Nokia's Low-End Phones Intended For Emerging Markets

Nokia this week filled in the lower end of its mobile phone portfolio with four new handsets intended for users in developing countries looking for replacement units.

The handsets are also priced accordingly -- from 50 euros ($78) to 90 euros ($141) -- and should all be available by the third quarter, the world's largest mobile phone maker said Wednesday at the Growing Together conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.

"People in emerging markets like Africa are increasingly demanding more from their mobile phone. Their expectations and demands in terms of functionality and design are similar to people in any other part of the world. They simply have less income at their disposal," said Alex Lambeek, a Nokia VP.

First-time buyers of mobile phones have been growing for some time now in emerging markets, Nokia said. But the number of users looking to upgrade is on the rise as well. "In 2008, Nokia anticipates that for the first time, the number of replacement purchases in emerging markets will exceed those of first-time buyers," the vendor said, in a statement.

The Nokia 5000 is equipped with a 1-3 megapixel camera, a high resolution QVGA display, an FM radio with recording capability, and MP3 ringtones. The 5000 also supports e-mail and other essential applications, including Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging, Bluetooth interface, and GPRS connectivity. It will ship in the second quarter with an estimated retail price of 90 euros ($141).

The Nokia 2680 slide phone is its first slider device for entry-level markets. In addition tot the built-in camera, the 2680 slide also has an FM radio with recording, and MP3 ringtones. It also contains all the core mobile phone features, like an expanded directory. It will ship in the third quarter with an estimated price of 75 euros ($118).

The folding design of the Nokia 7070 Prism is a bit flashier with its geometric patterns and external light effects. The 7070 Prism offers personalized content, including themes, wallpapers, and MP3-grade ringtones. The handset also has a voice recorder and built-in hands-free speaker and will ship in the third quarter for $50 euros ($78).

Rounding out the quarter is the Nokia 1680 classic, which the company described as its most affordable camera phone ever. In addition to basic mobile phone functionality, the 1680 has a VGA camera and one-touch video recording features. It will ship in the second quarter for 50 euros ($78).