Nokia Asha 501 Set For Summer UK Release: Nokia’s Budget Smartphone Targeting Emerging Markets Starts At $99

The Nokia Asha 501, part of Nokia's budget line of phones, has been revealed. The new Nokia Asha targets emerging markets like India and Latin America. It is expected to land in the UK in the third quarter of 2013, according to CNET. Nokia noted that if it did ship the low-cost phone to America, it wouldn't be for a while.

The Nokia Asha 501 has low-resolution capacitive touch screen and uses 2G data networks. Still, it is extremely cheap, at $99, and is flashy, with a vibrant plastic design.

The Nokia Asha's design is similar to that of the Lumia 520, with a polycarbonate backing. The back panel consists of a single sheet. Having only one seam around the phone's screen, according to CNET, makes the budget-phone seem very solid and strong.

The Asha 501 is available in several colors, and it's pointed back gives it a toy-like feel.

The small size of the phone is in stark contrast to some of the 'phablets' that other companies have been putting out. The Nokia Asha fits comfortably into anyone's hand, and doesn't require any uncomfortable stretching.

The display features a 320x240 pixel resolution.

Information can be stored on the 4GB SD card, which can be exchanged for a larger one. Nokia hasn't yet revealed what processor is included in the package.

The Asha runs on Nokia's 'Asha' software, and not the Windows Phone 8 software featured on Nokia's Lumia line. The Asha software is basic, but has a few quality features.

The lock screen displays notifications, which can be swiped away to ignore or tapped to view. When the phone is unlocked, the app icons appear in a grid. Recently opened apps appear on a list on either side of the main app screen.

Unfortunately, the Nokia Asha doesn't have a wide variety of apps, although Facebook, Twitter, and the essential time-waster 'Plants Vs. Zombies' are available.

It makes sense that apps that use a lot of data aren't available, since the Asha 501 only uses a 2G network. Nokia has explained that 2G networks are the norm in developing countries like India - the target market for the 501.

Nokia said the Asha 501 is the first of a new line of smartphones that "pushes the boundaries of affordable smartphone design with bold color, a high-quality build and an innovative user interface."

This addition to the Nokia lineup is meant to boost sales, after Nokia sold 11 million fewer mobile phones in the first quarter than analysts projected, according to Bloomberg.

The Nokia Asha 501 will be available in the UK over the summer.