CES 2015 – Microsoft Revives Nokia Phones With $29 Nokia 215

Microsoft has revived its partnership with legendary phone maker Nokia with the launch of a budget smartphone targeting consumers in developing markets.

Costing just $29, the Nokia 215 is looking to connect the next one billion mobile phone users and introduce them to online digital experiences for the first time.

Available in three colours, the 78g Nokia 215 comes with a range of essential online services; including Facebook, Twitter and Bing search, and boasts a 29 day standby battery life.

Although it doesn’t come with 3G connectivity (supporting 2G only), the Nokia 215 does support Bluetooth 3.0, and is able to support dual-SIM capability, meaning the device can be shared between users. It even comes with a built-in torch and up to 50 hours of MP3 playback.

Budget

“With our ultra-affordable mobile phones and digital services, we see an inspiring opportunity to connect the next billion people to the Internet for the first time,” said Jo Harlow, corporate vice president of Microsoft Devices Group. “The Nokia 215 is perfect for people looking for their first mobile device, or those wanting to upgrade to enjoy affordable digital and social media services, like Facebook and Messenger.”

The device will be launching in select markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe in Q1 2015.

Microsoft retained the right to use the Nokia brand name under the terms of its buyout of the company’s mobile devices division last April for £4.6bn.

However, it has indicated that it prefers to use the Lumia brand for its future releases – the first of which, the Lumia 535, was launched last November.

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