Nokia has announced the arrival of its new smartphones in SA, including the six-inch screen Lumia 1520 phablet and its latest range of Asha phones.
The devices will be available in the coming weeks and feature new entries into both the high- and low-cost markets in South Africa.
The local launch follows the products' unveiling at Nokia Globe, the manufacturer's annual showcase, in October last year, before the company's mobile phone business was acquired by Microsoft.
Nokia has continued to focus on the imaging capabilities of its new devices and the Lumia 1520's 20MP camera features optical image stabilisation, using Nokia's PureView technology. The device also comes with a 1080p full HD screen and Nokia promises "full HD video with crystal-clear audio" using the manufacturer's Rich Recording technology.
According to Nokia, the device features four built-in microphones for directional stereo recording and captures distortion-free audio for accurate and clear sound. The new Lumia runs Windows Phone 8 and will available from local operators, while the low-cost Asha 500, 502 and 503 will go on sale in March.
Nokia notes local contract deals for the new Lumia are expected to start at R449 per month.
Low-cost alternative
The three new Asha smartphones, billed by Nokia as the affordable alternative, are built for durability.
Nokia punts the Asha 503 and 502 phones as "3.5G devices", featuring scratch-resistant, curved Gorilla Glass screens and a 5MP camera with LED flash. The two phone models are expected to hit the market at an estimated recommended retail price (RRP) of R1 199, while the Asha 500 has an estimated RRP of R899.
Shaun Durandt, Nokia SA GM, says the Asha range offers consumers an alternative which suits the budget while also including social apps and new imaging experiences.
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