Nokia C6

Nokia C6. Today Nokia introduced the Nokia C6, a mid-range touchscreen smartphone, with a slide out QWERTY keyboard and comprehensive social messaging software suite. The C6 runs Symbian^1 (but with pervasive kinetic scrolling and widget homescreen, N97-style) and features a 5 megapixel camera, integrated GPS and comprehensive connectivity options. It ships with a full range of Ovi services, including Ovi Maps (free car and pedestrian navigation), Ovi Store (content downloads), Ovi Music (music store), and Nokia Messaging (email and instant messaging). The Nokia C6 will be available later this quarter at a price of EUR 220 before taxes and subsidies. Read on for more.

At first glance, the design of the C6 outwardly resembles the popular Nokia 5800 in shape and size (113.4 x 53 x 16.8 mm [80cc] versus 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm [83 cc] for the 5800). However, the horizontal slider form factor, which adds a full QWERTY keyboard and accompanying D-pad, and weight (150g versus 109g) puts the phone firmly into the hybrid category and demonstrates there has been a significant reworking of the internal design.

The software running on the phone is in line with the Nokia N97 and N97 mini. It features the same WRT-widget based homescreen, kinetic scrolling and full range of Ovi services. In common with the E5, also announced today, Nokia are emphasising the social messaging capabilities of the phone, with Nokia Messaging handling a comprehensive range of email accounts, with various on-board tools for interacting with social networks and with Ovi Store giving access to a range of IM applications.

At €220, the C6 offers excellent value for money. The price can be compared to the Nokia 5800's launch price of €279 and the N97 mini's launch price of €450. It should have a SIM-free UK street price of approximately £220, or subsidised on Pay As You Go from about £150 and free on £20/month contracts.