HMD Global, the Finnish company that operates the Nokia mobile phone business, has unveiled its new smartphones in SA: the Nokia C1 and Nokia 2.3.
Three years ago, Nokia returned to the mobile phone market, with the brand launching retro feature phones, most notably a reinvention of the 3310, and Android-powered smartphones.
Since then, a number of Nokia-branded phone models have been launched, including a smartphone that features five cameras.
Featuring a 5.45-inch display, the Nokia C1 is described as a smartphone for work and play. With 1GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage, the phone can store up to 3 000 songs or 24 hours of videos for offline consumption. It also features a 5MP lens and rear camera.
The company says the phone is pre-installed with Android 9 Pie, to allow easy access to Google Assistant. Available in black and red from South African retailers supporting the MTN network, the smartphone will sell at a retail price of R999.
“As consumers in South Africa look to upgrade from a feature phone to an affordable 3G experience, we wanted to ensure we offer them a smartphone that offers the same Nokia brand values of quality, reliability and ease of use,” says Shaun Durandt, GM for Southern Africa at HMD Global.
“We have designed the Nokia C1 as an affordable 3G alternative for these consumers, offering them a combination of a large 5.45-inch screen and all-day battery life.”
The new Nokia 2.3 packs a 13MP and 2MP dual, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered camera, according to the company. It also introduces a new camera feature, the “recommended shot”, which captures alternate images before and after the shutter button is pressed and suggests the best one.
The smartphone also comes Android 10-ready, meaning guaranteed monthly security and operating system updates. The latest features of Android 10 will also give access to dark theme to save on power usage and improve visibility, as well as enhanced privacy, once updated.
“Consumers the world over have really appreciated the Nokia 2 family of products,” notes Durandt.
“The Nokia 2.3 is a step forward in our promise of offering you an experience that stays fresh longer, giving consumers access to two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates even in the affordable price tier.
“On top, it offers industry-leading AI for this segment, large screen and our signature promise of two-day battery life – making it the ideal pick for those who rely on their smartphone as their primary screen.”
The Nokia 2.3 is available in cyan green and charcoal at local retail stores, from R1 999.
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