As competition continues to brew in the $219.1 billion global smartphone market,  leading mobile phone manufacturer, Nokia, has unveiled its latest instalment – the Lumia 920/820  Windows 8 Phone devices in Nigeria, Ghana and other key markets.

According to analysts, the launch of the Lumia range of Windows Phone 8 phones might be the answer to the phone maker’s battle regain lost market shares after it was overthrown as the biggest phone manufacturer in the world by Apple and Samsung in 2011.

The Nokia Lumia range comes in different colours with attractive and unique features such as an inbuilt wireless charging system, Nokia’s new PureMotion HD Plus display with a 1280 x 768 resolution, Nokia Maps and Nokia City Lens, which is a unique augmented reality app that helps users locate places by just holding up their devices. The innovative device is expected to give customers the best smartphone experience with its full-versions of Microsoft Office, Outlook and Internet Explorer 10 that can help users create and edit Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word documents anywhere they are, and browse easier and faster than ever with a 4G connection.

The Lumia 920 also comes with the latest innovations in PureView imaging technology – including an advanced floating lens technology that takes in five times more light than other smartphones which enable users to capture sharp, crisp pictures and videos even indoors and at night, without using flash. This is complemented by Optical Image Stabilisation, a first of its kind feature which prevents pictures and videos from blurring when users are on the move.

Although the new device is set to hit the stores by 2013, Nokia Nigeria is offering consumers the chance to pre-order the devices in MTN stores and also online on MTN Website. In return, all pre-bookers will get to choose from a set of accessories including the DT-900, the cool new wireless charging plate from Nokia, at discounted prices.

In Ghana, the  estimated retail price for the Nokia Lumia 920 is GH¢1,275 ($672) and Lumia 820 is GH¢920  ($485) respectively.

Nokia West Africa Vice-President, Mr. James Rutherfoord, at the launching in Lagos on Friday said the Nokia Lumia 820 and Nokia Lumia 920 were ready for business with a full business suite right out of the box, comprising Microsoft Office suite, Sky Drive and Microsoft Lync.

“These are the best devices we have made in the smartphone category and we believe that this is going be much appreciated by our consumers. At Nokia, our focus is to bring the very best of technology to our consumers which aid, excite and benefit their work and social lives,” Rutherfoord said.

“In addition to the brilliant applications on the devices, we have launched them exclusively on the widest network in Nigeria, MTN, to enable consumers to have a 360 experience of the various features on the devices.”

Elsewhere on Ventures

Triangle arrow