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Vibrant, sculpted Nokia Asha 500, 502, and 503 (pictures)

Enclosed in an ice-like, clear, plastic shell, the three newest phones from Nokia's Asha family are unique and affordable.

Lynn La
Lynn La covers mobile reviews and news. She previously wrote for The Sacramento Bee, Macworld and The Global Post.
Andrew Lanxon Editor At Large, Lead Photographer, Europe
Andrew is CNET's go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
Expertise Smartphones, Photography, iOS, Android, gaming, outdoor pursuits Credentials
  • Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022
Lynn La
Andrew Lanxon
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The Asha line

Unveiled during Nokia World in Abu Dhabi today, the Asha 500, 502, and 503 join Nokia's line of colorful, portable, and inexpensive phones geared toward emerging markets outside the US.

The top 503 (pictured here) packs a 3-inch display, a 5MP camera, and 3G connectivity (a first for the Ashas). It'll start at $99.

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A snapshot

Don't expect Lumia 1020's level of performance, but the 5MP camera should be great for quick snaps.

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Cold case

The body looks like a phone encased in ice -- it's an attractive effect.

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The hook-ups

Micro USB and 3.5mm headphone jacks are on all three phones.

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Eject button

A small button lets you pop off the case.

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Pocket size

They're not skinny, but you won't struggle to get them into your pocket.

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Asha 502

The 502 has a 3-inch display too, but lacks 3G. Prices will start at $69.

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Megapixel power

The 502 has a 5MP camera.

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Twinsies

The 502 has almost identical physical dimensions to the 503.

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Asha 500

The 500 meanwhile has a 2.8-inch display. It'll cost $49.

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No 3G

Asha 500 lacks 3G support.

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Asha 500

A lesser 3MP camera is around the back.

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Micro SD card compatible

Micro SD card slots are found underneath the back covers of all three Asha phones.

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Wardrobe change

The cases are easily interchangeable.

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What's up with WhatApp?

Messaging service WhatsApp is now available on the Ashas, including the ability to send photo messages using only an internet connection.

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Colorful personality

All phones are available in the rainbow of colors seen here.

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The Ashas

The Asha line is aimed mostly at developing markets.

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Something to talk about

The Asha 500 has a 1,200mAh battery that reportedly boasts a talk time of 14 hours.

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Asha 502

For a budget phone, the 502 isn't bad looking.

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The Asha line

The screens aren't high definition, but they have enough pixels for the essentials.

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In a flash

The 503 also has an LED flash on the back.

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Asha 503

The 503 comes in both single and dual-SIM models.

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Asha 503 in bright yellow

All of these GSM handsets run on Nokia's Asha 1.0 operating system and feature the Nokia Xpress Internet browser. Bluetooth 3.0 and 10 free games from Nokia's app store are included as well.

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Coming in the near months

Nokia expects to launch both the 502 and 503 (pictured here) starting in the fourth quarter of this year, with the 500 following close behind in the first quarter of 2014.

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