Nokia X Android smartphone launched in India at Rs 8,599

Finnish mobile firm Nokia has launched first of three smartphones in its 'X' series in India. Priced at Rs 8,599, the Nokia X runs on Android Open Source Project but is nowhere close to the traditional Android phones as it doesn't support Google services such as Gmail, Play Store or Google Maps. Instead, Android apps will be accessible from Nokia's own App Store. Users will be able to download more apps from third party app stores too.

The Nokia X also comes loaded with Microsoft services such as Outlook, Skype, Here Maps, etc.

Its design is similar to that of the Lumia smartphones. It has got a 4-inch WVGA capacitive display, is powered by 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual core processor and is coupled with 512 MB RAM. It has got 4 GB internal storage and can support up to 32 GB expandable memory.

The apps can be side loaded or moved to the memory card to keep the internal storage free. Weighing 128.66 grams, the Nokia X features a 3 MP fixed camera. The user interface is similar to the Lumia phones where the tiles can be resized. And instead of multitasking, there is a fast lane, as found on Asha phones.

"The affordable smartphone segment will grow up four times in the coming years. The Nokia X acts as a feeder to the Lumia. We hope that those using the X smartphone will later migrate to the Lumia smartphones," said P. Balaji, Managing Director, Nokia India, at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday.

The company will launch the remaining two smartphones in the 'X' series-Nokia XL and Nokia X+-in the next 60 days.