The ultimate price list: major smartphones in India, March 2014
This ultimate price list captures the Indian smartphone market at a revealing moment in March 2014. Android had become the default choice for most new buyers, yet premium iPhones, Windows Phones and BlackBerry devices still commanded attention. The figures below combine firm launch prices, commonly advertised street prices and credible expectations for models announced but not yet sold in India. That distinction matters because a global launch did not automatically mean an Indian shopper could walk into a shop and pay the headline amount.
In the sub-₹10,000 segment, capable dual-SIM phones were replacing basic feature phones at an accelerating pace. Between ₹15,000 and ₹35,000, buyers gained stronger processors, brighter displays, better cameras and batteries designed for a full day of calls, messaging and streaming. Above ₹40,000, the competition tightened around 5-inch Full HD screens, quad-core chips, premium cameras and polished software. Storage capacity also became a major buying consideration, making 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions a meaningful part of the price comparison.
For Australian readers, the March 2014 exchange rate was roughly A$1 for ₹59–₹60. Australian advertised prices included 10% GST, while Indian retail pricing reflected a different tax and dealer structure, so converted amounts are useful guides rather than exact equivalents. Local warranty, repair access and network compatibility could also make an imported handset a costlier purchase than its converted price suggests.
Timing was important as well. Several flagship devices had just been announced but were waiting for an Indian release, and Australian launches often followed India by weeks or months. Shoppers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane would therefore have seen some models arrive through grey-market importers before official local stock appeared. In Australian parlance, the best deal was not necessarily the cheapest box; it was the phone that offered good value, solid support and no nasty surprises when inserting a Telstra, Optus or Vodafone Australia SIM.
| Handset | March 2014 Indian price | Approximate AUD | Market position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S5 | ₹62,999 expected | A$1,050 | India price pending; newly announced flagship |
| HTC One M8 | ₹64,999 expected | A$1,085 | India price pending; new premium Android model |
| Apple iPhone 5s 16GB | ₹53,900 | A$900 | Discounted flagship iPhone |
| Samsung Galaxy S4 16GB | ₹54,999 | A$915 | Popular previous-generation flagship |
| Sony Xperia Z1 32GB | ₹47,990 | A$800 | Water-resistant Sony flagship |
| Nokia Lumia 1020 | ₹51,999 | A$865 | Camera-focused Windows Phone |
| Motorola Moto X 16GB | ₹31,999 | A$535 | Upper mid-range Android flagship |
| LG G2 16GB | ₹31,999 | A$535 | Full HD display and strong specifications |
| BlackBerry Z10 | ₹29,990 | A$500 | Touchscreen BlackBerry flagship |
| Micromax Canvas HD Pro | ₹24,999 | A$415 | Feature-rich Indian mid-ranger |
| Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 | ₹21,999 | A$365 | Dual-SIM Android phone |
| Motorola Moto G 16GB | ₹13,999 | A$235 | Strong budget-to-mid-range option |
| Nokia Lumia 525 | About ₹8,500 | A$140 | Entry-level Windows Phone |
Budget phones worth watching
The Motorola Moto G stood out because its price did not look like that of a typical budget handset. The 16GB version combined a 5-inch HD display, quad-core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM and a 2,470mAh battery with Android’s clean software experience. At roughly ₹13,999, it gave first-time Android users a dependable package without requiring a second-hand phone or an entry-level Windows Phone.
Samsung’s Galaxy Grand 2 and Micromax’s Canvas HD Pro served a different need: buyers wanted more features and storage for relatively little money. The Grand 2 included a 5-inch display, dual-SIM support and a 3,100mAh battery, while the Canvas HD Pro offered a sharper screen, more RAM and a larger battery by some measures. Nokia’s Lumia 525 targeted the lowest tier with a 4.5-inch screen, Snapdragon processor and access to Nokia’s Maps, HERE Drive and Office applications.
Price alone could conceal differences in after-sales support. A low-cost handset was a better buy if its manufacturer offered nearby service and the battery was removable. Dual-SIM models were particularly practical in India, where many users combined work and personal numbers, but Australians travelling with an Indian handset would need to consider whether its cellular bands worked with local networks.
