Microsoft’s Devices and Services Group, previously called Nokia, have announced the second-generation Nokia X2, an improvement on the original Android phone and a confirmation that Microsoft will continue to work on Android.
Nobody knows exactly why Microsoft is continuing to adopt Android, instead of working fully on Windows Phone. Perhaps the re-designed version of Android will tempt low-end users to Windows Phone afterwards, although the conversion rate is low.
The Nokia X2 brings some new software features, a glossy design, small changes to the internals and the same extremely cheap price. Microsoft obviously sees some promise in the Android device, to have the second made before Nokia X1’s first birthday.
The Nokia X2 comes with a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon 200 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage with 32GB SD expansion slot. Nokia has added a 4.3-inch WVGA “ClearBlack” display, 5MP rear camera and 1800mAh non-removable battery.
Nokia has added a few Microsoft apps to the device, including Skype, Outlook.com, OneDrive, HERE Maps, and MixRadio. The newest version of the Nokia Store can incorporate third party applications from the Google Play Store, similar to the Kindle Store.
The Nokia X2 will come in a variety of colours, including orange, yellow, green, grey, black and white. All will come with a glossy back and look quite hefty, compared to some of Nokia’s other Lumia devices.
Nokia X2 will be available in some European countries at launch for €99 (£79) and we expect it to be available in India, China and other Asian countries in the coming months. No word on a US release, considering it is a very low-end smartphone we doubt it will make its way to the US.
