Reference Auto

Nokia could be eyeing a big push in emerging markets with its newly launched low-cost handset, the X2-01, that has a full QWERTY keypad and another economically-priced new 3G handset, the Nokia C2-01, with which it is targeting to shore up sales revenue in the wake of India’s 3G revolution.



But will this move to launch a cheap QWERTY phone (Nokia X2-01) eat into the market share of low-cost Indian handset makers like Micromax, Karbonn and Lava in a big way? That possibility cannot be ruled out.

The Nokia X2-01 will be rolled out in the European market by December 2010 and will carry a price tag of around €80 (Rs 5,000). Nokia has not yet announced the availability and price of Nokia X2-01 in India. But the launch could take place during the January-March period.

The new Nokia X2-01 comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA screen and a VGA camera at the rear. The phone, which has multi-media features, is based on the Symbian 40 operating system. The new phone also offers social networking features like Facebook along with FM radio and music player.

The Nokia X2-01 offers access to media player, FM radio and the Ovi Music service, where users can opt for unlimited downloads of applications and games.

Among other features that the Nokia X2-01 has include GPRS/EDGE and a Micro SD support up to 8 GB. It measures 119.4 x 59.8 x 14.3 mm and weighs 107.5 gms.

This phone could come to use for messaging but is not ideally suitable for high speed data activity and could shy away customers who are looking for this feature. The camera has basic VGA features and this may come as a big hindrance factor also.

Also, with the onset of a 3G revolution in India, there may be few takers for a non-3G device handset like the Nokia X2-01. But the music features, like any other Nokia OVI music phone, are something to reckon with. Added to this is the stereo wired headset.

According to Nokia, the X2-01 will be available in red, deep grey, silver, lilac and azure colours. The light coloured phones will be suitable for men while the deep coloured ones could ideally be a woman’s choice. 



Meanwhile, the new Nokia C2-01 has a 2-inch screen, offers a 3.2 megapixel camera and comes with the Series 40 operating system. Some key features include a music player, FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity. This phone supports micro SD memory card up to 16 GB, offers Nokia messaging for email and has access to Ovi store for unlimited music downloads.

The Nokia C2-01 can be billed the cheapest 3G hadset and comes for €70 (around Rs 4,500). At this price, it is surely going to take emerging markets like India and China by storm even as the Nokia X2-01 could face a few bumps.