Intex Cloud Fx: A fox in the box for just Rs 1,999

The Intex Cloud Fx, powered by Mozilla's Firefox OS, could create significant ripples in the low-end phone segment

Try and rewind the clock a couple of years back. Now, imagine how people would react if you said you could get a feature smartphone at just Rs 1,999. You would have been surrounded by "you-must-be-kidding" looks.

Now, let's come back to the present and take a look Intex's Cloud Fx. A feature smartphone running the Firefox operating system (OS), which is available for - believe it or not - Rs 1,999.

And here's why the Cloud Fx, being dubbed as the best feature smartphone at the lowest price, could change the entire low-end smartphone segment.

Price effect
A recent report from International Data Corporation mentioned that "smartphone penetration in India still hovers at 10 per cent and it is expected to grow due to a variety of factors including greater availability of low-cost devices". The Cloud Fx, along with the Spice Fire One, could be vital in this regard. Imagine how easily and quickly a smartphone that is available at a low price and will need minimal or zero maintenance can catch the consumer's eye and fit his pocket.

Technical effect
The Cloud Fx runs on Mozilla's Firefox OS. This marks the company's foray into the smartphone market. Moreover, Mozilla can be confident about this move looking at the popularity of its browser - Mozilla Firefox. Aided by a 1 GHz processor, the Cloud Fx is not a supremely fast device. You can expect the usual lag and transition delay. In terms of display, the Cloud Fx performs well. The 3.5-inch HVGA screen comes with a resolution of 320x480. Another important aspect of the phone is its surprisingly strong 1,250 mAh battery. Don't go on the battery's small capacity, it will easily last for a day.

The rear 2-megapixel camera is not that good. You can click pictures, but don't expect them to be crisp or good in resolution. The camera should not deter any potential consumers, because the phone is not designed for this purpose. There's one thing you have to keep in mind - the Cloud Fx does not have much in-built memory (a mere 46 MB). So, you might have to shell out some money on a memory card. Making calls on the device is no tough ask. At just 104 g, it will fit into your palm with ease. It is a dual SIM phone, and you will not need a microSIM. It can house two normal GSMs.

The Marketplace has most of the apps. Some of them such as Facebook and YouTube are pre-loaded. No WhatsApp, though (I know, bummer), but it can be used through a third-party app.

One for the aam aadmi
At Rs 1,999, the Cloud Fx is a smartphone for everyone. It might not be able to pip the other strong, branded and swish smartphones in the pecking order. But it is good enough to make them look over their shoulders. Why? Because at the end of the day two things matter: The number of units sold and customer satisfaction. The Cloud Fx is capable of catering to both these aspects.

And, while we are all engrossed in talks about a financial inclusion drive - a bank account for every Indian - why not have a smartphone inclusion drive - a smartphone for every Indian? It is surely worth the "money". Isn't it?