Nokia Lumia sales are low

17 April 2012

Euro operators say Android and iPhone are better bets

Nokia's Lumia 800 and 710 have been underselling in Europe, where four major operators have slammed the range as inferior to Apple's iPhones and Samsung's Galaxy line.

According to Reuters, operators say the Windows-powered Lumias are overpriced, not backed by enough marketing spend and suffer a bad rep for battery and software glitches.

Though the Windows software has received positive reviews for its streamlined, unique interface, Reuters reports that a particular operator - unnamed due to the sensitive relationship with phone manufacturers - says customers don't actually know that Windows Phone lets you 'do tonnes of cool things'.

Despite reporting sales of one million Lumia smartphones in Q4 2011, Nokia said it would be posting losses for Q1 and Q2 this year, while investors service Moody's lowered its credit rating to one step over junk level. The service said the outlook is negative due a steep decline in phone sales with competition from low-end phone manufacturers as well as smartphone makers.

However, the Wall Street Journal has also reported that Moody's expects Lumia Windows devices to become the third most popular smartphone system, after Android and iOS devices - but ahead of BlackBerry.

The Lumia 900 has been selling well in the US, so perhaps it will also revive its fortunes in Europe when it launches later this month.

Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal