Nokia's 1280 'is more innovative than is first perceived'

Tuesday, February 2nd 2010

The Nokia 1280 may be basic when compared to current smartphones on the market but one author has revealed that its price makes it a truly innovative handset.

Innovation in the mobile phone sector does not necessarily mean cutting-edge smartphones, a claim on Nokia Conversations has suggested.

Nokia often puts a twist on innovation which can be found in even its most basic handsets, author JCB stated.

They take the example of the Nokia 1280, which is 15.3 mm thick and with a black and white screen. While these appear to be basic features of a handset compared to the recent smartphones, the Nokia 1280 has a speaking alarm clock and multiple phonebooks for five users.

It also has a flashlight and FM radio. However, JCB then comments on the price of this handset - around €20 - (£17.50). If shared across five users, this means a handset costs a little over €4 each.

"This is by far, the cheapest mobile device you'll find on the planet. That Nokia can put a device into someone's hand for a little over (£3) and still make a profit, is utterly outstanding. Worthy of an innovation tag? I think so," JCB said.

But while JCB said this cheap handset is innovative in that it helps less-connected and poorer communities, chief executive officer of Nokia Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo recently said the majority of people use their handset as their first port of call for the internet.

Smartphones were deemed as key to the accessibility of the internet, which could call into question how innovative Nokia's 1280 is for those who want to take a step closer in connecting to the web.