Microsoft wants to connect the world – reveals a new sub-€25 Nokia smartphone

5 Jan 2015

In a bid to spread the internet even further, Microsoft’s Devices Group has unveiled the new Nokia 215, a sub-€25 (US$29) internet-ready smartphone.

The new device, available in both single SIM and dual SIM configurations, is targeted at enabling more people, including first-time mobile users, to access digital services.

According to Internet World Stats almost 60pc of the world’s population does not yet have access to the internet.

The device, which has an initial price of €24.22, comes with an Opera Mini browser, Bing Search, MSN Weather, Twitter and Facebook pre-loaded.

It comes with a Bluetooth 3.0 technology called SLAM which makes it easier to share content between devices.

Hail the return of phones with long-lasting batteries

A key selling point will be the device’s 1100 mAh battery, which hopes to trade on Nokia’s legacy of longer lasting batteries.

The device comes with up to 20 hours of talk time and a standby time of 29 days on a single SIM model and 21 days on a dual SIM model.

The Nokia 215 also supports a microSD card of up to 32GB storage.

The diminutive device comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA display and runs the Nokia Series 30+ operating system.

“With our ultra-affordable mobile phones and digital services, we see an inspiring opportunity to connect the next billion people to the Internet for the first time,” said Jo Harlow, corporate vice president of Microsoft Devices Group. “The Nokia 215 is perfect for people looking for their first mobile device, or those wanting to upgrade to enjoy affordable digital and social media services, like Facebook and Messenger.”

In terms of handy tools the device includes a built-in torchlight and an FM radio.

 

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

editorial@siliconrepublic.com