Aquaris E4.5, E5 Ubuntu Edition smartphones launched in India

The Aquaris E4.5 was the first ever Ubuntu-powered smartphone launched earlier this year. The device “Aquaris E4.5′ and ‘Aquaris E5” will be exclusively available through Snapdeal and priced at Rs.11,999 and Rs.

“There’s been palpable demand for Ubuntu Phones in India since the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition was launched earlier this year”.

The BQ Aquaris E5 HD features a 5-inch HD display and will be powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek processor, clubbed with 1GB of RAM. The smartphone has a 13-megapixel rear BSI camera sensor along with Largan lens and a 5-megapixel front camera sensor. A 2500 mAh Li-Polymer is the E5’s power house. Both devices will be available in black colour and come fully unlocked with dual SIM functionality so that users can select their operator of choice and can use SIMs from two different operators at the same time.

“The success we have seen with the Aquaris E4.5 and E5 Ubuntu Editions in Europe has precipitated this follow-on launch with Snapdeal in India”, German Lopez, COO, BQ said.

After Firefox, Sailfish and Tizen, now Ubuntu OS will try and break the Android-iOS monopoly of the Indian smartphone market. Both of these smartphones are actually mid-range handsets, though some might even consider them entry-level offerings based on specs, especially the Aquaris E4.5 which is more of a low-end handset than anything else. “We are very excited about our partnership with Ubuntu and look forward to successful relationship ahead”.

In terms of connectivity, the phone supports 2G, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and Global Positioning System.

The 8GB Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition features a five megapixel front camera and eight megapixel rear camera with autofocus, dual flash and full HD (1080p) for super sharp video. As it stands right now, you can buy Ubuntu-powered phones in China, Europe, India, and the US (with some restrictions). Running on the same Cortex A7 processor as the E4.5, this device sports 1 GB RAM and 16 GB internal memory. It is powered by a 2,500 mAh battery. “I am thrilled that our partners BQ and Snapdeal have the drive and foresight to make this happen”.

As the name suggests, Aquaris 4.5 features a 4.5-inch display with screen resolution of 960×540 pixels with pixel density of 240ppi.