The Mivi One 5G debuts with a Snapdragon processor and 8 GB of RAM. Is it the king of budget phones?

MIVI One 5G – a smartphone from a new Indian brand shows promise as a potential hit

Another smartphone manufacturer has arrived in India! The MIVI brand has officially unveiled the previously teased MIVI One 5G model.

Like the models from another new smartphone brand, Boltt, the MIVI One 5G is a budget device. However, it is worth noting that the debuting manufacturer is launching with a 5G-enabled model—even if its specifications aren't exactly thrilling. The newcomer opted for a Qualcomm processor—specifically, the budget-friendly Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. Importantly, alongside some woefully inadequate memory configurations, the lineup also includes a reasonably sensible 8+128 GB option. As a budget device, it is also worth highlighting that the new model launches with a relatively fresh, clean version of Android 16 and is set to receive updates for the next two major versions.

Mivi One 5G

The 6,000 mAh battery also looks promising, although it charges at only 18 W. The smartphone features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and a hybrid Dual SIM/microSD card slot. For a budget phone, the AI-based call audio enhancement feature looks truly impressive. The 50-megapixel rear camera (f/1.8) and 8-megapixel front camera (f/2.0) are also nothing to complain about—though, unfortunately, the screen is a clear case of cost-cutting. It is a 6.75-inch LCD panel; its HD+ resolution won't deliver great image quality, despite the 120 Hz refresh rate. Three memory variants are available:

4+128 GB – 13,000 rupees, 135 USD
6+128 GB – 15,000 rupees, 160 USD
8+128 GB – 16,500 rupees, 175 USD

While the Mivi One 5G doesn't dazzle with its specs, considering it's a debut model with a low price tag, it looks like a very sensible choice in my opinion. Aside from the display, the device holds its own quite well—though I am referring to the top-tier variant here. A smartphone like this, at such a low price, would be a solid proposition. If only it could cost the same outside of India as it does locally...