Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V), a leading handset maker, announced that it would launch a new smartphone called the Nokia Asha 310. This new device is expected to launch during the quarter at a price of $102. According to reports, the device will be predominant in emerging markets like Africa, Asia, Brazil and the Middle East.
Some of the key specifications of this smartphone include Wi-Fi support and dual-sim capabilities. This essentially means that users of this phone will be able to subscribe to two independent carriers at the same time. Other key specifications include a 3-inch touch screen with 400x240p resolution and a 2 megapixel rear camera.
Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) said the Asha 310 would come with an internal memory of 20 MB. Nonetheless, the smartphone will support 32 GB microSD cards. The phone, which is expected to expand Nokia’s footprint in the low end smartphone market, will reportedly offer talk-time of up to 17 hours. To sweeten the pot, the Finnish handset maker will offer 40 free EA games. The phone will also come with preinstalled apps such as Nokia Maps, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB), eBuddy, Twitter and Xpress Browser.
Penetration into low end smartphone market gains momentum
Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V)’s continued expansion of its Asha line of smartphone signals the industry-wide inclination toward the low end smartphone market. With the exclusion of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), most other handset makers have made significant inroads into the low-end smartphone market.
As we had earlier reported, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), a renowned chip maker, recently introduced the Yolo smartphone in Africa. The smartphone, which retails for around $125 in Kenya, features a 5 megapixel camera and a 3.5-inch touch screen.
Most handset makers are currently looking for market opportunities in emerging markets amid overbearing competition from big wigs like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930).
