Nokia reveals entry-level Nokia 500 Symbian smartphone

Nokia has added an entry-level smartphone to its handset line-up, featuring an updated version of the Symbian platform with a 1GHz processor and an estimated street price of just €150 (£130).

Due to go on sale sometime in the third quarter of 2011, the Nokia 500 is an entry-level touch-screen smartphone that does not compromise on quality or performance, according to the firm.

The device is based on Symbian Anna, an updated version of Nokia's venerable mobile OS, and looks fairly impressive for an entry-level handset with its 1GHz processor, GPS, Wi-Fi support, 5-megapixel camera, 2GB memory, plus a micro SD card slot for extra storage.

"Until now, affordable smartphones too often meant low quality hardware and a substandard user experience," said Nokia vice president Ilari Nurmi.

The Nokia 500 also includes plenty of features to attract buyers, with Facebook, and Twitter updates appearing directly on the handset's home screen, a music player, stereo FM radio, plus Nokia's Ovi Maps and Ovi Store for apps.

Symbian Anna, announced in April, gives Symbian a user interface overhaul, with new icons, numerous usability enhancements, split-screen messaging and a faster version of Nokia's web browser.

Nokia is still in the process of moving to Windows Phone 7 as its primary high-end smartphone platform. The firm gave the world a sneak peek at its first handset back in June.