Nokia is bringing Windows Phone 8 prices down to the masses with the launch of two new handsets – the Nokia Lumia 520 and Lumia 720.
Nokia CEO Stephen Elop kicked off MWC 2013 by revealing a phalanx of new phones, including the two Lumias and two classic handsets – the Nokia 301, the Nokia 105. “We are now fielding the most innovative portfolio of products, ever,” said Elop.
All the new handsets, including the Windows smartphones, are targeted at filling in at the mid- and low-end of Nokia’s product range. The Lumia 520 comes in cheaper even than the Lumia 620, and represents a “fun and affordable way to upgrade to Windows Phone 8”, according to Nokia design chief Marko Ahtisaari.
The 520 has a dual-core, 1GHz processor, 8GB of internal storage, a microSD slot for expansion, a 4in 800 x 480 IPS display, and, as with its siblings the Lumia 620 and 820, there’s a range of interchangeable cases available in different colours.
Most strikingly, though, the Lumia handset will come in at an ultra-low price of 139 Euros before tax (around £120), with a release date in the UK of some time in the second quarter.
The Lumia 720 sits up the range from the 520, both in terms of looks and specifications, is a more upmarket smartphone. It has a large, 4.3in “Clear Black” display, a dual-core 1GHz CPU, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage expandable via microSD, and interchangeable rear cases compatible with Nokia’s range of wireless charging accessories.
The rear camera boasts a Carl Zeiss lens and a wide aperture of f/1.9. Surprisingly, though, there’s no 4G support, and still no sign of Nokia’s multi-megapixel sensor technology making its way into Windows Phone handsets.
Just like the Huawei Ascend P2, both the Lumia 520 and 720 have a super-sensitive touchscreens that can be operated with a fingernail or even while wearing gloves.
The Lumia 720 will cost an “estimated” 249 Euros before tax (around £220 inc VAT) and is set to arrive with operators across Europe in the second quarter of 2013.
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