With the arrival of world’s most affordable smartphone at Rs.251, it is not an understatement to say that mobile accessories cost more than the phone. Here’s a list of accessories that’s expensive in comparison:
Memory Card: A microSD card of 16GB capacity or higher costs more than Rs.400
Earphones: Not talking about the ones you buy at station, the use and throw kinds, but those branded quality headphones. The cost is Rs.500 upwards(think Mi, skullcandy or OnePlus).
Screenguard: Tempered glass screen protectors price starts at Rs.300. Your screen protection costs more than the screen that comes with the phone.
Mobile Charger: A mobile USB and adapter is normally priced at Rs.300 or more.
Mobile Cover: A normal polycarbonate case back cover, a flip cover or a mobile pouch, is also beyond the Rs.250 price tag.
Power Bank: Unless there’s a mega sale / price cut / Mi wants to sell for Re.1, power banks do not fall in the budget of Rs.250. A good 5000 mAh power bank is usually priced at Rs.300 and that’s where it starts.
Arm Band: These are mobile holder bands worn on the arm, those you see in Samsung ads. Minimum price: Rs.399
Fitness Band Activity Tracker: Consider the most inexpensive one - Mi band. Price: Rs.999
Bluetooth Speakers and Headsets: The pricing of these devices starts from Rs.350
Not a mobile accessory, but a 1GB 3G internet pack is also for Rs.297 and rental of postpaid SIMs is Rs.349 onwards. Mobile insurance starts at Rs. 500. Even CDMA phones cost a minimum of Rs.500.