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Nokia Asha series
ManufacturersNokia (2011–2014)
Microsoft Mobile (2014)
Availability by region2011–2014
PredecessorNokia Cseries
Nokia Xseries
Compatible networks2G EDGE
3G HSPA+ (some models)
Form factorVarious
Operating systemProprietary (Series 40, Nokia Asha platform)
MemoryBetween 16 MB and 128 MB
Removable storagemicroSD (up to 32 GB)
BatteryBetween 1010 mAh and 1430 mAh
Rear cameraBetween 0.3 MP and 5 MP
Front cameraNo
DisplayBetween 2.4 inches and 3.0 inches
ConnectivityBluetooth 2.1 or 3.0
Wi-Fi (some models)
FM radio
3.5 mm audio jack
microUSB 2.0
Data inputsQWERTY, touch and type, full screen
Development statusDiscontinued

Nokia Asha is a discontinued series of feature phones and low-end smartphones produced and marketed by Nokia. It was marketed from late 2011 until 2014, by which time it was under Microsoft Mobile ownership. The range consisted of QWERTY keyboard, full touchscreen, and hybrid 'touch and type' handsets. Most Asha phones run Series 40 while from 2013 full touch models run the derived Nokia Asha platform.

History

[edit]

The Nokia Asha range was announced at Nokia World 2011 on 26 October 2011 alongside the Nokia Lumia. Asha was developed for emerging markets with the goal of connecting the "next billion" to the Internet, as cited by then Nokia CEO Stephen Elop.[1][2] The name "Asha" comes from the Hindi word meaning "hope".[3]

According to The Verge in September 2013, Nokia had a project referred to as Asha on Linux and also as "MView"—a reference to Mountain View. The project used a fork of Android on a low-end handset to maximize margins. The project resulted in the Nokia X family of devices, unveiled at MWC 2014. It was one of two known Android projects at the company, the other was running the OS on high-end Lumia hardware.[4]

On 3 September 2013, Microsoft announced its purchase of Nokia's mobile device business, with the deal closing on 25 April 2014. The company previously announced an intent to use Asha as an "on-ramp" to the Windows Phone platform,[5][6] but in a company memo released in July 2014, it was announced that as part of cutbacks, Microsoft would end the Asha and Android-based Nokia X range entirely, in favor of solely producing Lumia Windows Phones and Nokia-branded "feature phone" products.[7]

On 11 January 2018, HMD Global acquired the Asha trademark.[8][9]

List of devices

[edit]

Below are the mobile phones in the Asha range.

The Asha 305 and Asha 311 models are known as the first generation of Asha Full Touch phones; the second generation is the Asha 50x line. All devices up to the Asha 50x series run the Nokia domestic operating system with Series 40 UI platform, also known as S40. The Asha 501 (released in May 2013), Asha 500, Asha 502, Asha 503 and Asha 230 (announced on 14 February 2014) are powered by the Nokia Asha platform, which builds on S40 and Smarterphone.[10][11]

Model Date announced SIM config Input method Data bearers Wi-Fi Display size RAM Camera Operating system HERE Maps

(note: none of the Asha devices have GPS)

Predecessor(s) or similar earlier models (if applicable)
Asha 200 26 Oct 2011 Dual[12] QWERTY EDGE, GPRS No 2.4" 32 MB 2 MP Series 40 Nokia X1-01

Nokia X2-01

Asha 201 26 Oct 2011 Single[13] QWERTY EDGE, GPRS No 2.4" 32 MB 2 MP Series 40 Nokia X1-01

Nokia X2-01

Asha 202 27 Feb 2012 Dual Touch and type EDGE, GPRS No 2.4" 16 MB 2 MP Series 40 Some markets[14]
Asha 203 27 Feb 2012 Single Touch and type EDGE, GPRS No[15] 2.4" 16 MB 2 MP Series 40 Some markets
Asha 205 25 Nov 2012 Single and dual QWERTY DTM (MSC 12),
EDGE, GPRS 		No[16] 2.4" 16 MB 0.3 MP Series 40 Nokia Asha 200 (dual SIM version)

