Nokia 222 feature phones bring web connectivity to the masses

The long rectangular design, hard buttons that take up half the device, and a small screen are reminiscent of much older mobile phones but both new Nokia 222 variants have some nice features. Meet the Nokia 222 and Dual SIM version feature phones that are heading for a September release.

So, what do you get other than the spectacular battery life?

A little exception is that the latter supports dual-SIM functionality. The handset runs Nokia’s Series 30+ firmware. Both models are fairly basic phones, with just 16MB of RAM, a microSD card with support for up to 32GB of removable storage, a fixed-focus camera that can shoot 2MP pictures or capture QVGA videos at 15 frames per second, and support for GSM 900/1800 MHz networks with top speeds of up to 236.8 kpbs.

On the back, the phones pack 2-megapixel cameras and they are powered by 1,100 mAh batteries. The handsets have a built-in MP3 player and FM radio with enough juice for up to 45 hours of radio and 50 hours of MP3 playback. The two devices – the Nokia 222 and Nokia 222 Dual SIM – have a design that’s reminiscent of earlier pre-smartphone touchscreen models.

Connectivity options incorporate GPRS, Bluetooth v3.0, Micro-USB, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Microsoft promises 29 days of standby time for Nokia 222 and 21 days for the dual SIM variant with both providing up to 20 hours of talk time.

Microsoft Nokia 222 and Nokia 222 Dual SIM specifications: With a candy-bar form factor, both these handsets have dimensions of116x50x12.9mm and weighs just 79 grams. Are you hoping that the Nokia 222 or its dual SIM version goes on sale where you are?

The Nokia 222 is the successor to the Nokia 220, which was launched a year ago. Such an inclusion will once again be very welcome in emerging markets where electricity can turn off without notice.

The phones come in black or glossy white and “will be available globally in select markets starting rollout in September priced at $37 United States dollars before local taxes and subsidies”.