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Ringing Bells’s Freedom 251 is literally the cheapest smartphone on the planet

India-based smartphone manufacturer Ringing Bells has announced the launch of the world’s cheapest smartphone—or mobile phone for that matter—Freedom 251, priced at INR 251 (US$4) – which is less than a conventional Subway meal.

The Android Lollipop 5.1-powered smartphone packs a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, 4 inch (10.2 cm) qHD IPS display, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage memory (and expandable up to 32GB with an external MicroSD card), 3.2 megapixel rear camera and 0.3 megapixel front camera. The phone runs on a 1,450 mAh battery.

Connectivity-wise, it features 3G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, and GPS. No 4G but at the moment, but at US$4, it would be insane to complain.

The phone will come preinstalled with a few made-in-India apps including Women Safety, Swacch Bharat, Fisherman, Farmer and Medical. It will also come with essential apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Google Play and YouTube.

Also Read: How religion, caste and superstition affect the foodtech space in India

The phone even comes with a one year warranty and is serviceable at 650 centres in India.

According to an interview with Gadgets 360, Ringing Bells said that it received “immense support from the Indian government”, which could mean heavy subsidies.

The launch of Freedom 251 is also in line with the Indian government’s goals to connect every Indian and enrich their lives, as well as attract international and local businesses to manufacture in India.

Ringing Bells, which was established only last year, will roll out the smartphone on the February 18 at 6AM, and no doubt send alarm bells ringing in every other smartphone manufacturer seeking to penetrate or establish a foothold in India’s increasingly saturated smartphone market.

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