Microsoft, on Wednesday, launched a new low-cost phone for just $20, targeting emerging markets. Microsoft made it clear that it will continue with Nokia’s entry-level business, as it lacks any other project that addresses price-conscious consumers in developing countries.
Microsoft offers more features at low costs
The Nokia 105, which is a 2G-enabled phone with a 1.4-inch color display, can save up to 2,000 contacts and comes with FM radio and 35 days of standby time. The weight of the phone is just around 2.4 ounces, and it charges via a micro-USB port. The Nokia 105 is also available in a dual-SIM version. The Nokia 105 will hit store shelves this very month in selected markets around the world.
Talking of the battery power of the phone, it can go uncharged for more than a month, which means that users will not be worrying constantly about charging their phone. This affordable phone will be available in colors like blue, black and white. However, there will be no popular games such as Candy Crush Saga, and people cannot connect on video chat through the phone. However, there are classic games installed, such as Snake Xenzia and Bubble Bash 2.
Better than its predecessor
In 2013, Nokia unveiled the $20 Candybar phone at the Mobile World Congress, targeting the underprivileged whose disposal income is not enough to buy a second phone for travel. And the new phone, according to Microsoft, slides in perfectly with those who are buying their first mobile or those who want a “reliable back-up phone for travel and fun.”
“The new Nokia 105 builds on the success of its predecessor, the award-winning Nokia 105, and adds several improvements to enable you to achieve more,” Microsoft said in a blog post.
The launch of the new Nokia 108 follows a recent partnership with chip maker Intel to develop low-cost Windows 10 phones. Though Microsoft retained Nokia’s branding for feature phones, for the Lumia series, it is replacing Nokia with its own name.
Separately, Microsoft’s Lumia 535 can now be purchased from Microsoft in the U.S. Until now, the device was offered by a few third-party retailers. The Lumia 535 is a Windows 8.1-based phone but is not a high-end device. The phone comes packed with a 5-inch display with a resolution of 540×960 pixels and a considerably low 220ppi density. It is powered by a quad-core 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor.
