One of the most influential smartphones of 2015, the Lenovo K3 Note sold in record numbers when it was launched. The big battery and superb specs combo took Lenovo to the top in the sub-10k segment.
Now, after a long hiatus, Lenovo is back with the “Killer”(as the company is calling it) but this time around I feel it does not have ‘the license to kill’.
The Chinese smartphone maker has launched the K9 and the A5 in India at Rs 8,999 and Rs 5,999 respectively. Lenovo has missed out on a lot because of its long absence and that I feel will definitely hurt the company.
Lenovo K9 Specifications
- Display: 5.7-inch HD+
- Processor: MediaTek 6762 octa-core
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Rear camera: 13+5MP
- Front camera: 13+5MP
- Battery: 3,000mAh
- Price: Rs 8,999
The Lenovo K9 comes with a 5.7-inch display with HD+ resolution. I would have preferred an HD+ resolution although the colours and contrasts are still sharp enough. It sports a glass body and hence carries a classy design which obviously is prone to smudges and fingerprints.
Inside the phone is an octa-core MediaTek processor coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. This is the bare minimum you are entitled to get from a phone that costs Rs 8,999. It also packs a 3,000mAh battery that supports fast charging and that’s a big plus. In terms of security, the K9 offers a fingerprint sensor and Face ID technology as well.
Both the rear and front camera setup on the K9 comprises of a 13+5-megapixel dual cameras which we will try out once we get our hands on the device.
It’s worth noting that the Lenovo K9 Note goes up against the Xiaomi Redmi 5A and the Honor 7A in this price segment.
In addition to the K9 Note, Lenovo also launched another budget device, the Lenovo A5, targeted at buyers looking for a phone under Rs 7,000. The A5 comes with a smaller 5.45-inch HD screen and sports a brushed metal finish.
Lenovo is offering the device in two variants being 2GB RAM and 3GB RAM with multiple storage options.
Many smartphone users in India might feel excited that Lenovo is back but I feel the K9 isn’t a worthy torch bearer, especially to announce Lenovo’s return to the mobile market in India. Yes, the K series had a great run in the country, but that ship has already sailed and the seas are now being ruled by the Xiaomis and Honors among others.
It seems like Lenovo is going to have a tough time ‘killing’ the competition.
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