The Nokia X (along with the Nokia X+ and Nokia XL) was perhaps one of the most interesting stories to emerge from MWC 2014 if only because it marks the first time that Nokia released an Android device. With entry level specifications, this is not a device that will take on the new flagship smartphones introduced at the event or in coming weeks. It is instead aimed at emerging markets where the shift feature phones to affordable smartphones is just getting underway. As such, it should come as no surprise that Jussi Nevanlinna, VP for Mobile Phone marketing, has confirmed that the Nokia X smartphones will not make it to North America (and Korea and Japan for that matter).
Asked who is the target audience for the Nokia X family, Nevanlinna answered;
“These are global products, which will be available pretty much everywhere except North America, Korea and Japan. We have a particular focus on growth markets – for example, India and China, Thailand and Indonesia then over to Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria, and South America, especially countries like Brazil, and Mexico.”
Nevanlinna also confirmed what we expected. Nokia sees the Nokia X as a “stepping-stone to Lumia.” The Nokia X will focus on price points lower than those of the Lumia line. Offering an experience that relies on Nokia and Microsoft apps and services rather than Google’s own, the Nokia X makes “a future switch to Lumia natural.” Whether Microsoft sees it the same way still remains to be seen though.
Nokia is also planning to launch more Nokia X products over the course of the next year. Among them will be even more affordable devices, an impressive feat given that the Nokia X will sell for €89 (about CA$135).
Source : Nokia Conversations