Nokia Asha 201 (single SIM version)[17]

Asha 210 24 Apr 2013 Single and dual QWERTY DTM (MSC 12),
EDGE, GPRS 		Yes 2.4" 32 MB 2 MP Series 40 Yes
Asha 230 24 Feb 2014 Single and dual Capacitive touchscreen EDGE, GPRS No 2.8" 64 MB 1.3 MP Nokia Asha platform
Asha 300 26 Oct 2011 Touch and type HSDPA Cat9 (10.2 Mbit/s)
HSUPA Cat5 (2.0 Mbit/s) 		No 2.4" 128 MB 5 MP Series 40 Nokia C3-01
Asha 302 27 Feb 2012 QWERTY HSDPA Cat10 (14.4 Mbit/s)
HSUPA Cat6 (5.76 Mbit/s)		 Yes 2.4" 128 MB 3.2 MP Series 40 Nokia C3-00
Asha 303 26 Oct 2011 QWERTY / Touch and type HSDPA Cat10 (14.4 Mbit/s)
HSUPA Cat6 (5.76 Mbit/s) 		Yes 2.6" 128 MB 3.2 MP Series 40 Yes Nokia X3-02
Asha 305 6 Jun 2012 Dual Resistive touch screen EDGE, GPRS No 3.0" 32 MB 2 MP Series 40 Yes
Asha 306 6 Jun 2012 Resistive touch screen EDGE, GPRS Yes 3.0" 32 MB 2 MP Series 40 Yes
Asha 308 25 Sep 2012 Dual Capacitive touch screen EDGE, GPRS No 3.0" 64 MB 2 MP Series 40 Yes Nokia Asha 305
Asha 309 25 Sep 2012 Capacitive touch screen EDGE, GPRS Yes 3.0" 64 MB 2 MP Series 40 Yes Nokia Asha 306
Asha 310 13 Feb 2013 Dual Capacitive touch screen EDGE, GPRS Yes 3.0" 64 MB 2 MP Series 40 Yes
Asha 311 6 Jun 2012 Capacitive touch screen w/ Gorilla Glass HSDPA Cat10 (14.4 Mbit/s)
HSUPA Cat6 (5.76 Mbit/s) 		Yes 3.0" 128 MB 3.2 MP Series 40 Yes Nokia 5250[18]
Asha 500 22 Oct 2013 Single and dual Capacitive touch screen GPRS, EDGE Yes 2.8" 64 MB 2 MP Nokia Asha platform
Asha 501 9 May 2013[19] Single and dual Capacitive multi-point touch display EDGE, GPRS Yes 3.0" 64 MB 3.2 MP Nokia Asha platform Yes
Asha 502 22 Oct 2013 Dual Capacitive touch screen GPRS, EDGE Yes 3.0" 64 MB 5 MP
+LED flash
 Nokia Asha platform
Asha 503 22 Oct 2013 Single and dual Capacitive touch screen w/ Gorilla Glass 2[20] HSDPA Cat7 (7.2 Mbit/s)
HSUPA Cat6 (5.76 Mbit/s) 		Yes 3.0" 128 MB 5 MP
+LED flash
 Nokia Asha platform
Feature phones without the Asha name powered by S40

The Nokia 206, 207, 208, and 301 were not part of the Asha series as they do not carry the "Asha" branding, despite mistakenly being marketed as such by some carriers and retailers.

Model Date announced SIM config Input method Data bearers Wi-Fi Camera HERE maps Predecessor(s) or similar earlier models (if applicable)
Nokia 206 25 Nov 2012[21] Dual Keypad EDGE, GPRS 1.3 MP Yes
Nokia 207 3 Jul 2013 Keypad HSDPA Cat10 (14.4 Mbit/s)
HSUPA Cat6 (5.76 Mbit/s)		 Yes
Nokia 208 3 Jul 2013 Single and dual Keypad HSDPA Cat10 (14.4 Mbit/s)
HSUPA Cat6 (5.76 Mbit/s)		 1.3 MP Yes
Nokia 301 24 Feb 2013[22] Dual Keypad HSDPA Cat10 (14.4 Mbit/s)
HSUPA Cat6 (5.76 Mbit/s)		 3.15 MP Yes

