Microsoft Devices, on Wednesday, launched Lumia 535, its first Lumia smartphone without the Nokia brand name post its acquisition of the Finish handset maker. Priced at Rs.9,199, the dual-SIM device is the first smartphone in India to feature Microsoft branding. The U.S.-based software giant had acquired the handset business of Nokia earlier this year for $7.2 billion.
Lumia 535 runs on Windows Phone 8.1 and comes with a 5-inch display. It is powered by 1.2 GHz quadcore processor and 1GB RAM.
“Younger tech-involved audiences are increasingly looking at an uncompromised experience on their smartphones. With access to the best services right out of the box at a price they can afford, we believe Lumia 535 is an ideal solution to offer young India,” Nokia India Sales (a subsidiary of Microsoft Mobile Oy) Managing Director Ajey Mehta said.
(Photo: Lumia 53)
Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Mehta said the branding transition was a gradual process and the company intended to extend it to other areas such as marketing and its exclusive retail stores.
“Over a period, our marketing will be changed,” he said, adding that the modifications would include the Nokia Priority stores. However, he said the plan was still work under progress and did not divulge further details.
Lumia 535 will come bundled with Vodafone subscription and 500 MB data Internet pack a month for two months.