Docoss X1 is tempting at Rs 888 , but Freedom 251 has taught us not to be too hopeful

So, there is a new home-brewed company, unknown until a few days ago, and ready to sell a smartphone at a price unimaginable. Sounds familiar? Yes, the first thing that comes to your mind is Ringing Bells’ Rs 251 priced Freedom 251. The next and the most obvious thought – is it a scam? That’s how the Noida-based company has killed our appetite for fancy yet uber-cheap smartphones.

I remember the buzz around when the Rs 251 phone was announced. One of the watchmen would follow up everyday for daily updates on when it will start shipping, if its a scam, and why he hasn’t received the promised payment link. People were penning strategies to buy 10 units using multiple email IDs. For days, it was the talk of the tech town. And you really know it is big when your mother gives a passing reference of some cheap Rs 251 phone when engaged in an oddly different conversation.

(Also read:  Docoss X1 smartphone launched at Rs 888 : Could it be another Freedom 251 in the making? )

But that doesn’t seem to be the case with the Docoss X1. Its marred with suspicion and there is no place for excitement. In fact, it is become a reflection of how people have already shrugging it off as yet another scam. The Freedom 251 and the series of not-so-pleasing events that ensued have left everyone with a bitter-sour taste. It has hit hard the trust factor that will take a lot to re-built. Today, even with reports claiming the Freedom 251 is on track, we are yet unsure if it will ever make it to consumers’ doorsteps.

Now, the Docoss isn’t dirt cheap and has a price tag that reads Rs 888 for specs such as a 4-inch display with 800 x 480, 1.3GHz Cortex A7 chip, 1GB of RAM, 4GB onboard storage, 2MP rear snapper, 0.3M front-facing camera, Android 4.4, 1300mAh battery and dual SIM. So, you have until 10PM to pre-book the device and the company claims to ship by May 2, which is within 3-4 days. This only hints at the possibility that the device is in stock and the company will ship out as soon as it gets the order. Unlike Freedom 251 makers, it isn’t dependent on economies of scale, at least that’s what it looks like for now. But, we did book the device and the company has confirmed the order, but there is no word on the payment or availability yet.

And, to think of it, it would have been an entirely different story had the Docoss popped its head before the Rs 251 device. We don’t know how Docoss plans to pull it off. It did show the device is real and also released a video, the prime focus will remain delivery of the device.