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nokia Asha series

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Asha series was a discontinued line of affordable feature phones and entry-level touchscreen devices produced by , primarily targeted at users in emerging markets to provide basic , social connectivity, and entertainment on a budget. Announced on October 26, 2011, at Nokia World, the series debuted with four initial models—the Asha 200, 201, 300, and 303—all running the operating system and featuring colorful designs, keyboards or numeric keypads, and the Nokia Browser for up to 90% data compression to reduce costs on networks. The lineup expanded rapidly, adding models like the Asha 202, 203, and 302 in early 2012, which introduced dual-SIM support and music players, enhancing appeal in price-sensitive regions such as , , and . The series included touchscreen models from early on, such as the resistive-touch Asha 305 (2011), and evolved with full capacitive touchscreen options like the Nokia Asha 501 in 2013, Nokia's first full-touch on the enhanced Asha platform priced at around $99, which incorporated and a capacitive display while maintaining the lightweight platform to bridge the gap between basic phones and smartphones. These devices emphasized simplicity, long battery life (up to 48 days standby in some models, such as the Asha 501), and preloaded apps like Nokia Maps and MixRadio, contributing to strong sales in developing markets where they outsold Nokia's smartphones by a 7-to-1 ratio in mid-2012. Over the course of its run, the series sold more than 300 million units worldwide. The Asha series played a key role in Nokia's strategy to capture the "next billion" mobile users, with over 6.5 million units sold in the third quarter of 2012 alone (specifically full-touch models), helping sustain revenue from feature phones amid competition from Android devices. However, following Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's mobile division in 2014, the company announced the discontinuation of the Asha platform and on July 17, 2014, shifting focus exclusively to devices like the Lumia line, with production and support phasing out over the next 18 months. Despite its end, the Asha series remains notable for democratizing mobile in underserved areas and influencing subsequent budget phone designs.

Overview

Background and Development

In 2011, under the leadership of new CEO , Nokia underwent a significant strategic shift to address intensifying competition from Android and devices, which were eroding its dominance in the mobile phone market. Elop's internal "burning platform" memo highlighted the urgency of this crisis, emphasizing the need to prioritize emerging markets where billions of potential users remained untapped by smartphones. This pivot aimed to sustain Nokia's strong position in feature phones while adapting to the growing demand for internet connectivity in developing regions. The Asha series was formally announced by Elop at Nokia World on October 26, 2011, positioned as an innovative bridge between traditional basic feature phones and entry-level smartphones. This lineup was designed to connect the "next billion" users to the , particularly in areas where mobile devices would serve as the primary gateway to online services. The name "" derives from the word meaning "," a deliberate choice by to evoke optimism and accessibility for consumers in developing regions seeking affordable digital experiences. Initial development goals centered on creating low-cost devices that enhanced web browsing capabilities, integrated access, and supported basic app functionality, all built on the established platform, to help retain Nokia's vast user base amid the transition.

Target Market and Positioning

The Nokia Asha series was primarily targeted at price-sensitive consumers in emerging markets, including , , , and , where full s remained unaffordable for the majority of mobile users. These regions featured large populations of first-time mobile users seeking basic connectivity without the high costs associated with advanced devices, allowing to address a demographic underserved by premium smartphone offerings. Positioned as affordable "smarter feature phones," the lineup was priced between 60 and 115 euros, providing smartphone-like experiences such as cloud-accelerated web browsing and access to social networking apps while avoiding the complexity and expense of a full operating system. This strategy blurred the lines between traditional feature phones and entry-level smartphones, delivering enhanced functionality like app integration and improved tailored for users transitioning from basic handsets. Nokia differentiated the Asha series from competitors like Samsung's low-end models by capitalizing on its established brand reputation for device durability and extended battery life, which appealed particularly to novice users in rugged, resource-limited environments. The series' robust build and multi-day battery performance provided a reliable edge in markets where power access was inconsistent, fostering trust among consumers prioritizing longevity over cutting-edge features. The overarching goal for the Asha series was to connect the next billion potential mobile users in emerging markets by facilitating their access to digital services, thereby expanding mobile internet adoption in developing regions. This ambition aligned with Nokia's broader vision of connecting underserved populations through accessible, value-driven devices that supported essential online activities.

