Finnish handset maker Nokia, on Monday, launched Nokia X, based on the Android operating system, in the domestic market with a price tag of Rs.8,599.
Besides, the company said, it would introduce two more devices as part of the Nokia X family — Nokia X+ and Nokia XL.
The dual SIM Nokia X is a 4-inch device, powered by a 1 GHz dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.
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It features a tile-based design, 512MB RAM, up to 32GB expandable memory, 3MP camera and 1500 mAH battery. Commenting on the launch, Nokia India Managing Director P. Balaji said, “India is one of the fastest growing markets for smart phones in the world. With the launch of Nokia X, we are adding more ammunition to our smartphone portfolio. We believe Nokia X is a unique combination of Nokia quality and experiences, Microsoft services and Android apps.”
While the device is based on the Android open platform, Nokia X users will not have access to Google’s app market ‘Google Play’.
However, they can sideload Android apps from third party app stores as well as Microsoft app store.
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Asked if the handset will eat into the business of its Asha range of affordable smartphones, Mr. Balaji answered in the negative.
“Asha, Nokia X and the Lumia range are three separate offerings.
“While the pricing of each of these will come down with time, they have their own set of features that offers value to a particular set of people,’’ he said, adding that the devices would help users experience Microsoft services like Skype and Outlook before they actually opt for the Lumia devices.
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Clarification:
A reader said that Microsoft app store provided app only for Windows OS-based handsets. Nokia X series would rather use third party stores such as Yandex, Amazon, etc, and Nokia's own app store. It had no connection with the Microsoft app store as it ran on AOSP and not Windows Phone OS.
The correspondent’s clarification: While presently Android apps are not available on Microsoft's app store, some of these will be gradually made available for users on this store. The store will not be available on the handset but users will be able to download an app via a laptop/PC.