The device, which was unveiled in May, is among the first of a new generation of smartphones under the Asha brand from the Finnish manufacturer and further launches are expected in Europe, Middle East and Africa in the coming weeks.
Timo Toikkanen, Nokia’s executive president for mobile phones, said the new device brings both style and substance to the user.
"The new Nokia Asha 501 helps people quickly access everything they love with just a simple swipe. Coupled with beautiful design, it's a smartphone with both style and substance, offered at a great price," he said.
The phone is expected to cost US$99 before taxes and local subsidies .
Nokia Asha 501 device is available in six colors with a removable shell and scratch resistant, tempered glass. It weighs just under 100 grams.
The phone can also compress internet data by up to 90 per cent, reducing the cost of accessing the web as well as making browsing faster.
