Nokia offers Windows Phone to masses while daring photographers to go Symbian

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Nokia announced the Lumia 610, its first Windows Phone aimed at the mass market, and the PureView 808, a Symbian-based smartphone targeted at extreme mobile photographers. In reaction, Tony Cripps, principal analyst, Ovum, comments:

New Windows phones
“The Lumia 610 is a 3G variant of Nokia’s high-end Lumia 900 device, the extension of which to the global market is itself an important next step for the device vendor. However, far greater significance may ultimately be attributed to the success or otherwise of its little brother, the Lumia 610.

“The lower specification of the 610 does not noticeably erode the user experience of Microsoft's software platform, which remains perfectly fluid if not as sprightly as its higher-specified siblings. Overall, the 610 looks like an attractive package for the mid-market and prepaid customers.

“The combination of Nokia, Microsoft, an aggressively marketed mid-range Windows Phone device, and an appealing array of Nokia developed applications looks strong on paper. However, should the offering fail to kick-start demand, both companies’ hopes for renewed relevance in the smartphone market will be seriously dented.”

PureView 808
“The PureView 808 offers perhaps the most compelling photographic experience yet seen in a smartphone. It comes with a 41MP sensor and astonishing low light and detail performance that is sure to appeal to specialist buyers.

“Ovum’s main concern is that the PureView 808’s Symbian Belle operating system might detract from its appeal to a broader market, where it deserves recognition. It’s a pity that Nokia was unable to combine the photographic prowess of the PureView 808 with the style of the Lumia 900. Such a device may well have been the first smartphone to truly deserve the title of "superphone".”