Android Go was launched last year as a low-configuration version of Android Oreo. This year, we have seen a few Android Go smartphones be launched, including the Nokia 1, Alcatel 1X, Blackview A20, and others. On the surface, one of the best markets for Android Go would seem to be India, but few Android Go phones have been launched in India so far. In May, Micromax launched the Micromax Bharat Go Android Go phone, and the Nokia 1 has also made its way to the country. Now, Intex has entered into the Android Go space, launching the Intex Infie 3 Android Go-powered entry-level phone.
Intex, like Micromax and the rest of the Indian smartphone brands, have suffered from the entry of Chinese device makers in the Indian smartphone market. The company still has a foothold in the feature phone market and entry-level smartphone market, and the Infi 3 seems to be a smartphone designed for first-time smartphone owners. It was launched alongside the slightly higher-end Intex Infie 33, which is a regular Android 7.1 Nougat-powered budget phone. The Infie 33 has a bigger display (5.34-inch vs. 4.95-inch), a higher-clocked processor, (1.3GHz vs. 1.1GHz), a higher-resolution front camera (5MP vs. 2MP), and a bigger battery (3000mAh vs. 2000mAh).
We have previously taken an in-depth look into the Blackview A20 as well as the Android Go apps. Notably, the Intex Infie 3 is the first Android Go powered phone to launch in India with an 18:9 display. It also has a customized version of Android Go with Intex UI on top. The phone comes with Face Unlock, and other Intex additions such as Privacy System and App Freezer. It will also have pre-loaded apps such as SwiftKey and Xender.
The Intex Infie 3’s specifications are compared with the Infie 33 in the table as follows:
| Specifications | Intex Infie 3 (Android Go) | Intex Infie 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and weight | 140.2 x 66.2 x 10.2 mm, 140g | 145.8 x 69.6 x 9.03 mm, 148g |
| Software | Android Oreo (Go edition) with Intex UI | Android 7.1 Nougat with Intex UI |
| SoC | Octa-core 1.1GHz processor | Octa-core 1.3GHz processor |
| RAM and storage | 1GB of RAM with 8GB of storage; microSD card slot (expandable up to 128GB) | 1GB of RAM with 8GB of storage; microSD card slot (expandable up to 128GB) |
| Battery | 2000mAh | 3000mAh |
| Display | 4.95-inch FWVGA+ (960×480) LCD with 18:9 aspect ratio | 5.34-inch FWVGA+ (960×480) LCD with 18:9 aspect ratio |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth |
| Ports | microUSB port, dual nano SIM slots, 3.5mm headphone jack | microUSB port, dual nano SIM slots, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Rear camera | 5MP with LED flash | 5MP with LED flash |
| Front-facing camera | 2MP | 5MP |
| Price | ₹4,649 | ₹5,049 |
The Intex Infie 3 will be available for ₹4,649 ($68) in India. At that price, it faces competition from the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, which has higher-end specifications in every category and which costs ₹5,999. The Android Nougat-powered Intex Infi 33, on the other hand, costs ₹5,049 ($74). Both phones will be available through a general trade network that includes more than 80,000 retailers and over 130 Intex Smart World Brand stores.