Microsoft Launches First ‘Nokia Free’ Smartphone

After its Nokia takeover, Microsoft has released its first device without any Nokia branding, the entry-level Microsoft Lumia 535.

The 535 is a five-inch display smartphone with a five megapixel front-facing camera and a price tag of around $136. The 535 comes as a higher specced entry-level option, following the release earlier this year of the Lumia 530, which came with a $99 price tag.

For its first own-brand Lumia, Microsoft has replaced the traditional all-uppercase Nokia markings on the face of the device with its own name, as well as adding Microsoft branding to the backplate. Besides that, the 535 takes its design cues from round-edged, lower-end devices including the Lumia 530 and Lumia 635.

The new handset will ship in 3G single and dual SIM variants, with both running Windows Phone 8.1 and the Lumia Denim firmware. Setting it apart from other low-end Lumia handsets, the Lumia 535 will have the same front facing five megapixel camera is the mid-range Lumia 730 and Lumia 735, apparently designed to meet consumer demand for better selfies.

Microsoft said the device will launch in selected markets in November, but hasn't said which ones. Presumably with a Dual-SIM option, these markets will include India and other Asian markets. Pricing will vary by market but Microsoft estimates it should cost around $136 before taxes and subsidies.