Nokia is launching its Lumia line of smartphones in China to turn the tide in its favour in the world’s largest mobile market.
The Finnish phone maker launched Lumia 800C, which will run on Microsoft Windows Phone operating system and will be supported by mobile carrier China Telecom.
The Lumia 800C will go on sale in early April for 3,599 yuan ($570).
The company has been ailing for an year now, following intense competition from Apple’s iPhone, Samsung and other rivals. Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said, "China is critically important for Nokia."
Nokia’s executive vice president for global sales Colin Giles was quoted by the Associatesd Press as saying that the company has been demonstrating innovation and some leadership as well.
"We are changing and transforming ourselves as we go," said Giles.
Elop said Nokia and China Telecom are planning to release a lower-priced model, the 610C, aimed at other budget users.
He added the Lumia 900C and the 710C would also be brought to China soon.
