Google's Nexus range of smartphones and tablets is known for delivering premium hardware and stock Android software at a reasonable price, with Nexus 5 and second-generation Nexus 7 being the latest examples. However, the internet search giant may have set its sights on the low-end market now. According to a report by MTKSJ.com, Google is partnering with Taiwanese chipmaker MediaTek to develop a $100 smartphone, which will be part of the Nexus range. There is no word on the specifications and launch of the smartphone yet.
This will not be the first time Google has aimed to tap the budget smartphone segment. The company has optimized the latest version of Android, named KitKat, to run on smartphones and tablets with just 512MB RAM. Google also launched the low-cost handset Moto G under its Motorola brand in November last year. However, this device runs on a Qualcomm chip rather than a MediaTek processor.With China and India as the two fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world, a $100 Nexus smartphone may prove crucial in delivering a decent user experience without burning a hole in the buyer's pocket in these price-conscious countries.
Google sells its Nexus devices at cost, not earning any profits from hardware sales. However, Motorola, which has been sold to Lenovo now, still earns a profit from the $179 (Rs 12,499 in India) Moto G. MediaTek chips power most of the low-end smartphones sold in emerging markets like India and China. Companies like Micromax, Lava, Spice and Karbonn use its chips across most of their respective product lines. Global brands like Sony and LG also use MediaTek processors in smartphones priced below Rs 20,000
