Just when some buyers became hopeful that would actually be holding the world's cheapest smartphone, Freedom 251, in their hands on 30 June, they were let down yet again. Ringing Bells, the maker of the smartphone, has delayed the delivery of Freedom 251 by one week. The company says that the phone will now start shipping from 6 July.
Last week, Ringing Bells founder Mohit Goel had said that almost two lakh phone were ready to be shipped and that deliveries would commence from 30 June. Customers were to be chosen from a state-wise draw. Photos of the phone had also been circulated.
Goel had said that there would be an official launch event in Delhi after the first batch of deliveries was completed. Now that event has been pushed to 7 July. The company is also planning to launch an affordable sub-₹10,000 LCD TV at the event. The television set will also be called 'Freedom'.
"We are facing a loss of ₹140-150 for each unit we sell, but we hope to make a profit on volume. We will have a loss, but I am happy that the dream of connecting rural and poor Indians as part of the 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' initiatives has been fulfilled with Freedom 251," Goel had told IANS.
Goel also said that would like to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and request him to recognize the company under 'Digital India' and 'Make In India' programs.
Freedom 251 has very basic specifications, with a 1.3 Ghz quad core processor, 1 GB RAM and 8 GB internal storage. It also has a 8 MP rear camera with a flash and a 3.2 MP front camera. The battery capacity is 1800 mAH and the phone is supposed to run on Android 5.1.1.