Nokia has announced that they have now sold 1.5 billion of their Series 40 mobile phones around the world, and the 1.5 billionth handset was purchased by Mayara Rodrigues, a 21-year-old from Sao Paulo in Brazil. The device was a Nokia Asha 303 touchscreen mobile with a QWERTY keypad.
Nokia sold its first Series 40 mobile phone back in 1999. The handset was a Nokia 7110, and it took the company 13 years to sell 1.5 billion Series 40 mobile phones.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone. Having 1.5 billion Series 40 devices sold is a hard-to-reach mark, let alone one attainable in a single line of products. At a time when we are maintaining our commitment to connecting the next billion customers around the world – it is gratifying to consider how Series 40 devices have made mobile technology accessible and help continue to change people’s lives for the better.”
The Evolution of Series 40 Mobile Phones
Nokia’s Series 40 mobile phones have come a long way since the original one which launched back in 1999. The Nokia 7110 was a revolutionary device at the time, featuring a monochrome display and a unique Navi roller for navigation. It was one of the first phones to offer WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) browsing, which was a significant step towards mobile internet access.
Over the years, the Series 40 platform evolved to include color screens, polyphonic ringtones, and even basic camera functionality. By the mid-2000s, Series 40 phones were equipped with features like Bluetooth, FM radio, and expandable memory, making them highly versatile devices for their time.
The introduction of the Nokia Asha series marked a significant upgrade in the Series 40 lineup. These phones featured touchscreen interfaces, QWERTY keypads, and access to a wide range of apps through the Nokia Store. The Asha 303, for instance, combined a 2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen with a physical keyboard, offering a blend of modern and traditional input methods.
Impact on Global Connectivity
The success of Nokia’s Series 40 phones cannot be overstated. These devices played a crucial role in making mobile technology accessible to millions of people around the world, particularly in emerging markets. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Brazil, Series 40 phones were often the first mobile devices that people owned, providing them with essential communication tools and internet access.
For many, these phones were more than just communication devices; they were gateways to new opportunities. Farmers could check weather forecasts, students could access educational resources, and small business owners could manage their operations more efficiently. The affordability and reliability of Series 40 phones made them indispensable tools for improving quality of life.
Nokia’s commitment to connecting the next billion customers is evident in their continued innovation and adaptation to changing market needs. The Series 40 platform laid the groundwork for future advancements in mobile technology, influencing the design and functionality of subsequent Nokia devices and even other brands.
Nokia’s achievement of selling 1.5 billion Series 40 phones is a testament to the enduring appeal and utility of these devices. As mobile technology continues to evolve, the legacy of the Series 40 platform will remain a significant chapter in the history of global connectivity.
Source Nokia
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