In an attempt to maintain its dominance in the lower-end market segment, Nokia unveiled at the Mobile World Congress a $20 feature phone, plus its most affordable Windows Phone 8 handset to date, as well as two other devices. The Windows Phone 8-running Lumia 520, priced at 140 euros ($185) contract-free, features a 4-inch screen, a 5-MP rear camera, a 1GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, and 512MB of RAM. The Lumia 720, which is more expensive at 250 euros ($330), has the same processor, RAM and storage, although it has a slightly larger 4.3-inch screen and a 6.7-MP Carl Zeiss camera at the back. The other two -- the Nokia 105 and Nokia 301 -- have limited functionality, run the Series 40 OS, and use alphanumeric keypads (instead of touchscreens), but offer good value given their sub-$100 price tag. The new devices will be rolled out in emerging markets in the first quarter of the year.
What Else You Need To Know
- The Lumia 720's 4.3-inch (800 x 480) touch-screen is said to be "super sensitive", able to be operated by fingernails or while wearing gloves.
- With a 1.45-inch screen, the Nokia 105 will be available for only 15 euros ($20), and features an FM radio, a speaking clock, a flashlight, dust and splash-proof keypad, and a battery life claimed to last as long as 35 days.
- Priced at 65 euros ($85), the Nokia 301 has a 2.4-inch screen and offers some smartphone-like features, including access to data connection, video streaming capabilities, and a 3.2-MP camera with panorama mode and sequential shots.
Other sources
We know many phone users still using old-fashioned beat up phones, they do not want the gimmicks, and they just want a phone.- Mark Chubb, Phones Review
The Nokia 105 is the company’s cheapest phone ever- Florin, Unwired View
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