Nokia (News - Alert) recently launched its new 8800 Saphhire Arte mobile phone in India. The phone’s design, inspired by elements of the natural world, is aimed at young, style-conscious customers.

 

The phone (which was first announced last November) gets its name from a single sapphire gemstone installed as the center key. It also features 3G capabilities, 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera with 8x digital zoom, and 1GB integrated memory.

 

“As part of its premium range, Nokia brings yet another iconic mobile phone,” said Devinder Kishore, director of marketing for Nokia’s India division, in a statement. “Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte sets the benchmark for quality and craftsmanship. The high-end materials and seamless surfaces celebrate the art of individuality - inspired by natural light with minimalistic design.”

 

The body of the Sapphire phone is composed of metal and glass, with a smooth sliding mechanism that uses ball bearings and a spring. It has a 2-inch OLED display with ambient light sensor.

 

Nokia has set the price for its Sapphire Arte phone at Rupees 62,829 (about $1,600). It comes packaged with a special soundtrack from composers Kruder and Dorfmeister, and graphics from Fritz Fitzke.