What can you get for Rs. 251 (AUD 5.00)! A cup of coffee or a serving of fries, or perhaps a small burger. But can buy a smart phone for five dollars? Answer would be an emphatic no.
But a fledgling company in India has launched what is being dubbed as the cheapest smart phone in the world.
A company named Ringing Bells Pvt Ltd. launched an android based smartphone on Wednesday, priced at just Rs. 251 or $5.22.
The 3G phone with a 4-inch WVGA resolution display, features a 1.3 Ghz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB total storage space and a 3.2 megapixel camera on the back. It has a 0.3 MP selfie camera and a 1450 mAh battery.
While the specifications of the phone are impressive, it's ergonomically designed and, according to some tech reviews, works just fine.
However, there are some concerns about "world's most affordable phone".
Mobile industry body of India ICA urged the Indian government to scrutinise the price, saying it could not be below Rs 3,500 even after a subsidised sale.
The real cost of the device is said to be Rs 2,500 (AUD 50 approx), which will be recovered through a raft of measures like economies of scale, innovative marketing, reduction in duties and creating an e-commerce marketplace.
