14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft launched its first dumb phone earlier this week and everyone was surprised that the company insisted on this path instead of focusing on Windows Phone devices.
Well, the Redmond-based company appears determined to continue Nokia’s legacy when it comes to feature phones, but to a certain extent. The Nokia 130 and 130 Dual SIM may not be the last feature phones launched by Microsoft.
Even though Windows Phone fans were a bit reluctant regarding the release of these cheap phones for those who don’t really care if they were launched by Microsoft or Nokia, they are very good deals.
Nevertheless, in order to show its fans that there’s still a huge market for dumb phones, Microsoft released an infographic that shows why someone that already has a smartphone would purchase the Nokia 130 as a second phone, and why those for which €19 ($25) is a fortune should pick them as soon as they become available.
According to Microsoft, “it may not seem much, but for at least one billion people in the world today who have never owned a mobile phone, it can be life changing. Ultra-affordable phones help people make their first voice calls, send their first SMS, and more.
“The new Nokia 130 is one such device, part of a growing portfolio of ‘first’ phones from Microsoft. For everyone else, it’s also great as a backup phone for emergencies, holidays and any other time you need a reliable, long lasting handset.”
Aside from the fact that Microsoft hints at a new portfolio of “first” phones, which means we are going to see more of these dumb phones in the future, the company claims that its targets are emerging markets where lots of people never owned a phone.
Although Nokia 130 and Nokia 130 Dual SIM cost only €19 ($25), as we mentioned before, some people who never owned a phone before might still find it too high for their financial status.
Regardless, Microsoft is determined to gain as many fans as possible which is why the company highlights some of the most important things one would get for the €19 ($25) amount they pay in order to get the Nokia 130.
First of all, the handset provides a very long battery life. Microsoft claims Nokia 130’s battery offers up to 36 days of standby time or up to 13 hours of talk time. The phone’s battery could also last for up to 16 hours of video playback time or up to 46 hours of music playback time.
Obviously, the phone comes with just enough storage to fit in the S30+ OS that powers the Nokia 130, so you will definitely need a microSD card. The good news is that the phone does provide microSD support, but you will have to buy the memory card separately.
Not to mention that in Nokia 130 Dual SIM’s case, owners will be able to fit in two SIM cards instead of one. Overall, these dumb phones make excellent choices as “first” handsets, and in some cases, they could also be great as second phones for those who need long lasting battery when on holiday.