Tech
Airtel Removes Cheapest ₹249 Plan: Users Forced to Pay Extra for 1GB Daily Data
In a move that impacts millions of budget-conscious mobile users, Bharti Airtel has discontinued its popular ₹249 prepaid plan, which offered 1GB daily data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day. This plan was widely preferred by students, working-class individuals, and light data users.
Now, customers must switch to the ₹299 plan to continue enjoying the same benefits—albeit with an additional ₹50 cost and four extra days of validity.
This decision follows a similar move by Reliance Jio, which earlier removed its own ₹249 entry-level plan. Together, the two telecom giants have signaled a shift in India’s prepaid market: the end of ultra-cheap daily data packs.
📊 What Has Changed?
Old Airtel ₹249 Plan (Discontinued)
- Data: 1GB/day
- Validity: ~24–28 days
- Calls: Unlimited voice
- SMS: 100/day
- Extras: HelloTunes, Perplexity Pro AI, Xstream Play
New Airtel ₹299 Plan (Replacement)
- Data: 1GB/day
- Validity: ~28–32 days
- Calls: Unlimited voice
- SMS: 100/day
- Extras: Same add-ons
- Price Increase: +₹50 (20% hike)
While the ₹299 plan offers a bit more validity, the core data benefits remain unchanged. Effectively, users must pay more for nearly the same service.

📉 Why Are Telcos Removing Budget Plans?
1. Push for Higher ARPU (Average Revenue Per User)
Telecom companies like Airtel and Jio have been vocal about India’s low data tariffs. According to Airtel MD Gopal Vittal, data in India is far cheaper than in countries with lower per capita incomes. For instance:
- Average mobile data price in India: ₹10–12 per GB
- Global average: ₹200+ per GB
This price disparity makes it difficult for telcos to maintain profitability, given the high costs of spectrum, 5G rollouts, and infrastructure upgrades.
2. Industry-Wide Tariff Hikes
Both Jio and Airtel removed the ₹249 plan almost simultaneously. This suggests an industry consensus to phase out entry-level daily data packs and move users to higher-value plans.
3. Investor Confidence & Stock Market Boost
The move was well-received by investors. Airtel’s shares rose nearly 2% after news of the plan’s removal, reflecting confidence in improved ARPU and revenue outlook.

👥 Who Does This Affect the Most?
- Students & Young Professionals – Many relied on ₹249 plans for affordable access to online classes, social media, and OTT content.
- Low-Income Households – For those who used data sparingly, this was a budget-friendly option.
- Small-Town & Rural Users – Where WiFi penetration is low, prepaid plans remain the only gateway to the internet.
Now, these users will need to either pay more or downgrade usage.
🔄 Alternatives After Airtel’s ₹249 Plan Removal
If you’re an Airtel customer impacted by this change, here are your options:
1. Shift to ₹299 Plan (Direct Replacement)
- Best for users who don’t need more than 1GB/day.
- Offers 4 extra days of validity.
2. Consider 1.5GB/Day Plans (Better Value)
- Airtel ₹299 (1.5GB/day) – More data for the same price.
- Jio ₹299 (1.5GB/day) – Similar benefits, stronger network in some regions.
- Vi ₹299 (1.5GB/day) – Often includes weekend data rollover.
3. Explore Long-Validity Plans
If you can pay upfront, 84-day or 90-day plans provide better value and save you from frequent recharges.

- Airtel’s 84-day plan (1.5GB/day) – ₹859
- Jio’s 84-day plan (1.5GB/day) – ₹799
4. BSNL as a Budget Option
BSNL still offers cheaper plans, but network quality and 4G/5G rollout lag behind. Best suited for rural areas where BSNL has coverage advantage.
📈 Bigger Picture: The Future of Telecom Pricing
- Gradual Price Hikes Are Here to Stay
Both Airtel and Jio are clearly moving toward higher minimum tariffs. Industry experts predict another 10–15% tariff hike by 2026. - Bundled Services Will Rise
Expect telcos to bundle OTT apps, music subscriptions, and AI-based services to justify higher prices. - Rural Users May Struggle
As base-level plans vanish, affordability becomes a concern for rural households, where per capita income is lower and mobile data is the primary source of connectivity. - Digital Divide Could Widen
If entry-level plans keep disappearing, India’s Digital India mission might face challenges in ensuring internet access for all.
