Launch of a low-cost smartphone in India no longer turns heads. But, an ultra low-cost smartphone (less than Rs. 3,000) bundled with free Internet is worth (arguably) covering, though it won't blow your mind, change your heart or give you 21-reasons-why-you-should. Before you start mocking the “cheap” phone, you have to realise DataWind isn't targeting the high end phone users or perhaps mid-range or even budget phone users.
It aims at entry-level first time mobile Internet users who are okay with simple browsing and perhaps content with very basic smartphone features, don't mind wait for the apps or websites to load. However, it does not mean that quality has to be compromised for even an ultra low-cost smartphone. We briefly used DataWind's ultra low-cost PocketSurfer 3G4 smartphone at the launch event today. Here's our first impressions of the device:
First thing first you notice in the device is its plastic body and reflecting display. The phone is very light as it weighs around 100g. The phone measures 123 x 64 x 10.3 mm. The smartphone has a 4-inch display with 800 x 480p resolution. Overall it has a compact design.
The smartphone has 5MP camera and VGA front facing snapper. As expected, the smartphone hasn't the best 5MP camera. The front cam looked okay.
It will be unfair to critcise the build quality given its price. The smartphone, however, could have done better on the software part. DataWind has extensively focussed on the local and educational content. It could have added a lot of local content and perhaps vernacular language support.
The phone has 256MB of RAM and 512 MB of internal storage. The demo unit did not have any 'heavy apps', though we don't expect the phone to run such apps either. Some of the positives are dual-SIM and 3G connectivity and built-in UbiSurfer browser that gives you access to Reliance's one year free Internet connectivity (excludes audio-video streaming).
Summing up, DataWind's PocketSurfer 3G4 is a brave attempt at breaking the 'price barrier' for an Internet-enabled phone. But, we have already seen Mozilla attempting and failing with FireFox OS enabled phones. There are a few smartphones in the market with similar set of specifications in the same price bracket. Nokia already offers Internet-enabled phones.
It is worth pointing out here that DataWind isn't targeting the tech enthusiasts who seem to be fond of the likes of Xiaomi, Yu and OnePlus. With its ultra low-cost tablets (including the Aakash tablet), DataWind had succeeded in dominating the tablet segment. It'll be interesting if DataWind manages to replicate the same in the smartphone segment.
What do you think about DataWind's new phones? Let us know your views in the comments section below: