Nokia launches C3, C6 & E5 messaging & social networking handsets [updated]
Nokia are announcing 3 new handsets at a global virtual event this morning - the C3, C6 and E5. All three come with full QWERTY keyboards and are focused on messaging and social networking applications with software add-ons to support these features. Using the recently-revised naming system, the ‘C’ range is consumer-focused with the ‘E’ range business-focused, but the devices have more in common than the naming suggests.
The C3 and E5 follow in the footsteps of the popular E71 form-factor whilst the C6 is a touch-screen slider with a full QWERTY keyboard hidden behind the screen. The C3 is the first full QWERTY keyboard device from Nokia running the Series 40 platform used for ‘feature phones’. The C6 and E5 both run the S60 ’smartphone’ platform (in it’s ‘touch’ and ‘non-touch’ variants respectively) and so ship with the (now free) Ovi Maps 3 in addition to the messaging features.
Need To Know
- The time between announcement and launch is being reduced - it’s 3 months (Q2) for the C-series devices and 6 months (Q3) for the E5.
- The C3 and C5 add additional options to Nokia’s range. The E5 is better specified than the E63, but replaces it. The E72 will continue to ship.
- This announcement will also signal the graduation of Nokia Messaging for Social Networks from the beta labs to shipping devices.
- These additions provide QWERTY options across the entire range now - basic feature phones (C3) to high end ‘mobile computers’ (N900).
- This doesn’t introduce the anticipated Symbian^3 platform, but there are more devices planned for launch later in the year.
- The introduction of Series 40 into the ‘consumer’ C-series will be a continuing theme as devices are ranged by letter (target customer) and number (capability, where higher is more capable). The existing 4-digit numbering for some ranges will be phased out.
C3
- €90 before tax or subsidy.
- Ships with Ovi Chat, Ovi Mail and new social networking features.
- WiFi with ‘browser-less’ hotspot authentication.
- Includes Opera Mini.
- 2MP camera
- 320 x 240 pixel display (same resolution as E71)
- 55MB internal memory and up-to 8GB external memory via a microSD card
- FM Radio and 3.5mm headphone socket
- 1320mAh battery (same as 5800) giving 20 days standby.
- 63.2cc and 114g (slightly smaller and lighter than an E71).
- Full specifications sheet (pdf) and video.
C6
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