Reviews
Motorola launches Moto Watch in India with Polar Health Tracking and classic design
Motorola has expanded its wearable portfolio in India with the launch of the Moto Watch, a smartwatch that blends a traditional round-dial design with Polar-powered health and fitness tracking. Priced starting at Rs 5,999, the Moto Watch targets users who want reliable wellness features without the flashy, gadget-heavy look of most modern smartwatches.
Rather than positioning it as a full-fledged smartwatch replacement, Motorola is marketing the Moto Watch as a wellness-first wearable that looks like a classic timepiece but delivers accurate health insights in the background.
Design and display: Classic meets modern
The Moto Watch features a 1.4-inch round OLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, housed inside a sturdy aluminium case. The minimalist design gives it a premium, understated look suitable for both casual and formal wear.
It supports an always-on display, complemented by multiple traditional-style watch faces that enhance its analogue-inspired appeal. With IP68 dust and water resistance and 1ATM certification, the watch can easily handle workouts, rain, and daily splashes, making it practical for everyday use.
Health and fitness tracking powered by Polar
One of the biggest highlights of the Moto Watch is its integration with Polar’s health ecosystem, known globally for accurate fitness metrics. The watch offers:
- Continuous heart rate monitoring
- Always-on SpO2 (blood oxygen) tracking
- Advanced sleep tracking, including Polar’s Nightly Recharge feature, which analyses recovery and readiness levels
- Automatic workout detection for common activities
For outdoor fitness enthusiasts, the watch includes dual-band GPS (L1 + L5), ensuring more precise tracking for runs, walks, and cycling sessions even in dense urban areas.
Battery life: Built for long usage
Battery performance is another strong point. Motorola claims the Moto Watch can last up to 13 days on a single charge under standard usage. With the always-on display enabled, users can still expect around 7 days of battery life.
Fast charging support adds convenience—just five minutes of charging can deliver up to a full day of usage, making it ideal for users with busy schedules.
Connectivity and smart features
In terms of connectivity, the Moto Watch supports Bluetooth 5.3 with BLE, ensuring stable pairing with smartphones. It also includes a built-in microphone and speaker, enabling basic interaction features such as alerts and notifications, though it remains focused more on wellness than advanced smartwatch apps.
Price, variants, and availability
The Moto Watch is available in six different variants, offering flexibility in both style and pricing:
- Silicone strap variant: Rs 5,999
- Metal and leather strap variants: Rs 6,999
Consumers can choose between silicone, leather-style, or stainless steel straps. The smartwatch will go on sale soon via Motorola’s official website and authorised retail partners, alongside the brand’s latest smartphones.
Who should buy the Moto Watch?
The Moto Watch is best suited for users who prioritise health tracking, long battery life, and elegant design over app-heavy smartwatch features. It appeals especially to professionals, fitness-conscious users, and anyone who prefers a classic watch aesthetic with smart wellness capabilities.
Reviews
Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G to launch soon in India with 6,580mAh battery, Victus 2 protection and more
Xiaomi appears to be gearing up for the India launch of the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G, as the device has now surfaced on Geekbench, hinting that its arrival is imminent. The Redmi Note series has traditionally been a strong performer in the Indian mid-range smartphone market, and early details suggest that the Note 15 Pro 5G could continue that trend.
Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G India launch imminent
Xiaomi globally unveiled the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G and Note 15 Pro+ in December 2025. While the company has not yet officially announced the India launch date, the appearance of the Indian variant on benchmarking platforms strongly indicates that preparations are underway.
Geekbench listing reveals key details
According to a Geekbench listing, an unannounced Xiaomi smartphone with the model number 25080RABDI— tipped by reliable leaker Abhishek Yadav — is believed to be the Indian variant of the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G.
The listing confirms:
- Android 15 out of the box
- 8GB RAM (more variants expected at launch)
- Octa-core ARMv8 processor with a peak clock speed of 2.6GHz
In terms of performance, the device scored:
- 1,051 points (single-core)
- 2,938 points (multi-core)
These scores position it firmly in the upper mid-range segment, suitable for multitasking, gaming, and daily usage.
Hardware and software expectations
Reports suggest that the Indian Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, paired with a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU. The device is expected to run HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, offering smoother animations, improved battery optimisation, and enhanced system stability.
This combination should deliver a balanced performance experience, especially for users who game casually, consume media heavily, or rely on their phones throughout the day.
