Techy Rivalry: Nokia Takes On China Tech Firms With New Phones
Mobile phone maker HMD Global has launched five new Nokia device ranges in Kenya that include an internet-enabled feature phone as well as a five-camera smartphone.
In its new line-up, the manufacturer introduced Nokia 210, a colour screen feature phone with internet access, a mini-app store, camera and radio as well as a 20-day standby battery. The device which will retail at an estimated Sh3,500 targets the entry level market currently dominated by Chinese firm Transsion Holdings, the maker of Tecno and Itel-branded phones.
In a bid to solidify its grip on the mid-range market, the manufacturer unveiled the Nokia 3.2 and 4.2, which will retail between Sh13,600 and Sh18,000. The mid-range has been a focal point for the manufacturer in Kenya since the return of the Nokia brand in 2017.
“I can confirm that all the new devices will ship to Africa. The dates on availability will be announced by the country offices,” said Florian Seiche, HMD Global CEO during an unveiling session.
The manufacturer also upgraded its top selling entry-level smartphone Nokia 1 with an upgraded version Nokia 1 Plus which will feature a 5.45-inch screen, 1GB RAM and 8 GB memory, textured back cases which are interchangeable, and is 4G enabled. It is expected to retail at Sh9,900 ($99) and the device will run on android 9 Go.
The phone maker is also targeting the high-end market with the Nokia 9 Pure View which features five rear cameras and a 20MP front camera that will go for about Sh70,000.
“It is a five –camera smartphone. All five cameras fire simultaneously. The Nokia 9 pure View has two-12 MP colour sensors and three-12 MP monochrome sensors to capture more light than any other phone camera,” said Neil Broadley, HMD Head of Product Marketing.