Android phones in India: The one-stop guide

India’s smartphone market has been flooded with Android-based devices. Let’s check out the most popular ones running on Google’s open-source mobile operating system, which are available currently in the country.

Updated 15/1/2011: Even more Android phones are now here in India. Our lst update here was in December; in the last couple of months, even more phones have been launched. Do check our homepage, or browse the site for even more interesting Android smartphones. We will be updating this page in a short while.

Updated 1/12/2010: Micromax Android A60 is a super-affordable Android phone for India. Price is officially not revealed yet,but is expected to be less than Rs 8,000. Great phone to to get introduced to the world of Android apps. The catch? It has a resistive touchscreen – some don’t like resistive screens, so try before you buy!

Updated 10/11/2010: Dell XCD28 and XCD35 are two Android phones from the popular computer manufacturer. Prices are Rs 11,00 for the XCD28 while the XCD35 costs Rs 17,000 approx.

Updated 18/10/2010: Acer Liquid E Ferrari is another Android phone that was launched recently. Priced around Rs 28,000, this is not an inexpensive smartphone for sure.

Read on for the rest of the Android phones in India.

HTC Desire

The HTC Desire sports a 3.7-inch SLCD full-touch display. It is powered by a 1Ghz Snapdragon processor and provides internal storage of 576MB RAM and 512MB ROM. It comes bundled with a 4GB SD Card, expandable up to 32GB. The handset, containing a Li-Ion 1400mAh battery, supports Wi-Fi, FM Radio. Other features of the HTC Desire include a 5-megapixel camera with LED Flash and HTC’s very own “Sense” user interface, which allows users to customize their home screens. Related: Top Android smartphones in India

HTC Desire currently runs on Android 2.1, but the Taiwanese handset maker has launched an Android 2.2 update, which will be available for download through a notification sent directly to the phone. Users are advised to download the update at a Wi-Fi hotspot or over an unlimited data plan connection. Be sure to backup the existing data on your phone before updating the OS.
You can pick up the HTC Desire for Rs. 27,299 from authorized retailers.

HTC Desire Android phone in India: Basic specifications

3.7 inch display

1 GHz Snapdragon processor

Android 2.1

HTC Magic

In June last year, HTC launched the “Magic”, one of the first Android-based smartphones in India. The 3G-enabled phone is now available for Rs. 21,000.

HTC Magic in India: Basic Specifications

3.2 inch display

538 MHz processor

Android 1.5

HTC Legend

Another high-end product from the HTC lineup is the HTC Legend. Designed with an all-aluminum casing, this smartphone is extremely light and fits comfortably in the hand. The only plastic element on the phone is its battery cover, which also houses the antennae. You might find it a little difficult to access the battery, the microSD card and SIM as the plastic battery door is tough to slide open.

Launched in August this year, the HTC Legend runs on Android 2.1 and sports an improved version of HTC Sense UI. It has a 3.2-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen (320×480 pixel resolution) with multi-touch and pinch-to-zoom features. A Friendstream social networking application on the phone displays status and photo updates from all social networking sites (Twitter, Flickr and Facebook) in one place. One problem, though – the app could make the phone very slow, depending on your Internet connection.

The HTC Legend is powered by a 600MHz processor that enables multi-tasking. The device is equipped with an optical track button, which enables smooth navigation around the phone. There is a 5-megapixel camera as well, but users need to insert a microSD card before taking a photo. The camera has trouble taking photos in bright sunlight. Other features on the HTC Legend include a search button, 3G support and multiple customizable homescreen widgets.

A word of warning, the battery life of the HTC Legend is poor. The device is currently available in the market for Rs.22,999.

HTC Legend in India: Basic specifications

Android 2.1

3.2 inch display

60 MHz processor

HTC Tattoo

Launched in November last year, HTC Tattoo runs on Android 1.6 OS. It sports a 2.8-inch resistive touchscreen (240X320 pixel resolution).

Powered by a Qualcomm processor, the device provides support for Bluetooth, multiple media formats (audio and video) and GPS  and operates on GSM-GPRS-EDGE mobile networks.

The Tattoo is also equipped with a 3.2-megapixel camera (minus autofocus and flash), a 3.5mm audio jack and a mini USB port.

The user interface on the HTC Tattoo is the HTC Sense. The phone offers connectivity to popular social networking sites (Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, etc.). Other features on the phone include an FM Radio, a G-sensor and a digital compass.

The HTC Tattoo can be picked up for Rs.17,799.