History

Launch and Initial Models

The Nokia Asha series was officially unveiled at Nokia World 2011 in on October 26, 2011, marking Nokia's strategic push into affordable feature phones for emerging markets. The launch introduced the lineup as an evolution of the platform, aiming to bridge the gap between basic feature phones and entry-level smartphones with enhanced social and connectivity features. The initial models announced were the Asha 200, Asha 201, Asha 300, and Asha 303, all scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2011. These devices emphasized physical keyboards for efficient messaging, dual-SIM capabilities in select variants, and support for popular applications like right from launch. Priced competitively, with the Asha 200 starting at approximately €60 before taxes and subsidies, they were designed to appeal to cost-conscious users seeking reliable performance without smartphone complexity. Early marketing campaigns positioned the Asha series as "aspirational" devices, highlighting their vibrant designs, long battery life, and seamless integration of social networking tools to empower young users in developing regions. promoted features like easy SIM swapping and cloud-accelerated browsing to underscore and value, targeting markets where affordability was paramount. Production ramped up significantly in , with the series achieving strong initial sales that exceeded expectations, particularly in where the Asha 200 emerged as a shortly after its launch at around ₹4,349. This helped to stabilize the company's segment. A notable development in was the integration of services, including for , calendar, and contacts synchronization, which became available via free downloads for models like the Asha 302 and Asha 303. This enhancement supported Exchange servers from 2003 to 2010 and Office 365, broadening the series' appeal for basic business use in emerging markets.

Evolution and Later Releases

In 2013, Nokia introduced full-touch models to the Asha series, beginning with the Asha 501, which featured a 3-inch capacitive and connectivity for enhanced in emerging markets. Announced on May 9, 2013, the device marked the debut of the refreshed Asha platform, offering a more intuitive interface with gesture-based navigation and support for over 100 third-party applications. Priced at $99 before taxes and subsidies, it targeted budget-conscious users in regions like , , the , , and , with availability starting in June 2013 through more than 60 operators in over 90 countries. The series continued to evolve in late 2013 and into 2014 with the release of the 500, 502, and 503 models, announced at Nokia World in on October 22, 2013, amid Nokia's impending acquisition by , which was finalized in April 2014. These devices emphasized affordability and versatility, incorporating dual-SIM support for multi-network usage and, in the case of the 503, connectivity to enable faster data speeds and video calling. The 500 started at $69, the 502 at $89, and the 503 at $99, with shipments beginning in Q4 2013 for the market and expanding globally in early 2014, including markets like and by March. The final model, the 230, was announced on February 14, 2014, featuring dual-SIM support and targeted at emerging markets. These releases under highlighted the series' focus on durable, colorful designs suited for high-volume sales in developing economies. The platform evolved specifically for touch-enabled devices through the Nokia Asha platform (version 1.0 and later updates), which provided a smartphone-like experience on low-end hardware by supporting fluid swipes, customizable home screens, and an app ecosystem that mimicked full OS capabilities without requiring heavy resources. This shift from the traditional Series 40 allowed for faster responsiveness, personalized "My Screen" layouts, and integration of popular apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and ESPN, fostering an open environment for developers to create lightweight, touch-optimized content. Updates such as Asha 1.2 and 1.4 further enhanced multitasking with features like Fastlane notifications and improved browser performance, enabling seamless app switching on devices with limited RAM. Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the Asha series on July 17, 2014, placing it in and ceasing new development to streamline operations and prioritize devices under the Lumia brand. This decision affected the broader lineup, including , as Microsoft refocused on higher-end smartphones to compete in the premium segment.

