Nokia is all set to launch its Lumia series of Windows Phone 7.5 smartphones in India tomorrow.
This will probably one of those rare instances when India will be part
of a half-a-dozen countries that will get a high-profile smartphone
while others will have to wait for at least a couple of months. We are
not sure whether Nokia will launch both the Lumia 800 and 710 right now.
Both Microsoft and Nokia are expected to launch a massive marketing
campaign to ensure its success. Nokia has bet the company on the table
for Windows Phone and its performance in India will be a key indicator
whether the company is headed in the right direction. Nokia’s success
will define whether Microsoft still has a role to play in the smartphone
space.According to Nokia’s global announcement last month, the Lumia 710 should be priced slightly below Rs 20,000 and the Lumia 800 at slightly under Rs 30,000. The Lumia 800, in particular, has received pretty good reviews globally. However, with the momentum Android has at the moment in India, it is yet to be seen if consumers get excited by Windows Phone 7.5. (Related: Windows Phone 7.5 review.)