Nokia X, X+, XL Android Smartphones to be Launched in the Philippines on March 11, 2014

It looks like the Philippines will be one of the first countries to get Nokia's new entry-level Android smartphones. And why not? I believe our country remains to be one of the most lucrative markets for handsets in the whole of Asia Pacific. I think Nokia would really do well in continuing to prioritize the Philippines in its upcoming releases.

Earlier today, I received a formal invitation from Nokia Philippines' PR agency for the media launch of the Finnish company's "new devices" on March 11, 2014 -- that's Tuesday next week. There was no mention of the exact models to be announced during the event but based on the graphic, which we also saw at Mobile World Congress 2014 where Nokia introduced its X-Series handsets, I think it's almost certain that we're getting the same devices.

Nokia X Philippines, Nokia X+ Philippines, Nokia XL Philippines

As I've shared in a previous post, looking at the design of the three X-Series phones and studying their technical specifications, it is clear that Nokia made them specifically for emerging markets -- just like what the Asha line was for. In fact, both the look of the handsets and their user interface are reminiscent of that of Nokia's entry level range. You get the same shells in vibrant hues plus Fastlane, which has been one of the defining interface features of Asha devices.

But what's cool about the X-line is that you get similar tiles as that of the Lumia range, which are also resizable; The bigger the tile, the more information you'll get. On top of that, users will also enjoy key high-end services both from Nokia, including HERE Maps and Nokia MixRadio, and from Microsoft like Skype and OneDrive. So I guess we can say that this new series of handsets from the company combines key elements from all other Nokia lines - and more - all in one package.

Nokia X Philippines, Nokia X+ Philippines, Nokia XL Philippines

To be priced at only 89 Euros in other territories upon launch, Nokia X is the most affordable model of the bunch. Flaunting a 4-inch WVGA IPS display, the handset runs the Android-based Nokia X Software Platform with its 1 GHz Dual Core Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC, handles multitasking with 512 MB of RAM, and has 4GB of internal storage that can be expanded via microSD card slot supporting up to 32 GB. Users will also get a 3 MegaPixel fixed focus camera and a 1,500 mAh battery pack delivering 13.3 Hours of Talk Time or up to 28.5 Days of Standby Time.

Although running an operating system that's based on Android, Dual SIM Dual Standby Nokia X and its siblings won't give users access to Google services including Play Store. Nonetheless, you can still download apps from the Nokia Store and third party application stores like Yandex or you may also try sideloading.

Nokia X+, on the other hand, looks exactly like Nokia X and has almost the same technical specifications except for its RAM. Whereas, you get 512 MB with the latter, X+ comes with 728 MB for more efficient multitasking. With price tag of 99 Euros or around Php 6,000, Nokia X+ is expected to become available in select territories around world - including the Philippines, hopefully - within Q2 2014.

Lastly, Nokia XL has all the specs of Nokia X+ but has a larger display and a larger battery pack.Sporting a 5-inch WVGA IPS LCD and a 2,000 mAh battery pack giving 16 Hours of Talk Time and up to a whopping 41 Days of Standby Time, Nokia XL will also be available by Q2 2014 with SRP of 109 Euros in other key markets -- that's more or less Php 6,680 with current conversion and before taxes.

TP Friends, you all know how much I love and support Nokia. Nokia has supported TP since the day this blog was born and that's something that I will never forget. I will definitely grace the company's invite for the Philippine launch of the X-series phones on the 11th and you can expect me to post live and real-time updates from the event on that day.