Nokia’s Devices and Services division may be a part of Microsoft now, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to stop doing what it’s known for, including crafting super-affordable internet phones.
The Nokia 215 is a new internet-ready feature phone that costs just $29 before taxes without a contract. You might think that $29 won’t get you much phone, but the Nokia 215’s got Facebook and Facebook Messenger, complete with instant notifications. Also included is Twitter, Bing Search, Opera Mini Browser, and MSN Weather. There’s also an MP3 player and FM radio to fulfill your listening desires.
In terms of straight-up specs, the Nokia 215’s got a 2.4-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 320x240, 8MB of RAM, a microSD slot that supports cards up to 32GB, an 1100mAh battery with 29 days of standby time, 0.3-megapixel fixed focus camera, and 2G connectivity. It runs the Series 30+ software and is available in single SIM and dual SIM versions.
Microsoft says that the Nokia 215 will launch in “select markets” like the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe in Q1 2015. It’ll be sold in green, black, and white color options.
Obviously the Nokia 215 isn’t going to replace your 4G smartphone, but it’s not meant to. The device is a good option for folks that want an affordable phone that can make calls, handle text messages, and keep them in touch with loved ones through Facebook and Twitter. It looks like a solid little handset, and for $29, it could be a nice main device or backup phone for many people.