The evolution of budget-oriented Nokia Asha series progresses once again as the Finnish phone maker today has announced yet another new device for the series called Asha 501 in Delhi just moments ago. That being said, the Asha 501 is unlike any previous Asha devices as it carries a new operating system that Nokia dubbed as the Asha platform.
The new Asha platform utilizes swipe gesture (just like Nokia N9) to navigate within the two main screens that the new platform has: one being Home which works just like a standard icon-based apps list while the other one is called Fastlane that keeps track of recently accessed contacts, social networks and apps. The platform is the pretty much the first direct outcome from Nokia’s acquisition of a company called Smarterphone that took place last year.
Within its 12.1mm and 98g body that seems to be inspired by Nokia Lumia, the Nokia Asha 501 is equipped with a scratch-resistant 3-inch QVGA capacitive two-point touch display and a 3.2-megapixels fixed focus rear camera (no flash though). It is also equipped with a single back button underneath its display alongside the usual volume rocker and power/lock button on its side.
There are more of Nokia Asha 501 to see after the jump. Click on the Read More link below to continue.
In addition to its internal 128MB memory, the Asha 501 comes standard with a 4GB microSD card while the slot is also able to support microSD card with storage of up to 32GB. Not to forget, the device is also equipped with a 1,200mAh battery that Nokia claims able to provide power to Asha 501 for up to 48 days of standby time and 17 hours of talktime.
Being a new platform, apps might be a concern but Nokia has ensured that there will be plenty of apps will be made available on the new Asha platform as they have listed several partners such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Line, LinkedIn and many more that are already committed to develop apps for the new platform. In fact, EA has also extended its long-running free 40 games offer to the new Asha 501 as well.
Available in both single and dual-SIM version, the new Nokia Asha 501 will be released sometime in June this year through 60 operators and distributors in more than 90 countries worldwide with a price tag of RM 294 (USD 99). As usual, head on to Nokia.com to learn more about Asha 501.