Display, camera and battery specifications
Xiaomi is likely to retain the same hardware as the global variant. Expected highlights include:
- 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Up to 3,200 nits peak brightness
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection
For photography:
- 200MP primary camera with OIS
- 8MP ultra-wide camera
- 20MP front camera for selfies and video calls
Battery and charging:
- 6,580mAh battery
- 45W fast charging
- 22.5W reverse charging
The large battery combined with fast charging makes the phone particularly appealing for power users and gamers.
Expected price in India
In Poland, the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G (8GB + 256GB) is priced at PLN 1,699, roughly ₹42,000. However, Xiaomi typically prices its Redmi Note lineup more aggressively in India.
Industry expectations suggest the Indian price could be significantly lower, placing it competitively against rivals from Realme, Samsung, and iQOO. While Xiaomi has not confirmed the exact launch date, the phone is expected to debut within the current quarter.
What to expect next
With its large battery, premium display protection, high-resolution camera, and new chipset, the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G is shaping up to be a strong contender in India’s crowded mid-range smartphone market. More details, including official pricing and launch timelines, are expected soon.
Reviews
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra now available for Rs 70,000 ahead of Galaxy S26 launch: Where to buy
Samsung has officially slashed the price of its premium flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, making it available at its lowest-ever price ahead of the much-anticipated Galaxy S26 series launch. The smartphone, which debuted at a premium price earlier this year, can now be purchased for Rs 69,999, offering massive savings of nearly Rs 60,000.
Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The discounted price is part of the CromaTastic Year-End Sale, available both online and across Croma retail stores in India. The sale began on December 15 and will continue until January 4, 2026, giving buyers a limited-time opportunity to grab Samsung’s top-tier smartphone at a record-low price.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra price drop explained
Launched originally at Rs 1,29,999, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s price reduction comes through a combination of:
- Flat festive discounts
- Bank card offers
- Exchange bonuses on eligible smartphones
Together, these offers bring the effective price down to Rs 69,999, making it one of the best flagship deals currently available in the Indian market.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Key specifications
Despite the price cut, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a powerhouse device. It features:
- 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
- QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels)
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming
At its core, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB internal storage, ensuring flagship-level performance for multitasking, gaming, and content creation.
The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, delivering all-day usage with minimal downtime.
Pro-grade cameras and Galaxy AI features
Photography remains a major highlight of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The smartphone boasts an advanced quad-camera setup featuring:
- 200MP primary camera
- 50MP ultra-wide sensor
- 50MP telephoto lens
- 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls
Running on One UI 7 based on Android 15, the phone comes integrated with Galaxy AI, offering advanced photo editing tools, productivity enhancements, and AI-powered smart features.
Built for durability and productivity
Designed for power users, the Galaxy S25 Ultra includes S-Pen support, making it ideal for note-taking and creative tasks. The device also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering enhanced protection against water and dust.
Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, NFC, and advanced security features, ensuring future-ready performance.
Additional Value-Added Context
Is this the best time to buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
With the Galaxy S26 series expected in early 2026, Samsung’s aggressive pricing strategy makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra an excellent option for buyers seeking flagship performance without paying full launch prices. Unless cutting-edge upgrades are a priority, the S25 Ultra currently offers better value-for-money than most new premium smartphones.
Who should consider this deal?
- Users upgrading from older Galaxy S or Note series devices
- Photography enthusiasts seeking a 200MP camera
- Power users who rely on S-Pen productivity features
- Buyers looking for a future-proof flagship at a mid-range price
-
Celebrity Lifestyle8 months agoEx-Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan Buys Ultra-Luxury Apartment Worth ₹69 Crore in Gurugram
-
Crime & Investigation6 months agoDelhi Police SI Neetu Bisht Caught Taking ₹20 Lakh Bribe – Shocking Details Emerge in Corruption Probe
-
Glamour & Entertainment7 months agoTelegram Channels Disseminating Pro‑Russian Propaganda in Poland
-
Entertainment7 months agoAbhijeet & Dr Tarika Reunite in CID 2 — Fans Say ‘Clear the Misunderstanding Now
-
Business7 months agoAmazon sets 30‑day relocation deadline for corporate staff—opt out by resigning in 60 days
-
Bollywood6 months agoNo ₹3 Lakh Fine or 2-Year Jail: The Truth Behind the ‘Hakla’ GIF Buzz
-
Travel & Adventure7 months agoBest Places to Hangout in Delhi (2025): Top 10 Picks for Fun & Chill
-
News7 months agoWar Intensifies: Iran’s Nuclear Sites, Hospitals Hit in Escalating Israel Clash – 10 Big Developments

