Nokia to launch its first Android smartphone

The logo of Finnish mobile manufacturer "Nokia" and US multinational software company "Microsoft". Nokia plans to introduce its first Android smartphone later this month, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

What you need to know:

  • The smartphone will be known officially as Nokia X and will differ from other Android gadgets as consumers will not be able to access Google developed features or some Android apps.

Nokia plans to introduce its first Android smartphone later this month, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The surprise move is expected to catch the mobile market unawares since the handset manufacturer has invested heavily on Microsoft’s Windows Operating System (OS).

The adoption of Android OS, a product by Microsoft’s nemesis Google, is seen as a last solution for a firm that is seeking wider presence on smartphone market especially from developing countries.

According to the sources, Nokia will present the smartphone, known as Nokia Normandy, at the Mobile World Congress industry trade show starting February 24.

The making of the phone started before the talks between Microsoft and Nokia took off. Since then a Sh629 billion deal has been struck for acquisition of Nokia handset unit.

The smartphone will be known officially as Nokia X and will differ from other Android gadgets as consumers will not be able to access Google developed features or some Android apps.

Instead, Nokia Normandy will run on personalised application by the manufacturer and Microsoft, including HERE Maps and Mix Radio.

The reports say that the Normandy will have a 4-inch WVGA screen, 4GB storage capacity, 5 mega-pixelled camera, dual-SIM and a 1500mAh battery.

Nokia performed better than anticipated in the third quarter of last year by selling 63 million units, pushing it to eighth position in the global smartphone market.

The introduction of Lumia and Asha was meant to rival Samsung’s Galaxy phones and Apple’s iPhones.

Globally for every 10 smartphones sold, eight run on Android OS.