An unprecedented attempt to make affordable smartphones available to the rural Indian market has finally being achieved with the arrival of the Freedom 251 smartphone, regarded as the world cheapest smartphone. This phone will be available for persons who pre-ordered the device as from June 30th.
Manufactured by Ringing Bells Pvt Ltd, a startup based in NOIDA (New Okhla Industrial Development Authority), Uttar Pradesh state, Indian, the device has a 4-inch screen, 8MP back (3.2 MP front camera), an 1800mAh battery, 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, an 8 GB storage space and supports an external of up to 32GB.
Commenting on the milestone, the CEO of Ringing Bells, Mohit Goel says: “We are ready to distribute the ‘Freedom 251’ handsets in two phases. We will start delivery from June 30 and once the first phase of delivery is done, we will open registration for those who wish to buy the handset.
“We have learned from our mistakes and decided to go silent till we come out with the product. Now we have a 4-inch, dual-SIM phone ready for delivery. Although, we will lose money, we hope to profit on volumes. We don’t mind the loss because we are happy that the dream of connecting rural and poor Indians as part of the Digital India is being fulfilled with Freedom 251.
Interestingly, Ringing Bell is also planning to launch a 32-inch high definition Led television LED television also called Freedom.
We look forward to these phones not only being shipped to Africa but produced in the continent.
