Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V), after the massive popularity of its low priced 1100 and 1280, is all set to launch a $20 mobile phone. Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) is the leader in low priced and durable phones. The company is all set to launch Nokia 105, a 15 euro device, which will be positioned in emerging markets as well as first time buyers in Europe.
The new Nokia 105 will be the most affordable phone from Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) till date. Although one should not expect any hi tech feature, the phone is certainly useful for those who are buying it for the first time and just want a mobile that can make calls.
The phone has bright colour screen, an alarm clock, FM Radio, flashlight, and a dust and splash proof keypad. The battery can run up to amazing 35 days and is available in black and syan. This phone from Nokia has been planned to be rolled out in Q1 2013 in China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, Vietnam and other markets in Africa, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe.
Apart from this, Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) also rolled out a 65 euro phone, Nokia 301, a 3.5G phone – which is the most affordable Nokia device to offer video streaming. This phone will be launched in the second quarter of 2013 to more than 120 countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Middle East and Latin America.
The Finnish mobile maker expects the new phones to enhance its sales in the emerging markets and also revealed that the company is refocusing on the cheaper segment, where it can earn heavy revenues.
“That is a key part of our approach to competition, particularly in a country like China,” said Chief Executive, Stephen Elop, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. “There are a very large number of inexpensive and largely undifferentiated devices. We believe we have to offer differentiation at each price points.”
IDC research director, Francisco Jeronimo, said the company should be able to improve its condition through these new launches, and if they fail the company may have to restructure its portfolio strategy altogether. According to Francisco Jeronimo, “The Nokia 105 would probably be the cheapest phone available in the world from a major brand.” He also said, “The pressure is now on the Chinese vendors. Why will any consumer in the world buy a cheap Chinese phone when they can have the same price with better quality from a well-known brand?”