Android flagships at the premium end
The Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8 sat at the top of the March announcement cycle, yet neither had a firmly announced Indian retail price. The Galaxy S5 paired a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a Snapdragon 801 processor, 16-megapixel camera and 2,800mAh battery. The One M8 offered a 5-inch Full HD screen, Snapdragon 801 chip, 2,600mAh battery and a distinctive rear camera arrangement intended to improve low-light photography.
Earlier flagships provided clearer price benchmarks. Sony’s Xperia Z1 combined a 5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 801 processor, 2,300mAh battery and waterproof body. LG’s G2, also powered by a Snapdragon 801, brought a 5.2-inch Full HD panel and a 3,000mAh battery to the market for about ₹31,999. These prices showed how quickly specifications were moving downward even when handset prices remained high.
Australian buyers comparing the new models with established Android phones needed to account for software updates, local 4G support and warranty arrangements. An attractive imported price in rupees could still lose its advantage after shipping, insurance and possible network-band limitations were considered.
Samsung's broad price ladder
Samsung had the clearest range in this period, stretching from the Galaxy Grand 2 to the newly announced Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S4 remained a strong upper-mid-range choice at approximately ₹54,999, offering a 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 801 processor, 16-megapixel camera and 2,600mAh battery. The Galaxy Note 3, meanwhile, targeted buyers who wanted a larger 5.7-inch screen and S Pen functionality.
The company also understood the appeal of simpler Android devices. The Galaxy Core 2 launch details provide a useful side reference for Samsung’s dual-SIM budget approach, built around a 4.5-inch display and the practical needs of users who prioritise battery life and calling over premium cameras.
For Australian shoppers, Samsung’s range made comparison easier because several models appeared across different local price tiers. The crucial checks were storage, cellular compatibility and whether the phone had official Australian warranty coverage. A local Samsung release could also receive regional carrier support that an imported variant did not.
Apple, Nokia and the premium field
Apple’s February price reductions made the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c more competitive in March. The 16GB iPhone 5s cost ₹53,900, while the 32GB version was around ₹63,900. The iPhone 5c provided much of the same design and performance for less, usually around ₹39,900. The Apple handset catalogue shows how Apple’s pricing applied across storage levels and model generations.
Windows Phone offered a credible alternative for buyers attracted to Nokia’s hardware and LiveTiles interface. The Lumia 1020 remained the specialist camera choice at roughly ₹51,999, with a 41-megapixel camera, while the Lumia 1520 was announced but still awaiting its final Indian price. At the lower end, the Lumia 525 provided Nokia build quality, a familiar interface and useful navigation applications for around ₹8,500.
BlackBerry’s Z10 sat between those established brands and the Android mid-rangers. Its ₹29,990 price brought a large display, strong keyboard-focused messaging features and a polished operating system, although many buyers still preferred physical buttons. For Australians, iPhone and BlackBerry users could generally expect established carrier and accessory support; Nokia’s local position was weaker but its specifications still justified close attention.
How Australian buyers should read the prices
Start with the local cost rather than a straight currency conversion. A handset listed at ₹30,000 converted to roughly A$500, but the final Australian price would also include GST, retailer margin and local support. Imported models could carry additional freight costs, while parallel-import discounts sometimes disappeared once warranty and return rights were included.
Network choice mattered just as much. Australian shoppers commonly used a bring-your-own-SIM plan or bought a handset outright from a carrier. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone Australia each supported different combinations of 3G and 4G bands, making the exact model and regional variant relevant. Checking band support before purchasing was a basic step that could prevent an expensive headache.
Storage, battery life and dual-SIM support were more portable criteria. A 16GB phone with a microSD slot could be more practical than a 32GB model without expansion, while a removable battery made long days of navigation and work easier to manage. Retail staff and tech enthusiasts in Sydney and Melbourne could explain these details, but official Australian specifications and warranty terms remained the best source for a final decision.
Save the list and check before buying
Treat this March 2014 snapshot as a buying guide rather than a live checkout price. Launch expectations, dealer discounts and storage variants could shift a handset by several thousand rupees, especially during the busy weeks surrounding new releases. Record the model number, storage size and quoted price so similarly named versions were not accidentally compared.
For anyone buying in Australia, compare the current local price with the converted Indian figure, then check warranty, network bands and accessory availability. That process would have placed budget Android phones, iPhones and camera-focused Windows Phones on a much clearer footing.
Save this price list, shortlist two or three models, verify their specifications and buy the one that fits your budget without compromising local support.