Nokia X and X+ have just been announced by the Finnish handset maker at their Mobile World Congress 2014 press conference. The devices are the first Nokia handsets to run Android, although it is a forked version of the operating system. Nokia X and X+ is aimed at emerging markets and is partly powered by Nokia and Microsoft services. Think of these as an extension of Asha and not so much a threat to Window Phone. Details below.
The Nokia X and X+ are low-cost Android phones, running a forked version of the open source operating system. You won’t be getting apps from the Google Play store, but instead from Nokia’s own “Nokia Store” and other locations (more on that below). The phone will be powered by a suite of Microsoft and HERE apps. These aren’t flagship devices, but meant to move a lot of numbers and appeal to emerging markets.
For specs we’re looking at a 4-inch display on both phones. The X+ is notable for having extra memory and storage through a microSD card. Both phones feature bold colors and an iconic design.
On board you’ll find OneDrive, Skype, Outlook.com, HERE Maps, Nokia Mix Radio and more. Apps can be sideloaded through a storage card. The phones will be available in over 60 markets on 160 different operators. The Nokia X and X+ are meant to drive users to Microsoft’s services.
The Nokia X and X+ will be available immediately. Nokia X will cost 89 euros, while the Nokia X+ will cost 99 euros.
