Nokia goes after emerging markets with $99 Asha handsets

Nokia's Asha 308.

(Credit: Nokia)

Nokia today unveiled two new Asha handsets in a concerted effort to appeal to customers in emerging markets.

Dubbed the Asha 308 and the Asha 309, the devices come with 3-inch touchscreens and 2-megapixel rear cameras. Unlike the company's Lumia line, the handsets aren't running Windows Phone. Instead, they run Nokia's Series 40 operating system, which it offers to consumers in emerging markets that are looking to invest more heavily in mobile products.

The Asha 308 and Asha 309 are nearly identical. However, the Asha 308 comes with built-in dual SIM, allowing owners to switch between up to five cards. The Asha 309 comes with a single SIM.

Nokia's Asha line has helped the company attract a loyal following in emerging markets all over the world. Earlier this year, Nokia announced that it had sold its 1.5 billionth Series 40 phone. The device, an Asha 303, was purchased in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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