Nokia 5000 and More

Using the second day of CTIA to its advantage, Nokia on Wednesday launched a set of phones it says cater to users in the developing world trading up for the first time to newer devices. The 5000 (pictured) forms the cornerstone of the strategy and is labeled as the company's least expensive phone ever to ship with a 1.3-megapixel camera: at 90 Euros ($140) before carrier discounts, the device is still affordable to those for whom even most mid-range phones are too expensive. It also provides relatively rare luxuries in the class such as a 2-inch color screen, Bluetooth and an FM radio. Nokia releases the phone in the spring.

The 2680 slide in turn is Nokia's first slider for developing countries. Only slightly detuned from the 5000, the 2680 uses a smaller 0.3-megapixel camera and smaller LCD but still supplies Bluetooth and FM radio along with the new shape. Shipments will start in the summer at 75 Euros ($117) before discounts.

Two very inexpensive devices also represent a pair of firsts, according to Nokia. The !680 classic is the Finnish company's lowest-cost cameraphone of all time, regardless of size: by using an 0.3-megapixel camera as well as stripping out Bluetooth and FM, the phone offers photography and even video capture at 50 Euros ($78). In turn, the 7070 Prism is Nokia's least costly fashion phone and at the same price removes the camera in exchange for its angular look, more advanced ringtones, and custom wallpapers. The 1680 classic arrives first in the spring, while the 7070 appears in the summer.

All four phones will support North American GSM calling frequencies, though no carriers have yet committed to launching these phones.

By Electronista Staff