HTC Tattoo in India: Basic specifications

2.8 inch display

Android 1.6

538 MHz processor

HTC Wildfire

Rolled out last month in India, the mid-range HTC Wildfire runs on Android 2.1 and is powered by a 528MHz Qualcomm processor. It is loaded with 384MB ROM and 512MB RAM, with memory expandable through a microSD slot.

HTC Wildfire provides support for 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. It is equipped with the FriendStream app, and enables full-scale Web browsing.

The HTC Wildfire features a 3.2-inch QVGA capacitive touch display, proximity and light sensors and a 5-megapixel camera (with autofocus and LED flash). The phone runs on the HTC Sense UI and comes with an optical joystick. Other features include a 3.5 mm audio jack and FM Radio. The handset sports a 1300mAh battery, with a standby time of 480 hours and talking time of 7 hours. Related: More about HTC Wildfire Android phone in India

The HTC Wildfire is available from Reliance Communications for an affordable Rs.15,149. Reliance is offering its GSM subscribers 500MB worth of free Internet data usage for a period of six months, when they upgrade from their current phones to the HTC Wildfire.

HTC Wildfire in India: Basic specifications

Android 2.1

528 MHz processor

Android 2.1

Samsung I9000 Galaxy S

Next on the list is the Samsung I9000 Galaxy S, which was rolled out in India in July. Based on Android 2.1, the smartphone offers a 4-inch Super AMOLED capacitive screen with a WVGA 800 x 480 resolution display.

The Samsung I9000 Galaxy S runs on a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor and offers 512MB RAM and 2GB ROM. The device is available in two versions, in terms of inbuilt memory – 8GB or 16GB – and is equipped with a microSD slot to increase storage capacity to 32GB. Related: Samsung galaxyS I9000 Android phone in India

Samsung I9000 Galaxy S in India: Basic specifications

4 inch display

Android 2.1

1 GHz processor

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 2G and 3G support. The smartphone is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera on the back (autofocus but no flash) and a secondary front-facing camera for video chatting. The main camera can record 720P HD video at 30fps. The video player on the Galaxy supports multiple file formats such as .avi, Divx and .mkv.

Other features on the Samsung I9000 Galaxy S include a Stereo FM Radio with RDS support, GPS (with aGPS) and a digital compass.  The phone runs on 1500mAh Li-Po battery and offers exceptional battery life, second only to Samsung Wave.

The Samsung I9000 Galaxy S is available in the market for Rs. 28,001.

Samsung Galaxy Spica I5700

Unveiled in February this year, Samsung’s Galaxy Spica I5700 runs on an 800MHz processor and sports a 3.2-inch HVGA TFT full touchscreen. The smartphone provides internal storage of 163MB and expandable memory of up to 32GB.

The Samsung Galaxy Spica offers preloaded Google Mobile services such as Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, and GTalk. It is equipped with a 3-megapixel camera and a multi-format music player. The phone is Wi-Fi and 3G-enabled.

An interesting feature on the Galaxy Spica is that it allows users to mark their location through GPS tagging while interacting on social networking sites. Related: Samsung Galaxy Spice I7500 Android phone in India

Samsung Galaxy Spica I5700 in India: Basic specifications

800 MHz processor

3.2 inch display

Android 2.1

Samsung Galaxy i7500

The Samsung Galaxy i7500 comes with a 3.2-inch AMOLED full-touch display and allows users to browse the Internet at speeds of up to 7.2Mbps.

The Wi-Fi option on the Samsung Galaxy i7500 allows users to connect to Google Mobile Services as well as Android Market – the open-source based library of downloadable games and applications.

The Samsung Galaxy i7500 features a 1500mAh battery, and provides 8GB of inbuilt memory, expandable up to 32GB.

The phone is compact (11.9mm thick) and is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera. It also enables GPS and Web browsing.

The Samsung Galaxy i7500 can be purchased for Rs.12,499. Related: Samsung Galaxy I7500 Android phone in India

Samsung Galaxy i7500 in India: Basic specifications

3.2 inch display

Android 1.5

528 MHz processor

Samsung Galaxy 5, Galaxy 3

Those looking for cheaper Android phones can turn to the Samsung Galaxy 3 (I5801) and Galaxy 5 (I5503). Launched last month in the country, these smartphones feature the Touchwiz 3.0 UI and include  the Layar mobile browser, which displays digital information in real time. The smartphones offer connectivity for the Google Mobile Services suite.

The Samsung Galaxy 3 comes with a 3.2-inch WQVGA 16M TFT display and a 3-megapixel, auto-focus camera. It provides Wi-Fi connectivity and 130MB of internal storage (expandable up to 32GB).  It runs on a 1500mAh battery.

