Announced: Nokia Asha 501

In the event in Delhi, Nokia unveiled its newest Asha device, the Asha 501. The Asha 501 not only continues the N9’s legacy of bright coloured polycarbonate bodies, but also it’s Swipe UI. Yes, the Nokia Asha 501 runs on a refreshed version of Asha Touch that highly resembles MeeGo-Harmattan.

The Nokia Asha 501 is a 2G with WiFi device, priced at under USD$100. It will arrive in a range of colours, including Yellow, Cyan, Red, Green, White & Black. The Asha 501 uses a new Nokia Xpress Browser, the Xpress Now. With Slam, a new VKB reminiscent of WP, Fastlane and so much more! The Nokia Asha 501 has impressive battery life with 47 days standby and 17 hours talk time. CRAZY!

Fastlane shows you the most recent apps you’ve opened and your notifications, showing you past and present. However, it doesn’t stop there! You can swipe down and it will show you the future – upcoming events. Its truly an extension of what we first saw in the N9, done in a way that makes everything you’re doing, you’ve done, or will do, a swipe away!

The Nokia Asha 501 will be the first of the Asha 5xx series, that is the next generation range of Asha devices.  A 3G variant will be announced later

There are a single and dual sim variant. The dual sim variant has hot swappable sim capabilities. On top of this, we have a MicroSD slot, with Nokia including a 4GB Micro SD card in the box.

Quick list of specs:

– Dimensions:  99.2 x 58 x 12.1 mm; 98 grams
– Screen: 3″ QVGA screen
– Camera: 3.2 MP
– Single SIM standby time: up to 48 days***
– Dual SIM standby time: up to 26 days***
– Talk time: up to 17 hours
– Additional memory of 4GB (card included in box), expandable up to 32GB

Nokia is also providing users with 40 free EA games downloadable from Nokia’s Store. Alongside this, Nokia is partnering with carriers to bring free Facebook usage to its users.

The Asha 501 will be arriving in June, with 60 operators in more than 90 countries. Stephen Elop, Nokia CEO, stated that the “Nokia Asha 501 will reinvent smart devices at that price point”.

Category: Nokia