Datawind the makers of Aakash tablets have now entered the smartphone domain by launching 3 news handsets namely the Datawind PocketSurfer 5X, PocketSurfer 5C+ and PocketSurfer 3G5. The pricings start from Rs. 3,499.

Surprisingly I got a call from Datawind, yesterday asking if I got the tablet, well I did book the tablet when it was first announced (the Aakash Tablet if you may recall), it was via a simple form and was expecting Datawind to call back, well they really did. But unfortunately I could not recall when I had booked and when I had given up. They did try to convince me that the tabs has upgraded etc, etc, but I was really not interested.

And now since Datawind has entered the smartphone domain, I guess they are calling all those people showed some interest in the Aakash tablet. The Datawind PocketSurfer 5X is the cheapest of the lot with a price tag of Rs. 3,499.

The 5X, a dual SIM handset comes with 5 inch resistive screen with 400×240 pixels resolution. It is powered by 1GHz processor. Other features are front camera (VGA), Bluetooth, FM radio and runs on Linux OS. It is a way outdated technology and for the price you get better handsets running Android OS with capacitive screen.

Datawind PocketSurfer 5X, PocketSurfer 5C+ and PocketSurfer 3GS

The PocketSurfer 5C+ is (thankfully) running on Android ICS OS with a 5 inch 800×480 pixels screen. It is dual SIM and powered by 1GHz single core cortex A9 processor. There is 2MP rear camera, front VGA camera, Wi-Fi, FM radio and Bluetooth. 3G is not supported; you can use 2G networks (EDGE). The 5C+ is priced at Rs. 4,499.

PocketSurfer 3G5 is powered by 1.2GHz dual core and comes with 5 inch 800×480 pixels capacitive screen. The handset runs on Jelly Bean 4.2. Key features are 3G, Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi. There is 5MP primary camera and VGA secondary camera. 3G5 is priced at Rs. 6,499.

I don’t think anyone would be interested in these handsets, the technology is outdated and there are much better options available in the market for the same price.

By Rajeev Rana

Founder and Chief Editor - gogi.in