Other features on the Samsung Galaxy 3 include DivX, Xvid, MPEG4, Real and WMV playback, and the preloaded ThinkFree Office, which allows users to create, view and edit documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.

The Samsung Galaxy 5, on the other hand, comes with a 2.8-inch QVGA TFT display and a 2-megapixel camera (fixed focus). It offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G support, along with a 3.5mm ear jack, FM radio and aGPS. Internal storage is 90MB, expandable to 16GB.
The Samsung Galaxy 3 and Galaxy 5 are available for approximately Rs. 9000.

Motorola Milestone XT720

Moving on to Motorola, the Motorola Milestone XT720 is touted by the US telecoms giant to be the slimmest Android smartphone with an 8-megapixel camera. Resembling the Motorola Droid X, the Milestone XT720 has a 3.7-inch capacitive touch screen (480 x 854 pixel resolution) and an 8GB microSD card, expandable up to 32GB. Related: Motorola Milestone XT720 Android phone in India

The Motorola Milestone XT720’s camera comes with Xenon Flash and supports up to 10x digital zoom. It is capable of recording 720p HD videos. Users can view their videos on an HDTV through HDMI output option on the phone (cable included in the pack).

Motorola has slashed the price of the Motorola Milestone XT720 (now available for Rs. 25,299) and is offering a lifetime-free access to voice-guided MapmyIndia maps, which provides street-level navigation for 401 Indian cities. The smartphone also gets a free GPS navigation service.

Motorola Milestone XT720 in India: Basic specifications

3.7 inch display

Android 2.1

720 MHz processor

Motorola Milestone

Also from the Motorola camp is the Motorola Milestone, which was launched in March.

The smartphone runs the Android 2.1 OS. It sports a 3.7-inch capacitive touchscreen display (480 x 854 pixels resolution) and is equipped with a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard.

A 600MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor powers the Motorola Milestone. The smartphone offers GPRS/EDGE support. It is Wi-Fi-enabled and can connect to other devices using Bluetooth and microUSB 2.0. Storage capacity includes 133MB of internal memory and 32GB expandable memory.

Other features on the Motorola Milestone include a 5-megapixel autofocus camera (dual-LED flash), geo-tagging, aGPS, a digital compass, a photo editor, and accelerometer and proximity sensors. The device comes with the usual 3.5mm audio jack.

Running on a 1400 mAh battery, the Motorola Milestone offers up to 6 hours 30 min of talktime and 350 hours of standby time. It can be picked for Rs. 22,999.

Motorola Milestone in India: Basic specifications

Android 2.1

600 MHz processor

3.7 inch display

Motorola Backflip

The Motorola Backflip runs on the Android 1.5 OS. It stands out from other Android smartphones with its reverse-flip QWERTY keyboard. The phone features an HVGA 3.1-inch touchscreen.

Users can also navigate the home screen of the Motorola Backflip with a Backtrack option – a touch panel located behind the screen.

Motorola Backflip is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera with a LED flash.  It is loaded with internal memory of 2GB and provides a microSD slot to expand the storage to up to 32GB. The device is Wi-Fi and 3G-enabled and offers a talk time of up to 6 hours.

The Motorola Backflip can be purchased for Rs. 17,799.

Motorola Backflip in India: Basic specifications

Android 1.5

3.1 inch display

528 MHz processor

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Launched in March this year, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 runs on the Android 1.6 operating system and is powered by a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Related: Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android phone in India

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 is equipped with a large 4-inch capacitive touchscreen display and an 8-megapixel camera. The smartphone provides a decent 1GB of internal storage and 16GB of expandable memory.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G support and aGPS. The phone runs on a 1500mAh battery and also has a 3.5mm audio jack. It can picked up for Rs.27,949.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 in India: Basic specifications

1 GHz processor

4 inch display

Android 1.6

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini, on the other hand, runs on a 600MHz Qualcomm processor. Running on Android 1.6, the Xperia Mini is relatively small-sized for an Android phone with a 2.55-inch capacitive touchscreen display. It is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera (with autofocus and LED flash).

Connectivity options on the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G. The handset offers 128MB internal memory and 16GB expandable memory. Other features include aGPS, the standard 3.5mm audio jack and Stereo FM radio with RDS.

The company had to fit a non-removable battery in the phone to match its size.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini is expected to be available within the next 3 months for Rs. 14,999. Users can choose from a wide range of colors – pearl white, black, pink, lime, red or silver. Related: Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini and Mini Pro in India

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini: Basic specifications

600 MHzprocessor

Android 1.6

2.55 inch display

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro

This one has the same specifications as the X10 Mini. The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro is pricier than the Mini. The Pro has an inbuilt full QWERTY keypad so is also slightly thicker than the Mini. The other features remain the same.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro is available for Rs.15,749

LG Optimus GT540

To mount a serious challenge to the likes of HTC and Samsung in the blossoming smartphone market in India, LG has launched the Optimus GT540 as part of its LG Optimus series.

