like rear-cam selfie and “Beauty Face Features”, it is priced at Rs.30,499. The phone - which has advanced selfie features like ultra wide shot and animated modes - is available in three colours - white, black and gold. It has a 13-megapixel rear camera and an advanced 5-megapixel front camera. The Galaxy A7 also offers a “Private Mode”, for more security for important files and documents. The Galaxy Grand Prime 4G has an 8.4 mm body and a 5-inch display, weighs 156 g, and company officials said it provides stunning visuals for watching movies and playing games. It is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-mega-pixel front camera, with an ultra-wide view angle best-suited to capture ‘Groupfies’. The Galaxy Core Prime 4G has an 8.8 mm body and weighs a mere 132 g. It has a 5-mega-pixel auto-focus rear camera with LED flash and a 2-mega-pixel front camera. It offers “faster browsing and improved video streaming capabilities”, say Samsung officials. The Galaxy J1 4G weighs 122 g and is 8.9 mm slim. It has a 4.3-inch display, along with 5-megapixel auto-focus rear camera with LED flash and a 2-megapixel front camera, which has “innovative selfie features” which give more options and flexibility to capture favourite moments. These models will be available in India from the second week of March at a starting price of Rs.9,900. Galaxy Grand Prime is available in white and grey, Galaxy Core Prime comes in white, silver and grey, while Galaxy J1 is available in blue, black and white. Samsung Electronics employs 307,000 people across 84 countries. Its annual sales are to the tune of $196 billion. Hyun Chil Hong, president and CEO of Samsung India Electronics, said India was one of the “fastest growing energies markets. I am impressed with the rich culture, diversity and hospitality of India that I have never seen before”. “In 2015, we plan to introduce path-breaking technology across various categories of products, which will enhance consumer experience and strengthen our position in the market,” he said at the Samsung South West Asia Forum 2015, attended by people from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. “Samsung will continue to manufacture its products in India, reinforcing its commitment to Make for India. In 2015, Samsung will continue to push technology boundaries and help consumers to create a better tomorrow,” he said. The company recently announced expansion of its mobile phone plant in Noida, abutting Delhi. A new phone Samsung Z1 will be manufactured there with most of its software being developed at the Noida Research Centre. IANS