Nokia kicks off Cseries with C5
updated 08:15 am EST, Tue March 2, 2010
Nokia C5 a very low cost Symbian smartphone
Nokia today marked the rare start to a new phone line by launching the C5, its first Cseries phone. The range aims to bring smartphone-level software to the very entry level and runs Symbian S60 in a candybar shape. Although it has just a number pad and a D-pad for navigation, it has full messaging and web browsing as well as Nokia's custom home screen with a "carousel" of contacts, upcoming calendar items and new e-mail.
The choice of OS streamlines Facebook and MySpace access and also opens the door to the Ovi Store for apps.
Inside, the handset also has traits expected of somewhat more expensive devices, including 3G and assisted GPS as well as a 3.2-megapixel camera and a microSDHC slot. A 2GB microSD card is included and gives the C5 a place to store the new, free version of Ovi Maps for both turn-by-turn and walking directions.
Nokia expects to ship the C5 in the spring for just 135 euros ($183) even before including a carrier discount. The version on offer so far supports only 2G in North America, though Nokia regularly produces North America Models (NAM) with native 3G that usually appear sometime after the international release.
