It was a honest-to-goodness phone, with a numeric keypad and a colour screen running a Microsoft mobile OS. Now, just 13 years later, Microsoft have announced their most affordable internet-ready smartphone which runs… err.. the Nokia Series 30+ OS. It looks similar, and although this is a Microsoft Devices handset it’s got the Nokia branding and lacks any Microsoft OS inside. Meet the Nokia 215.
These are great wee “back up phones” which cost the earth to buy. Also the internet experience is going to be patchy at best, but it will help you if you are ever caught with your pants down and your high-end device goes dead. These are also great phones to take away on holiday. Basically, Microsoft are trying to get a foothold in emerging markets with this.
It also supports Microsoft’s version of Bump, which is called “Slam” allowing my to in to transfer content from one 215 to another. It is useful, but limited.
Here is a spec breakdown..
Device
Nokia 215 and Nokia 215 Dual SIM
It is nice to see MS are still pushing the entry level devices. Good work, but don’t forget that this is a Microsoft Devices phone, labeled as a Nokia, running a non-Microsoft OS. That won’t confuse customers AT ALL!
Meet the new Nokia 215, Microsoft’s most affordable Internet-ready phone
Connecting the next billion people to the Internet and digital experiences.
London, UK. — Jan. 5, 2015 — Microsoft Devices Group on Monday announced the Nokia 215, its most affordable Internet-ready phone. The Nokia 215 is designed to connect and introduce first-time mobile phone buyers to the Internet and new digital experiences. Available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM models, the Nokia 215 will expand the reach of Microsoft services at more affordable prices.
According to Internet World Stats, almost 60 percent of the world’s population does not yet have access to the Internet. At only $29,* the Nokia 215 will allow more people to access popular Web content and digital services, and enable them to do the following:
· Enjoy online experiences via Opera Mini browser, Bing search, MSN Weather, Twitter and Facebook.
· Stay in touch with friends and family using Facebook and Messenger with instant notifications.
· Connect in new ways with SLAM, which enables content to be shared between devices and callers making hands-free calls using Bluetooth 3.0 and Bluetooth audio support for headsets.
· Delight in the fresh design, durable quality and outstanding battery life — all the features entry-level mobile phone owners have come to trust and love.
· Enter the mobile-first world with all the everyday essentials, including these:
o Built-in torchlight
o Up to 20 hours of talk time
o Outstanding battery life (up to 29 days of standby time for the Single SIM variant and up to 21 days for the Dual SIM)
o MP3 playback of up to 50 hours
o FM radio playback of up to 45 hours
o VGA camera
“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 Nokia 215 and Nokia 215 Dual SIM come in Bright Green, Black and White, and will roll out first in select markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe in Q1 2015. The Nokia 215 is expected to be available for an estimated retail price of $29* before taxes and subsidies.
