Review: Cheapest Firefox OS based Smartphone in the world - Intex Cloud FS

Introduction

Firefox is in India and this time not as a browser any more but as a mobile OS in Intex’s new phone known as Cloud FS priced at Rs. 1,999 one of the cheapest smartphones in the world. This smartphone is only available on their retail partner Snapdeal.

Could FS

Getting to know about Could FS
Cloud FS is a dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) smart phone bearing a 3.5-inch HVGA (320x480 pixel) display, but runs on a 1GHz processor with 128MB of RAM. Interestingly it also features a 2-megapixel rear camera.

There is about 46MB of built-in storage, with support for microSD cards (up to 4GB). For internet savvy users specially young school going kids can now connect with GPRS/ EDGE, Micro-USB, Wi-Fi,  FM radio, Bluetooth and a 3.5mm audio jack on this device

Cloud FS rear-view

Quality & Build

The phone weighs just 104 grams, and is sleeked sized to 115.9x62.11.8mm. It is powered by a 1250mAh battery, which give a decent mileage of 4 hours of talk time and a standby time of 200 hours. That is excellent spec. for the price mentioned. In looks department Intex Cloud FX may look like a budget android phone as it comes in full plastic body but the designers havd designed it elegantly so that it fits easily in a hand.

The black bezel surrounds the 3.5-inch screen on the front. The physical buttons missing on the front however the rear is textured and includes the rear camera, alongside Intex and Firefox OS logos. The back panel is removable, and covers a battery compartment, that has the sim and memory slots.

On the OS side, this is our first review of any kind of Firefox phone - Firefox OS.

For Android loyalists, Firefox will initially appear as a retreat from the usual setup of preloaded apps, homescreens etc. To unlock screen by sliding right or launch the camera by swiping left on the screen.

The homescreen emanates with a search bar similar to Google Now, which is being indorsed by the company as "Adaptive App Search." The default homescreen includes folders called "Smart Collections" divided in four categories: Social, Games, Music, and Showbiz. Some of the preloaded apps include Facebook, YouTube, ConnectA2, Data Usage, and Marketplace.

Users can swipe down to access the notifications, and notifications area also has quick shortcuts for toggling Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode, and jumping to the Settings app.

Cheat-sheet

GENERAL
Release date	Aug-14
Form factor	Touchscreen
Dimensions (mm)	115.90 x 62.00 x 11.80
Weight (g)	104
Battery capacity (mAh)	1250
Removable battery	Yes
SAR value	NA
DISPLAY
Screen size (inches)	3.5
Touchscreen	Yes
Touchscreen type	Capacitive
Resolution	320x480 pixels
HARDWARE
Processor	1GHz
RAM	128MB
Internal storage	46MB
Expandable storage	Yes
Expandable storage type	microSD
Expandable storage up to (GB)	4
CAMERA
Rear camera	2-megapixel
Flash	No
Front camera	No
SOFTWARE
Operating System	Firefox OS
Java support	Yes
Browser supports Flash	No
CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi	Yes
Wi-Fi standards supported	NA
GPS	No
Bluetooth	Yes
NFC	No
Infrared	No
DLNA	No
Wi-Fi Direct	No
MHL Out	No
HDMI	No
Headphones	3.5mm
FM	Yes
USB	Micro-USB
Charging via Micro-USB	Yes
Proprietary charging connector	No
Proprietary data connector	No
Number of SIMs	2
SIM 1 & SIM 2
GSM/ CDMA	GSM
3G	No
SENSORS
Compass/ Magnetometer	No
Proximity sensor	Yes
Accelerometer	Yes
Ambient light sensor	No
Gyroscope	No
Barometer	No
Temperature sensor	No

General Observations

The new Firefox OS is surely going to be a game changer when it comes to budget smart phones market. With still low income groups in India on rise to internet penetration, getting a fully functional smartphone at 1/10 of the price is surely going to work  both for Intex and Firefox’s OS in India. With more manufacturers like SPICE are  about take a lead on Firefox OS, it truly going to be significant threat to likes of Android & Windows phone.

One of the strongly recommended phone for students, & users with low budget.