Datawind Launches Dirt-Cheap Smartphones With Free Internet | TechTree.com

Datawind Launches Dirt-Cheap Smartphones With Free Internet

Prices start from Rs 2000.

 

Datawind, the company behind Indian government's (in) famous Aakash tablet is geared-up to shake-up the India smartphone space. The British-Canadian company unveiled Android-based PocketSurfer 2G4 and PocketSurfer 3G4. Along with these two, Datawind has also refreshed its PocketSurfer 3G5 handset.

The PocketSurfer 2G4, as its name suggests supports 2G data connectivity and will cost Rs 2000. The other one is perhaps the most affordable Android smartphone with 3G connectivity. This handset is priced at Rs 3000. Relatively pricey among the lot, the PocketSurfer 3G5 will cost around Rs 5500.

The 2G4 sports a 3.5-inch screen. And no, it's not the resistive display technology. This ultra-cheap phone is powered by a single core processor clocked at 1 GHz. According to the manufacture, the phone runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Let's hope 256 MB RAM will manage to handle that.

Next in line, the 3G4 has a 4-inch screen with pixel dimensions of 800x480. It comes with a 5 megapixel rear camera and a VGA snapper on front. Similar to its sibling, the 3G4 is powered by a single-core processor. On the software front, it runs Android 4.4 Kitkat. Now that's going to be demanding for paltry 256 MB RAM.

The PocketSurfer 3G5 features a relatively big 5-inch screen. Like the 3G4, it runs Android 4.4 Kitkat. It is backed by 1 GHz single-core processor. For desperate shots, there's a 3 megapixel rear camera. Datawind has been generous enough to throw-in a VGA front-facing camera too.

Thanks to domestic brands such as Micromax, Karbonn, and Intex, ultra-affordable phones are not new to the Indian market. However, what separates Datawind's phones from the crowd is the free Internet access for a year.

Datawind has partnered Reliance as a network provider. To provide free Internet access to customers, Datawind will make a payment to the Indian telecom company. There's a catch though. Users will not be able to stream audio and video. Thankfully, none of the popular websites have been blocked. So, net neutrality supports have nothing to worry here.

Company's CEO, Suneet Tuli, stated that to support 'Make In India' initiative, Datawind will generate around 1000 jobs in India. The company may also set-up manufacturing plant in India to leverage on new government policies.


TAGS: Datawind, Mobile Phones, Android, Internet, 3G-enabled devices

 
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