NEW DELHI: It has been long rumoured that Chinese device giant Xiaomi is working on an entry-level smartphone. The phone has even appeared online via a leaked picture, closely resembling the Redmi 2.

Now, a new report sheds more light on the phone’s price and availability.

The affordable mystery device from Xiaomi will be available at CNY 499(about Rs 5,000) and is expected to debut on April 8, as per a new report by Chinese blog Mydrivers.com. According to rumours, the phone will sport a 4.7-inch HD (720x1280p) display and will be powered by a 1.6GHz Leadcore LC1860 quad core processor and 1GB RAM. The phone will come with 8GB internal storage, a 13MP rear camera with LED flash and 2MP front camera and will run Android 4.4 KitKat with the latest Xiaomi MIUI skin on top. It’s also rumoured that the phone will support 4G LTE connectivity.

In November 2014, a number of reports indicated that Leadcore Technologies had signed a ‘technology transfer contract’ with Beijing Songguo Electronics, a company reportedly controlled by Xiaomi. Perhaps, Xiaomi will use the Leadcore chips in its affordable devices.

It’s not clear if the phone will also be introduced outside Xiaomi’s home market. It’s worth pointing out that Xiaomi’s global vice president Hugo Barra had said that the current conditions did not facilitate the production of a sub-Rs 5,000 smartphone that delivers a good consumer experience.

Xiaomi is also expected to launch a mid-range smartphone under the ‘Ferrari’ codename on March 31 on the occasion of its fifth birthday.

Source: Times of India