It is not the first time we have seen Symbian devices available on a PAYG basis in the UK, but these do represent new price benchmarks.
The Nokia 6124, a variant of the 6120, is a relatively old phone (just over a year). Given its capabilities it provides a compelling offering in the low end part of the mid tier market.
The Nokia E63, by contrast, has only become widely available in the last month or so. Being available, at a price point which undercuts the standard SIM-free price point by £50, so soon after launch, on a PAYG basis, is especially worthy of note.
As a QWERTY device the E63 will also be perceived as a more powerful device (though the hardware is similar to the 6124), but it is fair to say it is a more versatile device. With its capabilities it has very few, if any, direct competitors at this price point. Although, in terms of QWERTY devices, it will still be under cut by devices like the LG KS360, a QWERTY slider, which is available for £80 on Orange.
A challenge for both Nokia and network operators is to communicate the advantages that open mobile platform phones potentially offer the consumer over the closed feature phones which are typical of the PAYG market. If they are able to do this they may be able to move such customers on to revenue generators other than voice and text. However the lines between the two 'types' of devices have become increasingly blurred, in terms of capabilities and software, such that you can argue that cost savings (for the operator) from testing, certification and support achieved by using an open platform are more important to the bottom live.
We reviewed the Nokia E63 in two parts. Part 1 covered the hardware, the UI and Email and part 2 covered multimedia, Files on Ovi and the wrap up.
You can also buy the Nokia E63, SIM free, from Nokia's UK Shop for £199.
You can read our review of the Nokia 6120 here.