Nokia has announced three new handsets – the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 –designed as messaging and social networking tools at affordable prices. These new handsets feature full QWERTY keyboards, and enable access to a range of different email accounts, IM communities and social networks.

“Our messaging device range is very successful,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia’s Head of Markets. “Services that provide easy access to the world’s consumer and corporate email and instant messaging are really popular on our QWERTY smartphones such as the Nokia E71 and Nokia E63. People want the best messaging and social networking experience on an affordable device, whether it’s sending a simple text or instant message, an email, or a direct message from their Twitter account. The Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 are made for just that.”

The Nokia C3 is the first device to bring a full QWERTY keyboard to the world’s most popular mobile phone platform – Series 40 – and is the first in the range to enable access to social networks directly on the homescreen. People can view, comment, update their status and share pictures to their favorite social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. The Nokia C3 also comes with Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat, meaning first time users can set up email and chat accounts straight from the device, without the need for a PC. Other notable features are the Wi-Fi connectivity, a two megapixel camera, rich color 2.4-inch screen and support for up to an 8GB memory card. The Nokia C3 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 priced EUR 90 ($122).

The Nokia C6 is a Symbian-based smartphone combining the benefits of a 3.2-inch touch screen with a full slide out keyboard. Along with smartphone capabilities the phone provides social networking features similar to C3. The Nokia C6 has a high quality five-megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, and Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation. The phone will also ship in second quarter priced EUR 220 ($299).

Rounding off the trio is the latest addition to the Nokia Eseries range, the Nokia E5. Designed for those that want to be productive in both their professional and personal lives, Nokia E5 combines high quality business features with all of the personal networking and entertainment capabilities. Estimated price of the Nokia E5 is EUR 180 ($245), with expected availability in the third quarter of 2010.
[Via SlashGear]