The New Ashas (500, 502, 503) ..
... with the new version of the Asha software which noe now features WhatsApp and Line, two of the most successful mobile messaging apps, alongside three photo-related apps: PicFeed, PicTag, and PhotoFunia.
>> Nokia Asha 500, Asha 502, and Asha 503 get official too
Vlad Bobleanta
Unwired Drive
October 22, 2013
unwiredview.com
Just as anticipated, Nokia unveiled no less than six new devices at its event today in Abu Dhabi. Three of those have to do with the Windows ecosystem, and we’ve already told you about them: the Lumia 1520, Lumia 1320, and Lumia 2520.
The other three products that Nokia announced are part of the Asha series of low-end handsets that are featurephones but come with a limited set of smartphone-like features. The Asha phones are very popular in some parts of the world, mainly in emerging markets where the famous price per features ratio is the most important thing people consider when they buy a new handset.
The new Asha 500, Asha 502, and Asha 503 come to complement the already available Asha 501, the first device to sport Nokia’s new and improved Asha platform. That in itself got some more updates, which are apparently headed to the 501 in time as well.
The Asha 500 has a 2.8-inch 240×320 touchscreen, a 2 MP camera, 64 MB of RAM, microSD card support, Bluetooth 3.0, and Wi-Fi. It will be available in both single-SIM and dual-SIM versions. Its dimensions are 100.3×58.1×12.8 mm, and it weighs 101.3 grams. Its price before taxes and subsidies is $69.
The Asha 502 comes with a 3-inch 240×320 touchscreen, a 5 MP camera with LED flash, 64 MB of RAM, microSD card support, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Only a dual-SIM variation will be offered. Its dimensions are 99.55×59.5×11.1 mm, and it weighs 100 grams. Before taxes and subsidies, it’s priced at $89.
The Asha 503 has the exact same features as the Asha 502, but throws in 3G support and a Gorilla Glass touchscreen too. In fact, it’s the only one of the three to come with 3G. The Asha 503 will have both single-SIM and dual-SIM versions. Its dimensions are 102.55×60.55×12.7 mm, and it weighs 110.15 grams. It will cost $99 before taxes and subsidies.
The three new Asha phones will be available before the end of this year. Sales will start in the Asia-Pacific region, in developing markets. After that, they will presumably reach other shores, but it’s unclear which or when. The Ashas have traditionally been offered only in emerging markets, which is understandable considering how low-end they are.
The new version of the Asha software now features WhatsApp and Line, two of the most successful mobile messaging apps, alongside three photo-related apps: PicFeed, PicTag, and PhotoFunia. The overall imaging experience has been improved, with access to the camera now being faster (only a swipe away). The gallery and social sharing work better too, supported by the upgraded hardware inside the three new Ashas, and photos can be shared with one tap. ###
- Eric - |
