Finland-based Nokia is gearing up to launch its most affordable feature phone yet in India this April. Per reports, the entry-level Nokia 105 will have a color screen and be priced at just Rs 1200 (approximately $22).
The phone is aimed at those on a tight budget. According to a Business Line report, Nokia's decision to out a new basic color phone at this cheap price point has been prompted by competition from offerings from other low-cost mobile players in the country.
"Nokia, which is facing a tough challenge from low-cost mobile players in India and elsewhere, will be coming out with a basic colour phone priced at about Rs 1,200 this month. This would signal the end of black-and-white phones from the Finnish firm," reports Business Line.
Nokia is looking to manufacture the new Lumia 105 from its Chennai facility for both the local and global markets. The Finnish company is looking to target emerging markets like India, Africa and China, which have immense potential.
"We are specifically looking at India, Africa and China where there is huge scope in the entry-level market. In India, we are going to introduce the phone in Andhra Pradesh this month followed by other markets. We are planning to phase out the 1280 phone of which we have sold 10 crore pieces," said T. S. Sridhar (Regional General Manager South) of Nokia India to Business Line.
The Nokia 105 was announced at the MWC 2013 in February and features a 1.45-inch 65k Color TFT display (128 x 128 pixels). The handset also has FM radio support and comes with Nokia Life in some markets. Similar to the budget-friendly Nokia 100 and Nokia 101, the Nokia 105 phone runs on Nokia's Series 30 platform.
The feature phone has support for 12.5 hours of talk time and 35 days of standby, which is pretty good for a low-end device. The Nokia 105 will retail in black or blue colors.
Considering the Indian government does not levy customs duty on mobile phones that are priced less than Rs 2000 (approximately $37), Nokia would be able to sell phones like the impending Nokia 105 at affordable prices.
With the April launch around the corner, we'll have to wait and see if the Nokia 105 can replicate the success of the company's Asha series in India.
