Nokia introduces the Nokia Asha 501

Nokia Asha 501 and Asha platformreinvent the affordable smartphone category

 

Nokia today unveiled the first of a new family of Asha smartphoneswith the introduction of theNokia Asha 501. The handset pushes the boundaries of affordable smartphone design with bold color, a high-qualitybuild and an innovative user interface. The Nokia Asha 501 is the first device to run on the new Asha platform, which is designed to make the experience faster and more responsive.

Standout design, innovativeuser interface  

 

The Nokia Asha 501 makes high-end design and quality accessible to more people. The deviceis available in a choice of six striking colours that complement the elegant design. It comes in just two parts: a durable, removable casing andthe scratch-resistant glass display, which features a three-inch, capacitive touchscreen and a single ‘back’ button. The compact new Asha weighs only 98 grams, for the ultimate portability. 

 

The Nokia Asha 501is built to make it easier for people to access everything they love, with a simple swipe and a choice of two main screens: Home and Fastlane. Home is a traditional, icon-based view for launching individual apps or accessing a specific feature, like the dialler or phone settings It provides arecord of how the phone is used, giving people a glimpse of their past, present and future activity, and helping them multi-task by providing easy access to their favorite features.

 

Smarter and more personal Internet experiences

 

The new Asha comes with Nokia Xpress Browser pre-loaded, which compresses Internet data by up to 90%. This is aimed at making mobile browsing faster and more affordable. Nokia also announced the availability of Nokia Xpress Now, a new Web application that recommends content based on location, preferencesand trending topics. It will be available via theBrowser homepage or as a download from Nokia Store.

“Nokia has surpassed expectations of what’s achievable in the sub-100 USD phone category with a new Asha handset that is unlike any other, with design cues from Lumia and a mix of features, services and affordability that is valued by price-conscious buyers,” said Neil Mawston, executive director, Global Wireless Practice, Strategy Analytics. “This is a welcome addition to the market and a refreshing option for consumers looking to upgrade from feature phones.”

 

Asha platform for next-generation family of devices 

 

The new Nokia Asha 501 was purpose-built to give people the best possible mobile experiences at an affordable price. It is highly efficient, with an industry-leading standby time of up to 48 days*.The Nokia Asha 501 is the first smartphone built on the new Asha platform, which leverages Nokia’s investments in Smarterphone, a company which Nokia acquired in 2012.

 

Many of the most popular applications are already available or in development for the Nokia Asha platform, including CNN, eBuddy, ESPN, Facebook, Foursquare, Line, LinkedIn, Nimbuzz, Pictelligent, The Weather Channel, Twitter, WeChat, World of Red Bull and games from Electronic Arts, Gameloft, Indiagames, NamcoBandai and Reliance Games. WhatsApp and other key partners continue to explore new Asha.

 

“The new Nokia Asha 501 raises the bar for what is possible in affordable smartphone design and optimization,” said Timo Toikkanen, executive vice president, Mobile Phones, Nokia. “The synergy between the physical design and the engine that is the new Asha platform has created a smartphone with both style and substance at a great price.” 

 

 

Facebook and global operators to support Nokia Asha 501 with free data plans

 

The Nokia Asha 501 is expected to start shipping in June 2013. It is expectedto be available through approximately 60 operators and distributors in more than 90 countries worldwide.

 

“We are very happy to offer the new Nokia Asha 501 through our subsidiaries in the continent. We are certain that this innovative device will follow the successful footprint of the Nokia Asha family, combining affordability with the best communication and Internet browsing capabilities,” said Marco Quatorze, director, Value Added Services, America Movil.

 

A leading operator in the Asia-Pacific region, Telkomsel is also supporting the arrival of the new Nokia Asha. “The Nokia Asha 501 will help us to boost the mobile Internet in Indonesia. It is powered by innovations like the Nokia Xpress Browser, based on a very efficient data compressiontechnology which allows us to offer the best data plan tariff for people,” said Alistair Johnston, chief marketing officer, Telkomsel. “We have a billing agreement with Nokia that supports the creation of local applications that are absolutely relevant to Indonesian consumers.” 

 “This bundle is a great way to discover Facebook on your Nokia Asha and enjoy the experience for longer without worrying about data charges,” said Vaughan Smith, VP, Mobile Partnerships, Facebook. “Working in close partnership with Nokia and global operators made this offer possible and we are excited to help connect the world on Facebook.”

MTN, a leading operator across Africa, said it will also offer the Nokia Asha 501 and ease access to Facebook. “We areexcited to support this initiative with Facebook in Nigeria and Zambia, and we are looking forward to expanding it to other markets," says Pieter Verkade, group chief commercial officer, MTN.

Product specifications and availability

The Nokia Asha 501is available in single or EasySwap Dual SIM models. All come with WiFi and Bluetooth. Other specifications:

  • Dimensions:  99.2 x 58 x 12.1 mm; 98 grams
  • Camera: 3.2 MP
  • Single SIM standby time: up to 48 days***
  • Dual SIM standby time: up to 26 days***
  • Talk time: up to 17 hours
  • Additional memory of 4GB (card included in box), expandable up to 32GB
    • Forty free EA Games worth €75 downloadable from Nokia Store
    • Available colours: Bright Red, Bright Green, Cyan, Yellow, White and Black
    • Suggested pricing is 99 USD before taxes and subsidies.