During the Nokia World 2013 event, Nokia has today announced 3 new Asha devices which aim to boost the feature phone market and connect the next billion. The devices, namely Asha 500, 502 and 503 run on the new Asha Software Platform which debuted on the Asha 501 a couple of months before. First and foremost as Asha devices are budget conscious, we are not going to expect too much from them. Here’s a short comparison done by us which measures the differences between the already existing Asha 501 and the upcoming Asha 502 and 503. We are keeping Asha 500 out of the list for now.
Update: Nokia seems to have played some cards there and the java heap sizes for the new phones is back to 3MB. So pretty much of zero advantage of these new phones besides the camera of course. 
| Basis | Asha 501 | Asha 502 | Asha 503 |
| Network Mode | GSM (2G) | GSM (2G) | GSM (2G) HSDPA (3.5G) |
| Variants | Limited by Regions Single SIM (RM-899, 900) Dual SIM (RM-902) |
Limited by Regions Dual SIM (RM-???) |
Global Device Single SIM (RM-920, 927, 959) Dual SIM (RM-922, 958) |
| Display Features | 3″ LCD Double Tap to Wake Glance Screen |
3″ LCD Double Tap to Wake Glance Screen |
3″ LCD Glace Screen Double Tap to Wake Gorilla Glass protection |
| Camera | 3.15 MP No Flash |
5 MP LED Flash |
5 MP LED Flash |
| OS Platform | Asha Software Platform 1.0 (Update Announced) |
Asha Software Platform 1.1 | Asha Software Platform 1.2 |
| RAM Memory | 64 MB | 64MB | 128 MB |
| Java Apps | Max Package Size – 5 MB Heap Size – 3 MB |
Max Package Size – 5 MB Heap Size – 3 MB |
Max Package Size – 5 MB Heap Size – 3 MB |
| Charging | Nokia 2MM Connector Micro USB |
Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Bluetooth | v. 3.0 Profiles: DUN, FTP, HFP, HSP, OPP, PBAP, SDAP, SPP |
v. 3.0 Profiles: A2DP, AVCTP, DUN, FTP, HFP, HSP, OPP, PBAP |
v. 3.0 Profiles: A2DP, AVCTP, DUN, FTP, HFP, HSP, OPP, PBAP |
| WiFi Protocols | WPA2 (AES/TKIP), WPA, WEP, WPA2-Personal | WPA, WEP, WPA2-Personal, EAP-SIM, EAP-AKA | WPA, WEP, WPA2-Personal, EAP-SIM, EAP-AKA |
| Battery | 1200 mAh (BL-4U) | 1010 mAh (BL-5A) | 1200 mAh (BL-4U) |
The following markings are used in the above table.
Green – Where there is an advantage over the other products.
Red – Where there is disadvantage over the other products.
The above comparison shows different advantages of three Asha phones. While the dual SIM Asha 502 does put some good steps ahead of Asha 501, such as with a better camera and support for more application heap size, it also falls back at some aspects such as the Battery Capacity and being limited to Dual SIM version only. Although many consider Dual SIM as an advantage over the single SIM versions, there are still many who look forward to a single SIM version of the device.
Asha 503 is really a good development ahead as it marks some nice steps with its 3G capability and improved Memory Heap size for java apps. Although adding a slightly larger screen would’ve marked a better device, the present 3″ screen isn’t too tiny either. Overall all the handsets offer something or the other, but with the introduction of 500 and 502, Asha 501 will have to face a good price cut to stay in the focus.
Buying Guide – Which one to buy?
As we have shown the differences above, you can choose the one that fulfills your needs.
3G – Only Asha 503 has the 3G access, so it can be your only choice.
Better Camera – Both Asha 502 and Asha 503 offer a better camera with their 5MP shooters. Flash is also included for better shooting under low light.
Dual SIM – All the three devices, Asha 501, 502 and 503 offer a dual sim option. So you can choose any oue out of them. If camera is not your need and you need a device which has a longer standby time, you should go with Asha 501 else Asha 502 is the better choice.
Games and Apps – I think this does not make much of a difference. The newer devices offer a bigger heap size, but as developers cannot ignore the Asha 501, most of the apps will work seamlessly with the Asha 501 as well.
Price – Looking at the prices, if you are looking to buy Asha 501, you should consider Asha 502 once as it will be selling for around the same price as the Asha 501 (provided if it does not see a price reduction).
