If you watched Micromax In 1b launch event earlier this month or read any coverage about the phone’s introduction, you would think that it runs on Android 10. While that is technically true, only one variant of the phone uses that specific operating system, the base 2GB RAM version of the Micromax In 1b runs on the Go edition of Android 10. Go edition is a stripped down version of Android that is targeted to Android devices packing 2GB or less RAM, in order to provide a good user experience. Google forces Android phone manufacturers to use Go edition to make sure the affordable phones don’t feel sluggish.
While it is good for Micromax In 1b to use Android 10 Go edition, it is disappointing to see Micromax not mention the same anywhere. The company didn’t talk about the Android version in the phone during the launch event, and the product page on the official website is also missing any mention of it. The only place you would find the Android Go acknowledged is the Flipkart listing of the 2GB RAM variant of the phone. This listing was the first to reveal this detail that has since been confirmed by Micromax to Gadgets 360.
It is baffling to see why instead of owning this detail, Micromax is running away from it.
The Android version confusion isn’t the only thing going wrong for the Micromax In 1b. The phone was supposed to go on its first sale on November 26 and the same was being touted by the company co-founder Rahul Sharma until two hours before the sale. But the sale didn’t materialise. Mere minutes before the schedule sale timing, Sharma revealed on Twitter that the In 1b first sale was delayed due to “unforeseen circumstances.” The company later noted that there were some logistical issues. A fresh sale date is yet to be announced, suggesting that the delay isn’t some minor last minute hiccup.
To recall, Micromax In 1b is a budget mobile that packs MediaTek Helio G35 SoC, up to 4GB of RAM, up to 64GB of onboard storage, and 6.52-inch HD+ screen with a waterdrop-style notch. It also features dual rear cameras and a single selfie shooter on the front. Lastly, there is a 5,000mAh battery onboard. The phone is priced starting at Rs. 6,999 and it was launched alongside Micromax In Note 1 in November.
