As expected, Nokia on Wednesday unveiled the Asha 210, an entry-level Series 40 device destined for emerging markets. The Finnish phone maker took a page out of HTC’s book by adding a dedicated button for quick access to WhatsApp. HTC tried this method before, with one example being the HTC Status on AT&T, that offered a quick-access button to Facebook.
The Asha 210 is super entry-level and will cost about $72. It will no doubt launch in markets where affordable smartphones are key to Nokia’s success. The device packs a 2-megapixel camera, just 64MB of memory (expandable to 64GB with a microSD card) and a 2.4-inch QVGA display. Single and dual-SIM models will be available. Nokia promises the single SIM model will offer up to 46 days of battery life, yes you read that correctly, on a single charge. Although we assume that also includes standby time.
“We are focused on delivering the best WhatsApp experience to as many people as possible,” said Brian Acton, Co-Founder of WhatsApp Inc. “We are very excited about our partnership with Nokia Asha complementing our strategy of giving people around the world an easy experience when keeping in touch with their friends.”
The device should certainly serve as a solid messaging phone thanks to its full QWERTY keyboard, but anyone who wants a bit more power and a smartphone experience should check out one of Nokia’s entry-level Lumia-branded Windows Phones. The Asha 210 will launch during the second quarter of this year, which means it should hit the market any month now.
