Qiku is a phone that has got more eyeballs for its name than its size ever since it’s been with us. It is another brand from China’ stable but is looking to get a foothold in India over the next few years.
Unlike some brands that have made their way from China to India, Qiku means business, which is why their first best comes in the form of a 6-inch Q Terra that definitely ranks as a phablet. Priced at Rs 19,999 and Rs 21,999 Q Terra sells online in the country.
Key Specifications: Qiku Q Terra
- Display: 6-inch Full-HD 1920x1080 pixels
- Operating System: 360 UI over Android 5.1 Lollipop
- Processor: Hexa-core Snapdragon 808
- RAM: 3GB
- Rear Camera: Dual 13-MP
- Front Camera: 8-MP
- Battery: 3700mAh
- Price: Rs 19,999 (with invite), Rs 21,999 (w/o invite)
What’s Good?
Q Terra has a lot going in its favour. The phone’s construction makes use of magnesium and aluminium materials that are not only sturdy but also aesthetically appealing. At 6 inches, it’s a great hand-held television option.
The full-HD resolution quality is just about right in terms of what the naked eye would be comfortable with and the thin bezels add up to the visual experience.
The phone’s onboard storage of 16GB is expandable. The 360 UI customised over Android 5.1 Lollipop version is smooth and works without major glitches. The built-in fingerprint scanner at the back, is quick to respond to your touches.
The phone’s got dual 13-megapixel cameras at the back with dual-LED flash that captures images with great detail and even the lighting part of it gets taken care of very well. The front camera isn’t too shabby either.
When you get a 3700mAh battery unit on a 6-inch phone, not only do you expect the device to last you for the duration but also quick-charging support. Qiku Q Terra does both, which should please those who use their devices for gaming and multimedia activities round the clock.
What’s Bad?
The Q Terra is bulky – it weighs 185 grams – and some people may find it uncomfortable to carry it around.
The phone has navigation soft-touch keys underneath the big-size display which are not backlit and so it’s difficult to use it in the dark.
Qiku’s biggest hurdle in making a headway in India may well be its name.
In India, Qiku (pronounced as Chiku) is more famous for the fruit than the phone and changing that will be a herculean task for the brand. However, if they offer products that epitomise quality at pocket-friendly price point, they might just become the next Xiaomi in India.
Why Buy It?
Qiku Q Terra is a fine start for a brand that’s come out of nowhere to sell in India. The size may not entral buyers but we did see people opt increasingly for bigger phones in 2015, so we can’t discount the prospect of the 6-inch becoming the ‘5.5-inch of 2016’.
The phone has been built with design and build quality at the top of the agenda and there’s nothing to complain about the imaging quality of the dual cameras at the back. The battery is right up the power user’s alley as well. What might not work for the brand is the name and the fact that they opted for the OnePlus-like invite model to sell under 20K, else you spend upwards of Rs 21,000. In terms of size, Qiku Q Terra is definitely not a phone, it’s a TV.
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