Nokia has launched a new range of cheaper phones, extending its Windows Phone 8 offerings, as it looks to battle back into the market.
The new devices are the “high-end” smartphones Lumia 720 and Lumia 520 and feature phones Nokia 301 and Nokia 105.
HumanIPO reported last week the Finnish phone manufacturer was expected to unveil the more affordable models as it looks in order to fend off competitors, especially Chinese phone manufacturers Huawei and ZTE.
Stephen Elop, Chief Executive of Nokia, said: “By offering better experiences at a more affordable price, we are reinventing the battle for affordable mobile devices, and Nokia has the building blocks to win.”
The Lumia 720 will be rolled out in Africa, along with markets in Asia, Europe and India, in the second quarter of this year, while the Lumia 520, Nokia’s most affordable Windows Phone 8 smartphone, will be launched around the same time.
The Nokia 105, their most affordable handset to date, will be rolled out globally during the first quarter of 2013. The Nokia 301, which offers more affordable Internet and email access, will begin roll-out including in Africa, in the second quarter.
The starting price for the Lumia 720 is €249 (US$325), and the Lumia 520 starts at €139 (US$182).
The Nokia 301 comes at €65 (US$85) and the Nokia 105 will cost €15 (US$20).
Elop added: “The momentum behind Nokia is gathering pace. The launches today reflect our commitment to broadening our devices and services portfolio to meet the demands of people and businesses around the globe.”
