Nokia Unveils Nokia 207, 208 and 208 Dual SIM Feature Phones

Nokia has expanded its feature phone range with three almost identical models the Nokia 207, Nokia 208 and Nokia 208 Dual SIM.

The candybar form handsets promise an unrivalled feature set, versatility and connectivity for their price point as Nokia continues to take advantage of its strength in the entry-level mobile phone market.

All three offer popular social apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter, along with the Nokia Xpress Browser used in the Asha range, which compresses mobile Internet data in the cloud to allow for cheaper web browsing.

Nokia 207 and 208

The phones are billed as ‘3.5G’ compatible, meaning they work with HSPA networks, and can be used as a portable modem via a USB cable. This is a sign that Nokia is targeting emerging markets where fixed line broadband is not available or prohibitively expensive as it seeks to get the “next billion” people online.

Other productivity features include Mail for Exchange and scratch protection for hot and dusty environments.

“The Nokia 207 and Nokia 208 are designed for people who like a classic phone and traditional keypad but don’t want to miss out on smartphone experiences, like staying connected to social media and accessing the Internet,” said Timo Toikkanen, executive vice president, Mobile Phones, Nokia. “As our most affordable 3G devices yet, the Nokia 207 and Nokia 208 offer a perfect balance of performance, features and quality.”

Feature phone pedigree

The difference between the three handsets is that the Nokia 207 does not have the 1.5 megapixel camera included in the other two models, while the Nokia 208 is simply a single-SIM variant of the dual-SIM Nokia 208.

Long-lasting battery life has always been a trademark of Nokia’s feature phones and these are no exception. The Nokia 207 and 208 boast a standby time of up to 33 days and the 208 Dual SIM will last for 20 days on standby.

Nokia says the phones will cost €52 when they start shipping in the third quarter of 2013 and will be available in a number of colours, including red, cyan, white and black.

The company has struggled to make an impact on the smartphone market with its Windows Phone-powered smartphones in recent years, but strong sales of its feature phones have softened the blow. However there are signs that even this source of income is slowing, given that sales of mobile phones have fallen by around 30 percent. However some analysts suggest feature phones could ensure the company’s survival, especially in emerging markets.

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