Microsoft reveals more sub-US$100 smartphones: the Lumia 435 and Lumia 532

14 Jan 2015

The new Microsoft Lumia 435

Microsoft’s march into the smartphone world without Nokia branding continues with two new low-cost devices – the Lumia 435 and Lumia 532 – which cost €69 and €79 before taxes respectively.

Interestingly, Microsoft retained the Nokia branding for its Nokia 215 smartphone, which costs less than US$29 (€25).

“When we launched the first Lumia devices over three years ago, we said we were committed to bringing devices to as many people and price points as possible,” said Jo Harlow, corporate vice-president for phones at Microsoft.

Both devices come with Windows 8.1, with the core difference being the Lumia 532 comes with a quad-core processor.

Both devices feature Microsoft’s rival to Apple’s Siri, Cortana, which functions as a personal voice-enabled assistant.

Each device comes with 30GB free storage on OneDrive for storing Office documents, videos and photos.

The devices also come with built-in Skype integration and a front-facing camera.

The new Nokia 532 smartphone

Available in Europe from February, the devices will be available in bright green, bright orange, white and black, and will be available in single- and dual-SIM variants.

“With the Lumia 435 and Lumia 532, we’ve realised our goal of creating the most affordable Lumia devices to date, opening up the opportunity to reach those people who are buying a smartphone for the very first time,” Harlow added.

“Lumia 435 and Lumia 532 deliver competitive hardware alongside innovative software that will continue to receive the very latest updates and enhancements, keeping users up to date with the best new features.”

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com