The Redmond giant has done everything possible to establish its Windows Phone devices in the market, but its latest novelty does not belong to the Lumia line; it carries the Nokia brand. In fact, it isn't even a smartphone. The new Nokia 215 lacks features like WiFi, 3G, or GPS, but with support for Facebook and Twitter, an MP3 player, 29 days of standby, and a price of 29 dollars, it is making more noise than expected.
Some people decide on their next smartphone in minutes. Others spend weeks studying specs and reading reviews from fellow sites, only to find it's sold out, leading to a completely different choice. More than once people imagined I carried an iPhone or similar device; however, my daily driver is a Samsung Galaxy Ace that seems ready to retire. This has made me consider several things, including whether I really need a smartphone. In the past I said I wanted “a Nokia 1100 with WhatsApp”, but I must admit that within weeks, the messenger went from indispensable tool to a fastidious, bloated app that asks for updates two or three times a week. And almost as if it were reading my mind, Microsoft decided to release a new mobile phone... that isn't a smartphone.
Talking about the Nokia 215 is almost a formality compared to other devices that dominate the market. Its connectivity is limited to 2G, no WiFi, and there's no GPS module inside. The built-in camera is VGA resolution, no flash, and digital zoom. Still, the Nokia 215 has dedicated Facebook and Twitter apps, basic browsing via Opera Mini, plays MP3 files (even with Bluetooth Audio), a microSD slot supports up to 32 GB cards, includes an FM radio module, its 1100 mAh battery is removable, and standby reaches an impressive 29 days, while 2G talk time is twenty hours. Its screen is 2.4 inches with 320x240 resolution, it weighs less than 80 grams, and it comes in three colors: black, green, and white. Oh, I almost forgot: like the old 1100, the Nokia 215 has a flashlight.
What about the price? According to Microsoft, 29 dollars before taxes and subsidies. There will also be a dual-SIM version, in case the user needs to manage more than one line. Apparently, Redmond plans to launch the Nokia 215 in Europe, Africa, Asia, and some Middle Eastern countries. While it seems logical to keep the phone out of the US market, I don't understand how Latin America can be ignored, especially if it retains that price. Facebook, Twitter, and almost a month of battery for less than thirty dollars... I think some wallets will be very interested.