Sporting a 3-inch resistive display, the LG Optimus GT540 runs on Android 1.6 and can be upgraded to 2.1 version. It offers 114MB of internal storage, along with aGPS, Wi-Fi and HSDPA support. The phone is equipped with a 3-megapixel camera and a 1500mAh battery. The camera enables sharing of multimedia content, apart from incorporating other features such as face-to-action technology, geo-tagging and auto face tagging.

Like most Android–based phones, the LG Optimus GT540 enables connection  to Google Mobile and Android Market.

The LG Optimus GT540 supports advanced video formats such as Xvid and DivX. It can be picked up in the market for Rs. 11,999.

LG Optimus GT540 in India: Basic specifications

Android 1.6

3 inch display

60 MHz processor

LG GW620

Launched in India in March, the LG GW620 (also known around the world as LG Eve, LG InTouch Max GW620 and LG LinkMe) was the South Korean company’s first Android phone. It features a 3-inch resistive full-touch display and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

The LG GW620 runs on the Android 1.5 operating system and there is no news on whether it can be be upgraded. Internal memory is 166MB, expandable to 32GB with a microSD card slot. The phone offers GPRS, EDGE and WLAN support. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth V2.0 with A2DP, Wi-Fi and microUSB.

The LG GW620 is powered by a 1500mAh Li-Po battery and provides a standby time of up to 8 hours on a single charge. It connects to a range of social networking sites and is equipped with an MP3 player, a Stereo FM radio and an accelerometer sensor. The smartphone’s 5-megapixel camera can record video.

LG GW620 in India: Basic specifications

Android 1.5

3 inch display

528 MHz processor

Acer A1 Liquid

Unveiled in February in the country, Acer’s maiden Android phone – titled the AI Liquid – comes with a 3.5-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen (800 x 480 pixel resolution) and a customized Acer 3.0 user interface. The phone measures 115 x 62.5 x 12.5 mm and weighs 135gms.

Running on Android V1.6, the Acer Liquid  is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera with ISO and LED flash. The camera has a self-timer, an accelerated auto focus and enables geo-tagging. A Li-Ion 1350mAh battery ensures stand-by time of up to 400 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours.

Acer A1 Liquid in India: Basic specifications

768 MHz processor

3.5 inch display

Android 1.6

A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8250 768MHz processor powers the Acer Liquid Android. The device provides 256MB RAM and 512MB ROM on-board memory, which can be expanded to 32GB through a microSD card. Other features include an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, and an integrated GPS receiver for tagging photos on the move.

Users can connect easily to social networking sites (Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, Spinlets, etc.) with the Acer Liquid Android and upload photos and videos. The device provides Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB and aGPS support.

The Acer Liquid Android is available for Rs. 19,199 in the Indian market.

Budget Android phones in India

Spice Mi-300

Launched on August 19, the Spice Mi-300 runs on Android 2.1. It sports a 3.2-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen, with a 320 x 240-pixel screen resolution. The smartphone is equipped with a 5-megapixel built-in camera. A 3.5G device, the phone is Wi-Fi-enabled.

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM7227 600 MHz processor, the Spice Mi-300 comes preloaded with GMS & MS Office and provides support for GPS & aGPS Google Mobile Services and Android Market.
Other technical specifications include a G-sensor, an e-compass, a proximity sensor, and an accelerometer.

Spice Mi-410

Scheduled for release later this year, the Spice Mi-410 would likely feature Android 2.1 and a large 4.1-inch HVGA capacitive touch display and will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon MSM8255 chipset (probably an 800MHz processor). The smartphone is expected to offer Wi-Fi, 3G (HSDPA) and Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity.

Other features on the Spice Mi-410 are said to include aGPS, GMS and built-in MS Office.

Huawei Android phones

Huawei has come out with plans to launch two Android smartphones too, the U8300 and U8500. These handsets will be Wi-Fi and 3G-enabled

The Huawei U8300 is powered by a Qualcomm processor and sports a touch display alongside a QWERTY keyboard. It is equipped with a 3.2-megapixel camera. Loaded with social networking programs, this handset is believed to be targeted at young consumers.

Aimed at professionals, the Huawei U8500 is also a touchscreen smartphone, but with slightly better features. It could likely facilitate high-speed browsing and video calling.