Nokia Adds Three Handsets to Midrange Line

Nokia has always done well with entry-level and high-end phones: now the company hopes three new handsets will improve its mid-range story.

At its annual Nokia Connection event in Singapore, Finland’s Nokia, the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones, today announced three new midrange handsets it’s hoping will improve the company’s appeal to upgrading mobile phone users and customers who want more-powerful features but don’t see themselves using a smartphone. Nokia has historically done well with both entry-level phones and its high-end multimedia-capable devices, but has struggled to establish a solid presence in the midrange of the mobile phone market.

For now, Nokia is looking to roll out the new handsets in Asian and European markets, although their technology and features should appeal to U.S.-based carriers as well.

“With the introduction of these three new devices, we are expanding our mid-range offering to give consumers even more choice when it comes to mobile connectivity,” said Peter Ropke, Nokia’s Senior VP for Mobile Phones, in a statement. “Whether they are looking to capture moments, share music, or utilize the Internet, they can always find a stylish Nokia phone that meets their needs.”

First up, the Nokia 6121 Classic offers both quad-band GSN and WCDMA 900/1200 technology, along with a 2 megapixel camera (with a panorama mode), along with a second front-based camera to enable video calls. The phone also supports downloads and Internet browsing via HSDAP, and enables users to sync up with calendars and contacts as well as upload and download photos, music, video and other media. The 6121 Classic should be available for €260 before taxes and subsidies.

Next, the Nokia 3500 Classic offers a sleek design which will be available in a variety of fashion-friendly colors; the phone will offer a 2 megapixel camera, FM receiver, instant messaging capabilities, storage for up to 2,000 contacts, and 3 hours of talk time along with 12 days of standby time. The 3500 Classic should run about €135 before taxes and subsidies.

Finally, the Nokia 6267 aims for the digital media enthusiast, offering dedicated media keys and multimedia applications to put music, images, and video in the palms of users’ hands. The 6267 sports an enhanced music player application, and encourages users to record video of important events using a high-speed video capability and two integrated cameras (one of which is a 2 megapixel shooter with flash and an 8× digital zoom). The 6267 supports up to 4 GB of removable storage for video and music, a high-res screen, large keypad, and offers up o 6.5 hours of talk time (and 12.5 days of standby time). The 6267 should run about €240 before taxes and subsidies.

As part of its Nokia Connection event, the company also announce pacts with yellow page providers in Europe, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thialand to bolster local business and service listings available to users of Nokia multimedia phones. The company also announced a series of three new Bluetooth headsets.