Software and Platform

Series 40 Foundation

The Nokia (S40) platform served as the foundational proprietary operating system for the majority of devices in the series, originally developed for feature phones and evolving from earlier iterations like S40v3 to support enhanced functionality in low-cost mobile devices. This OS provided a lightweight, efficient environment tailored for emerging markets, emphasizing basic telephony, messaging, and limited multimedia capabilities without the complexity of full operating systems. At its core, S40 enabled support for Java ME (Mobile Edition) applications, allowing users to run third-party software such as games and utilities downloaded via over-the-air methods or memory cards, which was a key differentiator for extending device utility beyond native features. Basic multitasking was introduced in later updates, permitting users to switch between tasks like browsing and messaging, though it remained constrained compared to more advanced platforms. In the context of the Asha series, S40 incorporated key enhancements to improve on resource-limited hardware, including the cloud-accelerated Nokia Xpress Browser, which compressed web data by up to 90% to enable faster page loading and reduced data costs, particularly beneficial for users on slow networks. Pre-installed applications focused on social connectivity, such as native clients for and , facilitated easy sharing and updates directly from the device interface, aligning with Asha's goal of affordable . These features were optimized for EDGE connectivity in early models, prioritizing battery efficiency and simplicity over high-speed data handling. Despite these advancements, S40 had notable limitations that defined its role as a platform rather than a OS. Initially, there was no dedicated full ; users relied on Java ME apps or limited downloads from Nokia's Ovi Store (later rebranded as Nokia Store), which expanded availability only in subsequent updates around 2012. Full multitasking was absent in core versions, restricting simultaneous app usage and leading to a single-task-oriented , though browser-specific switching mitigated some inconveniences. Connectivity was predominantly limited to in initial Asha releases, with support added selectively in later models, reflecting the platform's focus on cost-sensitive markets. For Asha devices, S40 offered customization through an enhanced user interface featuring colorful, downloadable themes that allowed personalization of icons, backgrounds, and animations, providing a vibrant and user-friendly aesthetic without requiring hardware changes. This theming capability, supported via .nth files, encouraged user engagement and differentiation across models. In 2013, S40 began transitioning toward the specialized for touch-optimized devices, building on its foundational elements.

Nokia Asha Platform Enhancements

The Nokia Asha platform was launched in 2013 as an evolution of the operating system, incorporating technologies acquired from Smarterphone to enable a more smartphone-like experience on low-cost devices. This platform introduced a full-touch optimized for capacitive screens, featuring swipe-based navigation through Fastlane, an interactive secondary that allows users to quickly access recent activities and notifications without interrupting the primary . Key innovations included enhanced multitasking capabilities via Fastlane, which tracks up to 50 recent app interactions for seamless switching and personalization. The platform maintained backward compatibility with existing applications, ensuring a vast library of software could run on touch-enabled models, while developers benefited from an open, standards-based environment for creating optimized touch apps. Access to the Nokia Store was expanded, offering over 130,000 downloadable items including thousands of apps such as , , and games from publishers like EA, tailored for the platform's responsive UI. For security, the Asha platform included PKI support for secure app distribution, helping maintain platform integrity without compromising the lightweight design. The enhancements were first implemented in devices like the Asha 501, providing a bridge to more intuitive touch interactions for budget-conscious consumers in over 90 countries.

Hardware Features

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia Asha series featured iconic colorful designs that emphasized personalization through interchangeable back covers, allowing users to swap panels in vibrant hues such as cyan, red, yellow, and green to match individual styles. This modular approach drew from Nokia's heritage of customizable feature phones, enabling easy access to the battery and SIM slots while enhancing aesthetic appeal without compromising functionality. Constructed primarily from polycarbonate plastic, the devices achieved a profile typically ranging from 85 to 105 grams, promoting portability for everyday use in diverse environments. This material choice contributed to their ruggedness, with reinforced corners designed to withstand bumps, drops, and the rigors of emerging markets during typical handling. The compact candybar form factor dominated the lineup, with select models incorporating keyboards to cater to messaging-intensive users seeking efficient text input. Battery design prioritized longevity, featuring removable Li-ion units with capacities between 1010 and 1430 mAh that delivered up to 1–2 months of standby time, far exceeding contemporary smartphones and aligning with the platform's power-efficient ethos. This emphasis on extended runtime over slim profiles ensured reliability for users in regions with limited charging access.

