Nokia has announced the Nokia Asha 501’s availability in East Africa. This device runs on the new Asha Platform and features a faster and more intuitive UI (user interface) and smarter Internet experiences and all this at an affordable price. This device will be available through retailers across East Africa in black, red and yellow, at the following RRPs (recommended retail prices) – KES 7,999 in Kenya, UGX 279,900 in Uganda and TZs 179,900 in Tanzania.
“The new Nokia Asha 501 helps people quickly access everything they love with just a simple swipe,” said Bruce Howe, general manager Nokia East Africa. “Coupled with beautiful design, it’s a smartphone with style and innovation, offered at a great price. It builds on the momentum for Asha smartphones in East Africa, and our continued commitment to provide affordable, yet striking, smartphones for the youth.”
Standout Colour and Interesting Design – Asha 501 is available in a choice of striking colours and has a durable, removable “shell” and the scratch-resistant, tempered glass display. It is compact, easy-to-use and weighs only 98 grams ensuring that it can be carried anywhere.
Better User Interface – the Asha 501 works with just a simple swipe to unlock the phone, close apps and shift between its 2 screens: ‘Home’ and ‘Fastlane’. The Home screen makes full use of the 3-inch capacitive touch-screen, displaying a traditional application launcher. Fastlane on the other hand is the 2nd screen that adapts to display recent activity on the phone as well as upcoming events to help you multi-task. It also supports social integration with Facebook and Twitter and allows a user to post directly to these social networks directly from within Fastlane screen.
Access to Apps – The new Asha has the up to 90% data compressing Xpress Browser pre-loaded to ensure faster and more affordable mobile browsing. You can also access chat services like Line, Nimbuzz and WeChat, download essential services like HERE Maps and the 40 free downloadable EA games like Plants vs. Zombies and more.