Yomiprof shared a post today about an upcoming $1 phone, namely OYI-1. We all know that the standard of living is questionable in this part of the world making it really difficult for average masses to acquire what they really desire. BeepTool CIS Limited has promised to change the narrative by introducing a $1 dollar phone and making it available for the low-income earners.
BeepTool CIS will be unveiling Oyi-1 today 30th November in Abuja, according to them, anyone earning more than $50 per month (approx. our current minimum wage of N18,000 naira) is not eligible for the BeepTool $1 smartphone.
“The affordable smartphone concept is one where smartphone manufacturing and ancillary costs are covered by investors and stakeholders and handed to users who live on less than $2 a day at $1 or nearest local single currency note preloaded with advertising services platform capable of generating revenue for investors and stakeholders to cover the cost of the smartphone and further revenue for investors and stakeholders”
OYI-1 Phone Specification
- OS: Android™ 7.0 Nougat Operating system
- Reinforced Frame & Screen, Unbeatable Value,
- Screen: 5inch FWVGA 854*480
- 4G LTE Dual SIM (Dual-SIM): Micro SIM + Nano SIM
- Memory/Storage: 1GB RAM /Built-in: 8GB, Micro-SD (Support up to 32GB)
- Processor: MT6580 1.3GHz Quad-Core
- Frequency Band: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |WCDMA 900/2100 |FDD-LTE B1//3/7/20
- Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Dual-SIM Bluetooth 4.1 3.5mm Headset Jack
- Dimensions: 144.1 x 71.9 x 9.8 (mm)
- Camera: Rear: 5MP ; Front: 2MP
- A long battery life: (2000mAh plus one extra) USB
- GPS: Support and Durable 4G Smartphone
Well, a $1 dollar phone approximately N500 in naira, if you ask me.. is a big bargain for those looking to acquire a new device. But I was really curious how they can offer a phone that costs NGN23,000 to manufacture for only N500?
So here is what I found out from their terms and condition:
Just to save you the stress of reading everything, you can navigate to number 7 and 8 of their T&C via this link >> https://www.oyi.beeptool.com/terms-and-conditions/
DEVICE CONNECTIVITY
Devices are not smart without connectivity, you, therefore, agree to recharge your data plan with a minimum of NGN750 monthly in exchange for 1GB data and 30 minutes bundled local calling plan. Refusal to pay for connectivity in two consecutive months will lead to remote locking of the device and attempt to recover the device by BeepTool.
REMOTE SERVICES AND ADVERTISEMENTS
You understand and agree
(a). That all devices sold under the ($1 or local currency single note equivalent rate) are the property of BeepTool CIS Ltd for a period of 24 months after registration
(b). That BeepTool reserves the right to remotely operate the device and make changes to software layout, install and uninstall apps, without prior notice or your approval.
(c). That BeepTool can send you text-based, graphical, interactive, rich media, social, e-mail, video or other online advertisements through the device.
(d). BeepTool reserves the right to remotely lock and attempt to recover a device if you are found to be using it for negative contents including but not limited to harassment, intimidation, terrorism, etc.
(e). That BeepTool may provide third party content to the user through the device
(f). The device would be released to the user completely, free of any listing, remote services, and advertisement after 24 months.
(g). That anyone earning more than $50 per month is not eligible for the BeepTool $1 smartphone.
(h). That anyone earning more than $50 per month can own the smartphone by sponsoring the TRUE COST OF MANUFACTURING the BeepTool $1 smartphone at NGN23,000) or $60
So after going through that page… do you still think this $1 dollar phone is really worth the hype and acclaimed help for those who don’t earn above minimum wage?
My answer is… NO!
Why?
According to them… you will have to load NGN750 monthly in exchange for 1GB data and 30 minutes (compulsorily for 24 months or you get locked out remotely). If you calculate this N750 x 12, it equals N9000 in 12 months and N18,000 naira in 2 years. N18,000 is enough to get you a standard low-end Android device.
Well, I am sure so of you might attack me saying 18,000 for data and calling for two years is worth it!
First off… I don’t know what happens after 24 months of using this device.
However, let me ask you, is it worth…
- Trading to receive constant third party content?
- Allowing your device to be remotely controlled by another for 24 months?
- Being fed with constant unwanted adverts for 24 months?
- Not giving you the freedom of publishing contents without fear of being locked out?
- Not having the freedom of installing any app of your choice?
“The $1 phone is not just a marketing tool, it’s a tracking device!”
That said, I’d rather save N1,500 of my minimum wage for 12 month, which equals N18,000 and get a phone within the same specs-range that will give me complete control. The $1 phone is not just a marketing tool, it’s a tracking device!
Here are some devices you can get between 10,000 to 20,000 naira.