Displays and Input Methods

The Nokia Asha series featured compact displays primarily ranging from 2.4 to 3.0 inches in size, utilizing technology with a standard QVGA resolution of 240x320 pixels and support for up to 262,000 colors to ensure visibility in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight on select models like the Asha 303. These screens were designed for basic functionality in emerging markets, balancing affordability with readability for tasks such as messaging and web browsing, though they lacked advanced features like high-definition panels found in smartphones. Input methods evolved across the series to cater to diverse user preferences, beginning with traditional numeric and full keypads on early models like the Asha 200 and 201, which facilitated efficient text entry for messaging and social networking without requiring touch interaction. Later iterations introduced resistive touchscreens, as seen in the Asha 300's 2.4-inch display paired with a keypad for swipe-based , enhancing for users unfamiliar with full touch interfaces. By the Asha 501 and subsequent models, capacitive touchscreens became standard, supporting gestures such as pinch-to-zoom in applications like the gallery, marking a shift toward more intuitive smartphone-like interactions while retaining compatibility with the Asha platform. Hybrid input options bridged physical and touch elements in models like the 303, combining keypads with resistive touchscreens to provide tactile feedback alongside gesture support, which proved particularly useful for extended typing sessions in low-connectivity environments. This design choice emphasized usability for first-time phone users, allowing seamless transitions between keypad entry and touch swipes for menu navigation. To support users in target markets, including those with low , the series incorporated features such as large icons and simplified menu layouts for easier navigation, alongside voice guidance in select applications like the camera on the Asha 301 and 230 to assist with framing shots without reading instructions. These elements, optimized for the platform, prioritized straightforward input and display interactions to broaden adoption in developing regions.

Devices

200-Series Models

The Nokia Asha 200-series encompassed entry-level feature phones released from late 2011 to 2013, designed for affordability and targeted at young users in emerging markets with an emphasis on messaging, social networking, and basic entertainment. These devices operated on the platform, lacked GPS, and prioritized dual-SIM support in select variants to enable cost-effective multi-network usage, alongside FM radio and expandable storage for music and media. The Asha 200 and 201, announced in October 2011, with the Asha 200 released in December 2011 and the Asha 201 in February 2012, introduced the series with keyboards for efficient typing. The Asha 200 supported cards with easy swapping without powering down, a 2.4-inch QVGA TFT display (240x320 pixels), 2-megapixel camera, 32 MB RAM, 10 MB internal storage expandable via microSD up to 32 GB, 2.1, and a 1430 mAh removable battery offering up to 23 days standby (). Priced at around €40 excluding taxes, it focused on music playback and social apps like and . The Asha 201 was its single-SIM counterpart with identical core specs but highlighted eco-friendly construction using recycled plastics and bio-based materials. Building on this foundation, the 202 and 203, announced in February 2012 and released in June 2012, incorporating a on the 2.4-inch QVGA display for gesture-based navigation while retaining physical keypads. Shared features included a 2 MP camera, 16 MB RAM, 10 MB storage with microSD up to 32 GB, 2.1 with Slam for wireless sharing, FM radio, and a 1020 mAh battery providing up to 17 days standby (). The Asha 202 added integration for real-time messaging, whereas the single-SIM Asha 203 emphasized similar social connectivity at a lower cost, both weighing under 100 grams for portability. The series concluded with the Asha 205 and 210 in late 2012 and early 2013, refining input methods and social tools for enhanced user engagement. The Asha 205 featured an alphanumeric keypad with a dedicated button for one-touch access, a 2.4-inch QVGA display, VGA (0.3 MP) camera, 64 MB storage, microSD up to 32 GB, EDGE connectivity, and a mAh battery; its dual-SIM variant supported quick SIM swaps and was priced at about $35 for broad accessibility in youth markets. The Asha 210 shifted to a full layout, included a 2 MP camera, 32 MB RAM, 64 MB storage, WhatsApp pre-installation, 2.1, and a 1200 mAh battery, with dual-SIM capability and compact dimensions (111.5 x 60 x 11.8 mm, 97 g) to facilitate messaging and media sharing. Across the lineup, these models shared traits like 65K-color TFT screens, //eAAC+ audio support, MP4/ playback, and Java-based apps for customization, positioning them as reliable tools for basic communication without advanced hardware like or in base variants.

