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MOBILE phone manufacturer Nokia has launched a range of economically-priced smartphones in the kingdom in a bid to boost the company’s presence among the middle and lower middle classes.
The Asha range will enable consumers to download apps, surf the web, check emails, play games and chat, giving users a smartphone experience at an affordable price, the company says.
With prices starting from BD30, the range gives users access to WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter feeds with all social networks in one place as well as Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity.
The Asha mobile phone family includes: Nokia Asha 200, 202, 302 and 303.
The company’s Middle East vice president, Tom Farrell, said that the range is aimed at the middle to lower-end market looking for a smart phone experience on a budget.
“Just because people, especially youths, have less disposable income that doesn’t make them any less ‘tech savvy’, smart or sophisticated,” he said.
“The emerging markets of Asia and Africa represent huge potential as the young prefer a handy and convenient device to surf the web and connect with others rather than having to sit before a larger screen.”
The move into this market marks a transitional phase for the Finnish company which has been toppled from its former glory as the world’s leading mobile phone provider following the growing use of smartphones, principally the Apple iPhone and devices running on Google’s Android platform.
Fighting back, Nokia has also launched its 808 PureView smartphone, priced at BD221 which boasts Carl Zeiss optics and an award-winning 41-megapixel sensor.
Mr Farrell called the device an imaging technology ‘revolution’, claiming that there is currently no phone camera that can match it.
“It has completely revolutionised imaging performance for the whole smartphone industry - and Nokia is not stopping here.
“We are delighted to launch Nokia 808 PureView in Bahrain, which is a testament to Nokia’s commitment to delivering mobile phone products for consumers and imaging enthusiasts in the region,” added Mr Farrell.
