Nokia unveils three 'classic' handsets

New classics from Nokia offer sleek design at affordable prices

Nokia has unveiled a trio of entry-level handsets harking back to the design format seen in some of its most successful earlier models.

Available from the second quarter of 2009, the three 'classic' handsets are the 6700, 6303 and 2700. Despite the low cost of some of the models, Nokia said that they combine the functionality and user experience buyers are looking for with premium designs and materials.

The Nokia 6700 classic "shares the same basic DNA" as one of its most successful predecessors, the Nokia 6300, according to Nokia senior vice president Søren Petersen.

With quad-band GSM, HSDPA for data access, GPS navigation with Nokia Maps and a 5-megapixel camera, the 6700 has a specification that bears comparison with many high-end smartphones. It features a polished metallic finish, and will sell for an estimated €235 (£215).

At a lower price point is the Nokia 6303 classic, a tri-band phone with GPRS/Edge for data access. It also ships with Nokia Maps, but needs an external GPS receiver for navigation. It has a 3.2-megapixel camera, weighs 96g and is expected to cost €135 (£124).

Branded as one of the firm's most affordable handsets, the Nokia 2700 classic costs just €65 (£60). It features a digital music player and 2-megapixel camera, with quad-band voice and GPRS for data access.