The Indian smartphone market is witnessing the launch of a slew of feature-packed phones from China. The latest entrants are: the OnePlus One with great specs and features and the Redmi Note by Xiaomi. Despite choosing the same launch day, OnePlus One and Redmi Note are unlikely to clash as both companies have different sales models.
OnePlus is launching its One smartphone exclusively through Amazon India online store on 2 December while Xiaomi's Redmi Note will be available through Flipkart on the same day. Xiaomi has enjoyed a series of flash sales in the past and OnePlus has strictly followed an invite-only procedure to sell the device. So it remains to be seen which company will come out as a winner.
How To Buy The OnePlus One?
OnePlus confirmed that its new flagship will be released next Tuesday, December 2. The company will continue its invite-only model to sell the handsets in India exclusively through Amazon.in, as per the product listing on the retailer's site. In order to get an invite from the Chinese smartphone company to shop for the One smartphone, buyers must follow these instructions:
- Users must subscribe to the OnePlus One newsletter and enter contests and events hosted by the company for India.
- After getting the invite from OnePlus, buyers must confirm it by clicking the link inside the email and registering with the OnePlus One account.
- After logging in, customers will see their invite with a unique code and click on the "Buy" button.
- Select the One smartphone in Sandstone Black color on Amazon.in and enter the invite code.
- Proceed to check out by making the payment and wait for your shipment.
The device is expected to be below INR 25,000.
How To Buy The Redmi Note?
Xiaomi's Redmi Note wins out on the pricing category as India's cheapest 4G phone. The release date is confirmed as 2 December for the phablet. The sales will be held exclusively through Flipkart. Xiaomi has opened a new path for consumers to get the device.
The Redmi Note 4G will be available for sale through Flipkart as well as from Airtel, its carrier-partner in India for 4G LTE connection. Customers must first register at Airtel's online store and they will get a date on which the device can be picked up from the store.
As for the usual Flipkart mode, customers must register to purchase the device. The registration window is open till midnight December 1, just before Redmi Note goes on sale the next day. Registering for the device does not reserve or guarantee a piece. The sale opens at 2 p.m. on 2 December.
If you wish to beat the rush, you can register for Early Access through Flipkart First subscribers by registering before 2 p.m., November 29. The first 5000 early subscribers will be able to buy the phone on December 1.
The 3G model of the Redmi Note is priced at INR. 8,999 while the 4G version will sell for 9,999.
Update: Updated with the confirmation of OnePlus One India launch on December 2.
