Nokia and its Qatar distributor Consolidated Gulf Company (CGC) showcased five new “affordable” handsets - Nokia 220, Asha 230, Nokia X, X+ and XL - for local market.

Aiming to widen Internet use by mobile phone users, the Finnish handset manufacturer introduced Nokia X, a family of smartphones that run Android, Microsoft services and signature Nokia experiences.

Nokia and CGC also announced the “celebration of two decades of successful relationship and business growth” in Qatar.

Vithesh Reddy, general manager, Nokia Lower Gulf, said: “Nokia has connected billions of people around the world, and we have demonstrated how our portfolio is designed to connect the next billion people to great experiences. The Nokia X family boasts of Nokia’s iconic, high quality hardware design in a range of vibrant colours. Nokia X also brings the best of Nokia signature services such as HERE mapping, as well as great Microsoft services such as OneDrive and access to the world of
Android apps.

“As we celebrate 20 years of a successful partnership with CGC, we look forward to building on that legacy by bringing the latest Nokia innovations including the Nokia X family to Qatar.”

Jehad al-Qudah, CGC head (mobility), said: “With Qatari society on the fast lane of growth, Nokia’s increasing portfolio and large number of apps will help in meeting the growing mobility needs of different social strata. And on top of that, our Nokia-lovers will now have more reasons to cheer with the introduction of Android-based Nokia X series to the local market.”

The Nokia X will be available this month, starting at QR449. Nokia X+ (QR549) and Nokia XL (QR599) will be available by May.

Nokia also introduced Asha 230 and Nokia 220, which will be available shortly.

Retail price for Nokia 220 start at QR149 and Nokia Asha 230 at QR229.

Both products will be available in single and dual SIM variants.