In addition to announcing the Lumia range that runs Windows Phone 7 OS, Nokia also unveiled affordable yet feature packed phones for the “next billion.” Behold Asha series meaning ‘hope’ in Hindi, which Nokia reckons will help “connect millions of consumers to new opportunities and reach their aspirations.”
Marketing pitch aside, the Asha phones runs on Series 40 OS and includes Asha 303, 300, 200 and 201. Asha 303 is a touch and type device that comes with a QWERTY keyboard and a 2.6-inch QVGA display. Other features include 1GHz processor, 3.2MP camera, 3G support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM Radio, microSD card slot, pre-installed Angry Birds Lite game, quick access to Facebook chat, Whatsapp and other social networks. It will be released this year for 115 euros before taxes.
Nokia Asha 300 is also a touch and type phone but instead of a full-fledged QWERTY keyboard, it comes with an alphanumeric keypad. It also has a 1GHz processor, 2.4-inch QVGA resistive display, 5MP camera, pre-loaded Angry Birds Lite, FM Radio, Bluetooth, 3G and microSD card slot. Its priced at 85 euros and set to ship this quarter.
Next up is Asha 200 that boasts dual-SIM support with Easy Swap that allows users to change to their second SIM without having to switch the phone off. It comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA display, 2MP camera, FM Radio with FM recording support, up to 52 hours of continuous music playback, Bluetooth, microSD card slot. Priced at 60 euros, it will be available this year.
Finally, it’s the Asha 201 which is basically Asha 200 but with single-SIM support. It will be released this year for 60 euros.
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