Idea proposes to launch its first Android phone – Huawei Gaga?

The trend of operators launching their own flagship handsets is not uncommon, but it has spread from the global market to our domestic one. Following the lead of Vodafone with its 555 blue (the one with the cute Vodafone FB ad) and Airtel’s Beetel phones, Idea is tipped to launch its own handset.

Idea is making an effort to increase the 3G usage in India by launching its own Android phone. Medianama reported that Idea is planning to target the Indian budget smartphone consumer with its affordable Android smartphones.

Idea MD Himanshu Kapania reportedly announced that the company’s plans to launch 3G enabled Idea branded Android smartphones at the Idea Earnings Conference 2011.

Idea’s flagship handset, according to distributor Nirav I. Soni , might be the Huawei Gaga, which was amongst 4 smartphones to be launched this year, which we covered exclusively in September.

Currently MTS is selling the handset with the nametag of MTag 3.1. The Gaga is equipped with entry-level smartphone specs. It comes with a 2.8-inch HVGA screen and runs on Android 2.2 – Froyo OS.

It is equipped with a 587 MHz processor along with 256 MB RAM. The handset packs in a 3.2-megapixel snapper along with MicroSD support up to 16 GB. The Most interesting features are its powerful 1200 mAh battery and its sleek form, weighing in at just 100g.

While MTS has priced the handset at Rs. 5000, Idea’s pricing plan is not yet known. The Gaga is listed as ‘coming soon’ on Huawei’s website. Like many other operators, Idea is expected to offer an aggressive tariff plan with its Android handset.

Idea is the last major operator in India to come up with its own handset.