Vodafone, the leading global mobile operator based in UK, announced the launching of two new own branded devices in order to grow its range of affordable handsets. The new phones are Vodafone 227 and Vodafone 228 and will become available starting this month (February) in Europe as well as in other markets around the globe. These phones come after the successful introduction of seven own branded Vodafone handsets in 2007, which currently make up about one in six of the phones shipped by the carrier annually. For those that don't know, Vodafone doesn't actually produce these phones, they're made by Chinese manufacturers like ZTE or Huawei and branded by the giant operator (which doesn't mean the phones have a bad quality).

Vodafone 227 (a clamshell) and Vodafone 228 (a slider) are both stylish and at the same time affordable handsets that offer basic functionality. They come with dual-band GSM connectivity, voice and text messaging, headphone socket, vibrating alert and color display.

"Over the last 18 months we have launched our own branded handsets - the Vodafone 125, 225, 226 and the 226 FM radio variant, 710, 715, 720 and 810. These have been very successful not just in emerging markets but also in the European pre-pay market," said Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director of Terminals for Vodafone. "The concept of offering stylish and affordable handsets that are quick and easy to use is certainly appealing to a wide range of customers, especially those who are purchasing and using a mobile for the very first time. We are delighted to be building on this success by introducing two new handsets to the range, demonstrating our commitment to making mobile devices and services available to all."

Vodafone didn't announce the price for its new phones, but, as I already mentioned, both handset will be affordable, since they don't offer evolved features and they're mainly targeted for emerging markets.