- TECNO F1 (N18,000) | 1GB RAM + 8GB ROM, 2MP + 5MP, 2500mAh, Android 8.1
- Ulefone S7 (N18,000) | 5.0 Inch HD, ,1GB RAM, 8GB ROM, Android 7.0
- itel A32F (N19,990) | 5-inch IPS, Android 8.1, 8GB ROM + 1GB RAM, 5MP + 2MP, 2,050mAh
Infact here are some phone buying guide to explore more:
- 7 Best Android Go Phones, Specs and Prices in Nigeria
- Best Phones Under 20000 Naira In Nigeria
- 17 Cheapest Phones in Nigeria
So there you go… I hope this helps someone out there. Let us know what you think about the new OYI-1 N500 naira phone in the comment box below!
Mine is saying screen is pinned and no longer working for over 3 months now. How can I fix this problem please
I bought the Oyi 1 phone and it has been a nightmare. Right now the phone is grounded. It is remotely locked! I sent a complaint at the manufacturer’s website and they would not reply. We ended up paying #15,500 for this phone before it arrived. I really regret buying this device.
They even collect the #500 using paystack that you wont be able to trace where and when the phone will be delivered. I stupidly payed online and afterall chatted back that they should refund the money and thay promised “ASAP”. Later they said there are so many people that requested and has not collected so me that payed by Nov 2018 should wait till April 2019 before getting it. Damn i’m vexed not making research b4 falling for this shit
Its a cool straight SCAM company.
9ja robbing 9ja
it’s like they have forgotten that we are Nigerians…my brother we will purchase the device for N500 and install custom rim joor
or we root it and uproot their bug they use in controlling the device remotely
If you cant afford an android phone now, then save some money. If it will take you 1 year to raise 13k to get a phone. You will not die within that one year & your business won’t be crippled…. Patience!
This $1 phone is a curse. Im not sorry to say that. This doesn’t solve any problem, rather it exploits the users. You literally have no rights to privacy!! You have to strictly adhere to over 12 rules just to use a phone that you’d dispose in 2 years.
If you save #750 monthly you just might raise enough money to get a phone in 16months.
Things like this are always shipped to NIGERIA in the name of “solving a problem”… This is an insult!
We may be poor, but we still survive daily. We need no reminder.
Thanks Briggs!
Let me just lol
All these you guy are saying you forgot the part where it stated for mist people living in rural areas an earn at least 1$ a day… What’s the big deal there… If I can get a phone that allows me access only for me to recharge a month I will take it cuz I might not be able to save that much money to buy such an android phone if am living in a rural area… It is like getting a brand new phone and paying by installments.
After reading the T&C I can boldly tell you that you are right, this device isn’t an ordinary device per say,, it is a tracker. Also they(Bleeptool) said the user will be allowed unlimited access and control of the device after 24months… That is absurd.
Who can use a particular smartphone for 2years+ and still feel comfortable using it. The android phone am using became 2year old (last month), I am already thinking of giving it out.
The whole idea of this device is trading, after which return on investment will be provided to investors. This is business.
Nigerians lets be positive and look at the good sides of things. Somebody is trying to make something easy for people and you are here saying people should not buy giving a very awkward advice of saying you will save N1500 every month for 12 month to acquire a good phone, not considering the fact that you will be without a phone for one year.
Besides, you didn’t tell the people about the fact that those ads are going to generate income for the owner because a certain percentage will be credited to the person’s Bank account which is a plus for the owner.
See things from the positive side that is what brings about progress. We Nigerian need this.
Viklin has written facts and mixed it with fallacy in a bid to promote techno phones because he has been paid. He did not bother to check up before doing this hatchet job. This is unfair to people trying to solve problems. I saw the phone after the launch. Question is can a smartphone actually be smart without data? Beeptool is not forcing anyone to take data from them, even though its not contained in the t&c, users have the choice to select their data provider, the most important is users must have data. Users are allowed to install their apps. Dont users receives ads from google? What then is the difference? By the way the phone has a dual connectivty that no other phone has.
Tunde, thanks for the comment!
First off, I wasn’t paid by anyone to do this, they are my opinion and we all are entitled to it. Secondly, you’re right when you said data makes a phone smart, well… it is not completely true, without data, you can still call it a smartphone. A phone that can do the function of so many electronic devices can be referred to as smart. For instance, if your phone has FM, camera, calendar, calculator, gaming features and more… it can be called a smartphone. Dual connectivity is nothing special, there are so many budget devices with that feature.
Concerning subscription, I guess you skipped this part: “Refusal to pay for connectivity in two consecutive months will lead to remote locking of the device and attempt to recover the device by BeepTool.”
As regards advertising, I saw the part where you mentioned Google. Trust me this is nothing close to Google ads. You gotta visit websites/apps to receive ads. And Google places UX above all when feeding us with ads. My opinion, however, doesn’t stop anyone from acquiring the device, I am just letting them know the conditions. I will just stop here bro.
Once again, glad you dropped your comment. Hope to see you around.
Well what are custom roms for
I just need to root the phone and the rest is history
Hmm mm, I knew it would have terms and conditions that won’t be totally favorable
?Lucky patcher should do the trick
I guess you skipped the part where they said they can control what apps to install and uninstall on the device?
This is laughable really, those conditions are ridiculous. Why must one be compelled to such terms?. Not cool