Share

Nokia risks backlash with Lumia pricing

Helsinki - Nokia’s new Lumia 920 handset is being priced up to 25% higher than the rival Samsung Galaxy S3, risking a consumer backlash that could endanger its attempt to restore its fortunes.

Analysts said Nokia will struggle to explain the premium on the Lumia, seen as potentially its last chance to break into the lucrative smartphone segment and catch Apple’s iPhone and a string of other popular phones like the fast-selling Galaxy.

The Lumia, which with its rounded edges and colourful covers look similar to its predecessors, was unveiled earlier this month and drew a thumbs down from many analysts who said it lacked the “wow” factor to challenge its rivals.

It uses Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 software while Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S3 operates on Google’s Android system, the platform favoured by many smartphone makers.

“Windows Phone is still largely an unknown to consumers - they would probably expect to pay less if they are taking a risk,” said Ovum analyst Nick Dillon.

“Hardware-wise they are pretty similar, it would be hard for Nokia to justify that extra cost to consumers.”

Windows Phone has just around 3% of the global smartphone market, while the Android platform controls two-thirds of sales. Apple has around a quarter.

Nokia said Swedish carriers would sell the Lumia 920 for around 5 700 Swedish crowns ($860), excluding subsidies. This compares with 4 515 crowns asked for a Galaxy S3 at Expansys, one of the leading online phone stores in Europe.

In Italy, the Lumia 920 will sell for €599 ($770), compared with €530 for the S3, which has been on the market for four months.

The S3 retails for €530 in Germany, where Nokia will ask €649 for the Lumia. In Russia the Lumia will sell for 24 990 roubles ($800), some 10% above Galaxy S3.

“Nokia will find it difficult to command a premium over Samsung’s Galaxy S3 which is the pricing benchmark for a non-Apple flagship smartphone,” said Ben Wood, head of research at British consultancy CCS Insight.

Once the world’s biggest mobile phone maker, Nokia fell behind rivals in smartphones and has racked up more than €3bn in operating losses in the last 18 months.
Samsung sold 20 million of the Galaxy S3 handsets in three months.

Apple remains confident of its ability to command a premium, selling its new iPhone 5 well above prices of Nokia and Samsung flagship models.

Nokia’s volatile shares were 3.2% higher at €2.06 by 13:05 GMT, regaining some of the lost ground from the previous trading session.

*Follow Fin24 on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent-ruolie
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders