Mobile phone giant, Nokia has formally unveiled in Ghana, its first smart phone that gives access to Android, Windows and other Microsoft applications while keeping its signature design and features intact.
The launch was held at the Alisa Hotel on Wednesday 10th April, 2014 with technology giants, distributors and Nokia officials in attendance.
The Nokia X is a mid-tier Dual SIM handset which runs a modified version of Android referred to as Nokia X Software Platform. It is powered by a 1 Ghz Dual Core Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor with a built in memory of 4 GB, expandable via Micro SD card up to 32GB.
The unique Fastlane feature gives users an easier way to switch between multiple apps with just a swipe without closing making it more enjoyable like never before.
It has a 512 MB RAM, a 3 megapixel rear camera and comes in a variety of six different colours. It boasts of a 4 inch display and a 3G maximum talk time of up to 10.5h running on a battery capacity of 1500 mAh.
Prior to the release of Nokia X, previous handsets that ran Windows Operating Systems have been criticised for complexity and fewer popular apps which are common on other platforms.
It seems Nokia has chosen Android purely for the apps while adding the tiles and personalisation features seen on Windows Phone. The new phone will also make use of Microsoft’s cloud services including OneDrive.
Announcing the introduction of the Nokia X on the Ghanaian market, the Head of Sales Operations for Nokia West and Central Africa, Mr. Oladipo Oyatayo noted with confidence that “there is no device in the market that can give you these three wonderful stores [Nokia Apps, Android Apps and Windows Market] that consumers are craving for”.
Responding to a question on the battery life of the Nokia X, Mr. Oyatayo admitted that, long battery life is unarguably one of the most desirable features among smartphone buyers.
According to him, “one of the features that Nokia is known for is long battery life and in every device that we manufacture, we don’t compromise on battery life”.
“The feedback from consumers who use Android device indicates that the battery consumption of Nokia X as compared to other Android devices is very tremendous”, he concluded.
Market Manager of Nokia Ghana, Mr. Moses Acquah also disclosed at the event that the Nokia X is targeted at mid – range consumers to bridge the gap between high-end and low – end prices as well as serving consumers who need Android apps to give them a better experience with Nokia.