Four New Cheap Handsets from Nokia

At the "Growing Together 2008" conference held in Johannesburg, Nokia unveiled four low-priced handsets targeted at replacement buyers (consumers seeking to replace their current mobile phones with newer models) in emerging markets.

The four new handsets, expected to be priced between Euro 50 and Euro 90 include: the Nokia 5000 with a 1.3 mega pixels camera, which is claimed to be Nokia's first camera phone at this price point; Nokia 2680 Slide; Nokia 7070 Prism; and Nokia 1680 Classic.

The Nokia 5000 sports a 1.3 mega pixels camera, high-resolution QVGA display, and FM radio with recording functionality and MP3 ring tones. For professionals and others who're always on the go, the handset supports email and other benefits including Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging, Bluetooth, and GPRS connectivity. It is expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2008 for around Euro 90.

The Nokia 2680 is an entry-level slim slider camera phone that promises ease of use and entertainment. Which includes an FM radio with recording capability and MP3 ring tones and an expanded phone book among others. Expected to be priced at Euro 75, this phone will begin shipping in the third quarter of 2008.

Next up is a low-priced handset from the Prism series. The Nokia 7070 Prism features a new folding design with the geometric patterns and external light effects that are the staples of the series. The new Prism offers personalized content including themes and wallpapers, and MP3-grade ring tones. It packs a voice recorder and hands-free speaker. Nokia 7070 Prism is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2008 for a price of Euro 50.

The last of the newbies, the Nokia 1680 Classic is touted as Nokia's most affordable camera phone till date. Expected to be priced at Euro 50, the Nokia 1680 Classic offers essential mobile phone functionality along with the added benefit of a basic digital VGA camera. It features video recording and one-touch access for photos and videos. Being a basic phone, it offers phone-sharing functionality and easy access to email. The phone is expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2008.