Nokia Unveils New Clamshells

Nokia today launched five new phones in new form-factors for Australia, which include three clamshell phones and two of their more traditional ‘candybar’ shapes.

The top-of-the-range ‘hero’ phone is the Nokia 6131, which boasts a 2.2″ display with 16.7 million colours, 1.3 MP camera, MP3 player and Bluetooth.

The phones include: the 3G-enabled business 6233, which includes a Wireless Presenter function for controlling Power Point presentations; the entry-level Bluetooth 6103, with Push-To-Talk; and the 6125, with a 1.3 MP camera and MP3/WMA support.

The last phone on the list is the ‘candybar’ 6070, with ‘basic camera phone capabilities’ stereo FM, and MP3 ringtones.

“One of our strengths is in our form-factors, especially with the new range. We had a lot of success with our ‘candybar monoblock’ phones, such as the 6070, and we feel this range build on our core strengths”, said Shaun Colligan, general manager of Nokia Australia.

Colligan said he welcomed competition from Motorola and Sony Ericsson with their slim form-factor candybars, and added that “it’s about what we do for our customers that makes a difference”.

Nokia currently has over 40 models in Australia and the new phones are part of their ‘classic’ range, which is the next step up from their pre-paid selection.

The phones will be released in Q2 2006, with retail prices ranging between $200 and $500.

Nokia 6131