Microsoft’s latest handset, known as the Nokia 215, takes the company’s focus on low-end handsets to the next level. The device is designed primarily for first-time mobile phone owners, offering basic functionality alongside a low-cost means of accessing the internet.
As you might expect from from an entry-level device, there’s not a lot to shout about on the hardware side of things. There’s a 2.4-inch QVGA 320 x 240 display, offering 167 pixels per inch, but this isn’t a touchscreen device, with input instead handled through a physical keypad.
Microsoft has designed the Nokia 215 as a portal through which first-time phone owners can access key Web content. The device, which runs on the company’s Series 30+ operating system, comes with the Opera Mini browser pre-installed, as well as Bing Search, MSN Weather, Facebook and Twitter apps.
Microsoft has built the device to be rugged and long-lasting, quoting 20 hours of talk time and up to 29 days on standby from the handset’s 1,100 mAh battery.
Aside from web access, there’s some other functionality on board, including an FM radio and MP3 player, as well as a built-in torch, 0.3 MP rear camera and a microSD card slot for expandability up to 32 GB. The handset is also lightweight, coming in at just 79 g (2.75 oz).
All of the above may seem a little underwhelming until you read the price tag, with the device coming in at just US$29 pre-tax. It will be available in both standard and Dual SIM models, shipping with a choice of green, black and white finishes. It’s scheduled to roll out in selected markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe in Q1 2015.
You can check out the video below for more on Microsoft’s budget handset.
Source: Microsoft
