The launch of the Freedom 251 earlier this year sparked a major controversy and inspired several other unknown manufacturers to offer up their own ultra-cheap smartphones. A new Rajasthan-based company called ChampOne Communications has now joined the ranks of the latter group with its own C1 handset priced at just Rs 501.
However, the ChampOne C1 is only being sold at Rs 501 as part of a promotional offer for existing customers. Interested buyers will have to register for a flash sale taking place on September 2 to snap up the device at that cost via cash on delivery. Post this, the phone is set to be available at Rs 7999.
The ChampOne website doesn’t lend much confidence when it comes to reliability. For one, the Register button isn’t working as of now. A note tries to explain this away by stating that the firm is facing technical issues with its payment gateway partner. People won’t be able to register themselves for the next 24 hours.
Also Read: Freedom 251 deliveries to kick off today, Ringing Bells launches 6 new phones
Moreover, the signing up process itself comes across as a shady scheme. According to the steps listed, clicking on the Register Now button will lead individuals to a page where they have to subscribe to the company’s Clean Master app for Rs 51 by filling in their details in a form. They’ll then get the serial number meant for the C1’s flash sale.
Take a look at the specs of the ChampOne C1:
– OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop
– Display: 5-inch IPS, 720 x 1280 pixels
– CPU: 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6735
– Memory: 16GB
– RAM: 2GB
– Battery: 2500mAh
– Camera: 8MP rear, 5MP front
– Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi, dual-SIM, Bluetooth, microUSB 2.0
The ChampOne C1 comes across as a deceptive scheme to draw attention to a pretty ordinary entry-level phone whose only unique attribute is its fingerprint sensor. You can register yourself for the handset here if the brand manages to get the button working anytime soon.