Nokia unveiled a range of “classically designed mobile phones”, launching a set of closely-related devices which have a traditional candybar design with “Nokia’s signature bold colours and 3.5G-capable internet speeds”.

The devices – 207 and 208 – include “traditional” alphanumeric keypads and feature Mail for Exchange support “for staying on top of work email and calendar appointments”.

The 208 will be available in both single and dual-SIM versions with 1.3MP camera. The 207 is a single SIM unit without camera, targeting (for example) users who work at sites where cameras are banned for security reasons.

To some extent, Nokia is positioning the phones as second devices for smartphone owners, for example with the 207 providing a complementary device for consumers who cannot take traditional a smartphone to work.

The range also supports a Transfer app enabling users to sync contacts directly from a smartphone, turning the new units into “second or companion devices, perfect for travel”.

The range also uses micro SIM cards, which are more common in smartphones than feature phones.

The handsets also include Nokia’s Xpress Browser, which uses data compression to deliver “rich mobile experiences at lower cost”. The 207 and 208 can also act as portable modems, connecting to a computer by USB cable.

Another stand-out feature is “outstanding battery life”, with up to 33 days of standby time for the single SIM versions, and up to 20 days for the dual-SIM 208.

Nokia’s 207 and 208 are expected to start shipping during the third quarter of 2013, with an estimated retail price of €52.