We spend most of our time talking about Espoo's Maemo- and Symbian-based lineup, which makes it easy to forget that the company has a vibrant business taking care of the very lowest rungs of the wireless industry -- devices that shatter price barriers and take service to entire new market segments in the furthest reaches of the world. Last year, it was the
1202 raising eyebrows with a €25 price tag, and this week, Nokia's beaten its own mark by coming out with the 1280 (pictured) at just €20 unsubsidized. The phone comes as part of a new five-pack of emerging market devices Nokia has shown this time around, including candybars ranging from the monochrome 1280 to the 1616 and 1800 with color displays for just €4 and €6 more, respectively; we've also got a 2220 slider and 2690 candybar that move a little upmarket at €45 and €54. All of the handsets feature FM radios (particularly critical in some of the markets where these phones will be sold) and feature killer battery life, perfect when power outlets can be hard to come by for days at a time. Indonesia will be the first to get these bad boys in early December, but we imagine they'll find their way to other regions shortly.
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Tags: 1280, 1616, 1800, 2220, 2690, candybar, edge, emerging markets, EmergingMarkets, gsm, nokia, slider
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dwayne @ Nov 6th 2009 9:40AM
This concept brings an air of nostalgia. I remember the days when cell phones only made phone calls. No graphics on the screens, no emails or text messages, no cameras, just a phone. Battery lasts for a week on a charge. I wouldn't mind getting one of these and a netbook.
Kilari @ Nov 6th 2009 1:19PM
Sadly, there is some nostalgia there. I totally looked at the price and went hmmm, 20 Euros, that would mean thats like $30-$40 here, I might get one as a toy/backup for my G1. But I already have my old Samsung Stripe as my backup...
Jota Efe @ Nov 6th 2009 10:18AM
Looks perfect for Fido's lineup
Peetuhr @ Nov 6th 2009 11:44AM
ahaha as a fido employee the first thing i thought was this is definately heading straight into our lineup. :P
r4 card @ Nov 7th 2009 12:41AM
It's look very cool and i like it. Thanks for sharing information...
r4 card
PowerTorsk @ Nov 7th 2009 7:05PM
I like cheap Nokia phones. I will always have one for backup. They're simply amazing; straight forward, easy to use, sturdy, crazy battery life, and some even have flashlights!