Smartphones usage growing rapidly in Nigeria – Nokia

[Mirror]

Nokia has said that the adoption of smartphones is growing rapidly in Nigeria, saying the growth is being driven largely by the affordable smartphone segment.

Managing Director for Nokia West and Central Africa, Nick Imudia, made the observation at the launch of Nokia's new Windows Phone 8 powered Lumia 520 and Lumia 720 smartphones in Lagos recently.

He said for their affordability, the newly-launched devices will also help in accelerating access to smartphones which help in driving internet access by Nigerians.

According to him, "Consumers across Nigeria can now get their hands on Nokia's new Windows Phone 8 powered Lumia 520 and Lumia 720."

A blend of premium style and innovation for a socially active crowd, the Nokia Lumia 720 features a high end camera experience, while the Nokia Lumia 520 is the most affordable Nokia Lumia to date, bringing a fun and colourful experience to new consumers.

The new Nokia Lumia smartphones, launched in partnership with Airtel Nigeria and Microsoft Nigeria, come with a free 500 Megabytes (MB) data plan for the fi rst 6 months on the Airtel network when customers recharge with N1,000.

Both devices offer many of the same digital camera lenses as the fl agship Lumia 920, as well as maps and navigation from HERE, and super sensitive touchscreens for a highly immersive smartphone experience.

Nokia and Microsoft continue to build the Windows Phone ecosystem and, available exclusively for these two smartphones, is the "Apps 4Afrika" collection within the Apps Highlight in the Windows Phone Store, bringing even more locally relevant content. Consumers can also enjoy the best local apps such as Jandus Radio, Soundcity and Konga.

Also speaking on the devices, Country Manager Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeje, said, "Microsoft is confi dent that the Lumia range from Nokia, including the Lumia 520 and 720 being unveiled today, provide excellent value for African consumers and will support both companies' ambitious growth plans for the continent."

He said, "We recently made a commitment through the 4Afrika Initiative to deliver tens of millions of smart devices into the hands of Africans in the coming years, and every new Windows Phone that becomes available further enables us to deliver on that commitment."

Combining exclusive Carl Zeiss optics with Nokia's largest f1.9 aperture, the Nokia Lumia 720 delivers sharp, clear pictures every time, day or night among other exciting features.

Its HD-quality 1.3 megapixel wide angle lens brings Nokia's best front facing camera performance, and is perfect for taking group portraits with friends or making video calls with Skype.

With powerful hardware and Nokia digital camera lenses including Cinemagraph, Smart Shoot and Glam Me, the Nokia Lumia 720 makes it easy to capture and share stunning pictures. An optional wireless charging shell delivers further innovation

The 8GB mass memory and expandable 64GB memory slot of both the Lumia 520 and 720 allow users to store even more content created and collected.

Airtel Nigeria's Chief Operating Offi cer, Mr. Deepak Srivastava, said Airtel is delighted to partner with Nokia, in delivering cutting-edge technology solutions. t to delight our customers."

National Mirror