300-Series Models

The 300-series represented the mid-range segment of the Asha lineup, introduced between late 2011 and 2013, emphasizing enhanced productivity tools such as improved integration and faster processing for users in emerging markets. These models bridged basic feature phones and entry-level smartphones, offering features like keyboards and connectivity to support business-oriented tasks, including calendar synchronization via apps like Mail for Exchange on select variants. The initial models, Asha 300, 302, and 303, focused on keyboard-centric designs for efficient typing. The Asha 300, announced in October 2011, featured a 2.4-inch resistive touchscreen with a numeric keypad, a 1 GHz processor, 128 MB RAM, and 140 MB internal storage expandable via microSD up to 32 GB; it included a 5 MP camera and supported 3G HSDPA for basic email access. The Asha 302, announced in February 2012 and released in March 2012, upgraded to a full QWERTY keyboard on a 2.4-inch TFT display, with 128 MB RAM, 100 MB storage, and a 3.15 MP camera, while adding Wi-Fi for better connectivity. Similarly, the Asha 303, launched in December 2011, combined a 2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen with QWERTY input, a 1 GHz processor, 128 MB RAM, 170 MB storage, and 3.15 MP rear camera, enabling push email and calendar sync through Exchange ActiveSync on compatible servers. Subsequent releases in the Asha 305 through 311 range shifted toward touch interfaces with added capabilities and enhancements. The Asha 305 and 306, both announced in June 2012, introduced 3.0-inch resistive , 32 MB RAM, 10 MB storage (expandable to 32 GB), and 2 MP cameras, with the 306 adding HSPA+ support for faster data speeds. The Asha 308 and 309, from September 2012, refined this with 64 MB RAM, 20 MB storage, scratch-resistant glass, and 2 MP cameras, including on the 309 model. The Asha 310, announced in February 2013, offered dual-SIM support alongside a 3.0-inch TFT display, 60 MB RAM, 20 MB storage, and 2 MP camera with HSPA+. Topping this group, the Asha 311 from June 2012 provided a 3.0-inch capacitive protected by Corning , 128 MB RAM, 140 MB storage, , and a 3.15 MP camera for improved imaging in higher-end configurations. These models' unique selling points centered on business productivity, such as calendar and contact synchronization via in QWERTY variants, alongside affordable and for and social apps, targeting urban professionals in developing regions seeking reliable, cost-effective devices under $100. The series was discontinued in 2014 as Nokia shifted focus to Android-based devices.

500-Series Models

The Asha 500, 501, 502, 503, and 230 models marked a transition to full capacitive s and the Asha platform (an evolution of ), released from 2013 to 2014. The 500, announced in October 2013, featured a 2.8-inch TFT display, 64 MB RAM, 128 MB storage (expandable to 32 GB), and a 2 MP camera. The 501, from May 2013, upgraded to a 3.0-inch screen, 64 MB RAM, 128 MB storage, and 3.15 MP camera, emphasizing single- and dual-SIM variants. The 502 and 503, both October 2013 releases, adopted 3.0-inch displays with 5 MP cameras and Corning ; the 503 included a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and 128 MB RAM for smoother multitasking, alongside HSPA+ and microSD support up to 32 GB. The final model, the 230, released in February 2014, featured a 2.8-inch , dual-SIM support, and the platform 1.1.1, with a 1.2 MP camera and up to 33 days standby.

