Nokia Lumia 720, Lumia 520 unveiled on Windows 8 platform

Nokia today expanded its Lumia range with the launch of Lumia 720 and Lumia 520 at the Mobile World Congress here, upping its ante against global rivals – Apple and Samsung – in the smartphone category.

Lumia 520 will be Nokia's most affordable Windows 8 smartphone, with the same digital camera lenses on Lumia 920. It will be priced 139 euros onwards.

It will be available in Q1 in Hong Kong and Vietnam and in markets in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa in Q2.

The Finnish company also unveiled four new devices, including its cheapest phone at 15 euro (around Rs 1,100), and sought to strengthen the smartphone portfolio in an attempt to regain the ground it has lost to global rivals Samsung and Apple.

Nokia 105, the company's "most affordable phone to date" at 15 euro, is designed for first-time buyers to woo them with colour screen, FM radio and dust and splash-proof keypad.

In India, Nokia's lowest priced device is available at about Rs 1,250.

"The momentum behind Nokia is gathering pace. The launches today reflect our commitment to broadening our devices and services portfolio to meet the demands of people and businesses around the globe," Nokia President and CEO Stephen Elop said.

Nokia has lost share in the affordable devices category to low-cost handset makers, especially in markets like India.

The Indian market, where Nokia is a dominant player, is majorly a feature phone market with over 94 per cent share.

According to industry reports, Nokia is the market leader, but competitors like Samsung and Micromax have gained strong traction.

"The Nokia 105 is available for a recommended price of 15 euros. It is planned to start rolling out in Q1 2013 and is expected to be gradually expanded to in China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, Vietnam and other markets in Africa, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe," Nokia said in a statement.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Lab-created human brain cells grow in mice

Mars Curiosity rover back to work after break

Tata group to launch Croma 3G tablets in next 2 weeks

Baboons understand numbers like humans