Nokia launches its cheapest phones at $30-$35

HELSINKI — Nokia has unveiled its two cheapest cellphones to date aimed at attracting users in the low end market as it fights increasing competition from Asian manufacturers.

The Nokia 100 and 101 — priced $30 ((euro) 20) and $35 ((euro) 25) respectively — will be available in the third and fourth quarters of the year.

Thursday’s launch comes a day after Nokia announced three new mass-market smartphones, including what the Finland-based company called the world’s smallest touch-screen smartphone and one with the world’s brightest display.

Nokia is being increasingly squeezed in the low end market with manufacturers like ZTE and in the high end by makers of smartphones like Apple Inc.’s iPhone and Research in Motion’s Blackberry.