Reception and Legacy

Market Success and Impact

The Nokia Asha series experienced notable commercial success, particularly in the feature phone segment of emerging markets, where it helped the company ship tens of millions of units annually during its peak years from 2011 to 2013. For instance, Nokia reported shipping 9.3 million Asha full touch devices in the fourth quarter of alone, contributing to overall mobile phone volumes of 79.6 million units for that period. In India, Nokia maintained leadership in the overall mobile handset market with a 21.8% share in , largely driven by affordable models like those in the Asha lineup amid a total market of 221 million units shipped that year. The series played a key role in promoting digital inclusion in developing regions by offering low-cost access to basic internet browsing, social networking, and messaging apps on the platform. Emerging markets accounted for more than 70% of Nokia's handset revenues in late 2012, with devices facilitating broader adoption of mobile services such as web access and simple applications in areas with limited infrastructure for full smartphones. This affordability helped bridge the gap for price-sensitive consumers, enabling entry-level digital engagement without the higher costs associated with advanced devices. Critically, the Asha series received praise for delivering strong value in the budget category, exemplified by the Asha 501, which was lauded in reviews as an accessible option for users overwhelmed by more complex Android interfaces while providing essential features like internet connectivity at under $100. However, it faced criticism for its limitations, including restricted app ecosystems and processing power that fell short of true capabilities, positioning it as a transitional product rather than a competitive alternative in the evolving mobile landscape. From an economic standpoint, the Asha series bolstered Nokia's feature phone business during a challenging transition to smartphones, with the broader Devices & Services segment—including Mobile Phones like —generating net sales of €15,152 million in 2012 and €10,735 million in 2013, providing vital revenue streams exceeding $10 billion cumulatively amid declining smartphone market share. This performance underscored Asha's role in sustaining profitability in volume-driven segments before the 2014 divestiture to .

Discontinuation and Influence

In July 2014, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the Nokia Asha platform and related feature phones, opting instead to concentrate its mobile efforts on the Windows Phone ecosystem, particularly the Lumia lineup. This decision came shortly after Microsoft completed its acquisition of Nokia's Devices and Services division on April 25, 2014, marking a strategic pivot away from the Series 40-based Asha devices toward full smartphones. The phase-out process extended support for existing Asha models over the following 18 months but effectively ended new development and production. On January 11, 2018, the Asha trademark was transferred to HMD Global, the company licensed to produce Nokia-branded devices, raising initial speculation about a potential revival of the low-cost feature phone line. However, HMD did not release any new Asha-branded products, allowing the trademark to lapse by 2022 without renewal. In 2025, HMD Global launched the HMD Touch 4G, a 4G touchscreen feature phone inspired by the Asha series' design and targeting budget users in emerging markets, though not branded as Asha due to the lapsed trademark. Elements of the Asha design philosophy persisted in HMD's lineup of basic Android Go Edition devices, such as the Nokia 1 series, which targeted emerging markets with affordable, simplified interfaces and hardware akin to the Asha touch models. The Asha series influenced the broader mobile industry by prompting competitors to develop their own low-cost touch-enabled feature phones, as seen in Samsung's 2013 launch of a "smart featurephone" range directly positioned against in budget segments. Nokia's principles from Asha, including gesture-based navigation and icon layouts, were incorporated into the short-lived Nokia X series announced in February 2014, which blended Android underpinnings with Asha-inspired elements for a hybrid experience. By 2025 standards, the Asha platform appears outdated, lacking modern connectivity like or advanced app ecosystems, yet its legacy endures in efforts to bridge the in regions with limited . Asha devices facilitated basic and for first-time users in offline or underserved areas, a role that continues to inform affordable mobile strategies globally.

References

  1. https://www.theverge.com/2011/10/26/2516936/nokia-asha-200-201-300-303
  2. https://techcrunch.com/2011/10/26/nokia-aims-to-connect-the-next-billion-people-with-budget-friendly-asha-series/
  3. https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-26-nokia-unveils-asha-series-200-201-300-303.html
  4. https://thenextweb.com/news/nokia-introduces-asha-a-new-line-of-aspirational-phones-for-emerging-markets
  5. https://www.phonearena.com/news/Nokia-Asha-family-updated-with-Nokia-Asha-202-Asha-203-and-advanced-Asha-302_id27374
  6. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/nokia-adds-three-devices-to-its-asha-family-the-202-203-and-302/
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