Nokia will launch three new handsets designed for better use of messaging and social networking tools at affordable prices, the mobile phone leader said.

The Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 will feature full Qwerty keyboards, and enable access to a range of different email accounts, IM communities and social networks, it added.

'Our messaging device range is very successful,' said Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's head of markets.

'Services that provide easy access to the world's consumer and corporate email and instant messaging are really popular on our Qwerty smartphones such as the Nokia E71 and Nokia E63,” he added.

“People want the best messaging and social networking experience on an affordable device, whether it's sending a simple text or instant message, an email, or a direct message from their Twitter account. The Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 are made for just that.'

The Nokia C3 is the first device to bring a full Qwerty keyboard to the world's most popular mobile phone platform - Series 40 - and is the first in the range to enable access to social networks directly on the homescreen, a statement said.

People can view, comment, update their status and share pictures to their favorite social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

The Nokia C3 also comes with Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat, meaning first time users can set up email and chat accounts straight from the device, without the need for a PC.

The Nokia C6 is a Symbian-based smartphone combining the benefits of a 3.2 inch touch screen with a full slide out keyboard.

The large screen provides a great Internet experience, as well as offering access to Facebook feeds directly on the homescreen. It also features a full suite of email and social networking capabilities.

The Symbian-based Nokia E5 follows the successful blueprint of devices such as the Nokia E72 and Nokia E63. The Nokia E5 combines high quality business features with all of the personal networking and entertainment capabilities that a busy professional expects from a smartphone.

The Nokia C3 and C5 are expected to be available in the second quarter of this year, while the E5 is set to hit the retailers in the third quarter of 2010, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service