This year, we have seen a few entry-level phones running Android Oreo (Go edition), which is a software based on Android Oreo that is designed specifically for entry-level phones that are low on storage and memory. After the Nokia 1 and Lava Z50, we now have another entry-level phone that makes use of Google's software, called Micromax Bharat Go. The home-grown company launched the entry-level device in India this week and will compete against existing Android Go phones and other low-cost phones in the market.
The biggest challenge to the Bharat Go will be the Nokia 1 since it runs pure Android Oreo (Go edition) and also has the Nokia name attached to it. As entry-level offerings, both the phones offer basic specs and design with some subtle difference. Here's a look at what both the phones have to offer.
BHARAT GO VS NOKIA 1 DESIGN
Typically, entry-level phones aren't meant to woo consumers on design. They simply need to come with a functional design and capable hardware. So don't expect the Bharat Go and Nokia 1 to wow you out-of-the-box. HMD Global's entry-level offering comes with a compact pebble-shaped form factor with a polycarbonate body. The rear panel is removable and HMD is offering Xpress-On covers in a variety of colours to appeal to your mood. The handset feels small and comfortable to hold and has a very "Nokia" feel to it. You also know that the phone will handle the occasional drops. However, the rear panel gets scruffed quite easily and we noticed scratches within a few days of use.
The Bharat Go is also made out of plastic and comes in what looks like a glossy black colour. We're not sure if Micromax is offering more colour options as of now. Unlike the Nokia 1 which comes with on-screen navigations, the Bharat Go comes with navigation keys on the bottom bezel. The rear panel sees a single camera module centred on the top and the Micromax logo under it. The Bharat 1 should be just as compact and user friendly as the Nokia 1, and it's back will equally be susceptible to scratches.
BHARAT GO VS NOKIA 1 SPECS
Like most other Android Go phones that have launched so far, the Bharat Go comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. The handset sports a 4.5-inch display and is powered by a MediaTek processor. Additionally, the dual-SIM VoLTE-supported Bharat Go houses a 2,000mAh battery with OTG support. It also comes with a 5-megapixel sensor on the front and back.
Similarly, the Nokia 1 also comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of in-built storage. It also sports a 4.5-inch FWVGA display and is powered by a 1.1GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6737M processor. The handset comes with a marginally bigger battery at 2,150mAh which can last a good day and a half with average use. As far as cameras are concerned, HMD's entry-level offering comes with a 5-megapixel rear sensor and a slightly smaller 2-megapixel front-facing camera compared to the Bharat Go.
Software is key with both the phones and while they both run Android Oreo (Go edition) there are some differences to be found. Notably, the software allows OEMs to add their own skin on top. The Nokia 1 stays true to HMD's philosophy of bringing stock Android to its devices. The Android Go software is free of any added customisations and bloatware. Google's range of Go apps can be found out-of-the-box that includes Google Go, YouTube Go, Gmail Go, Assistant Go and Maps Go to name a few.
While Android Go is supposed to offer a more seamless experience compared to other entry-level phones, I didn't see much of a difference when I reviewed the Nokia 1. When it comes to browsing sites or apps, even the Go versions of the apps, the Nokia 1 lags quite a bit. Some of the Go apps like Maps Go failed to detect my location, suggesting that the apps are still pretty choppy.
Bharat Go runs Android Go, but its still unclear whether this is will be a stock version or whether Micromax has added a light skin on top like it typically does. What is assured is that the handset will come preloaded with Google's set of Go apps and will also support other stripped down apps on the Play Store.
BHARAT GO VS NOKIA 1 PRICE IN INDIA
Google intended Android Go phones to come at an entry-level price point to attract the next billion users. These phones are meant to appeal to first-time smartphone users and those looking to make a jump from feature phones to smartphones. That being said, In India, the general expectation is that such phone should be priced below Rs 5,000. Because anything above it will bring us to more capable Android phones from the likes of Xiaomi.
To make the price sound appealing, most of these companies are going for "effective pricing" schemes by tying up with telecom services. The Bharat Go sticks to the entry-level pricing a lot better than the Nokia 1. While, Micromax's phone comes with a MOP of Rs 4,399, the company has tied up with Airtel to offer a cashback of Rs 2,000, bringing the effective price down to Rs 2,399.
The Nokia 1, however, is quite pricey considering its bare-boned specs. When I reviewed the phone I found that despite running what sounded like a very promising software experience with Android Go, the phone couldn't meet expectations. It's too early to tell whether the Bharat Go follows the same path, but Micromax at least managed to get the pricing right.
