Korean tech giant Samsung has announced that it is expanding its range of low-cost mobile phones, with the introduction of the Pusha mobile device range. According to the company, this mobile phone series of devices will offer users cost effective devices that provide them with the reliability of a leading mobile brand as well as the level of connectivity they require.

These phones further boast a range of security features, including SOS Message, Fake Call, and Mobile Tracker, which allows users to recover their phone if it is lost or stolen. The range comprises of three feature phones, namely the Pusha, Pusha FM, and Pusha 2SIM.

Samsung’s Pusha phone comes with a 1.52" TFT display, a 800 mAh battery for improved talk- as well as standby times, and the ability to save an MP3 as your ringtone. The Pusha FM budget phone comes standard with FM Radio, and sports an embedded torch light that acts as a handy flashlight, as well as MP3 ringtone functionality.

The Pusha 2SIM is a dual-SIM, allowing users to automatically switch between two SIM cards,  without having to carry an additional handset or turn off the phone to swop out a SIM. This device supports GPRS dual-band technology, enabling users to connect to the internet, download podcasts and access social networking sites such as Facebook, and Mxit.

In addition, the 2SIM also sports a 1.8" TFT screen, MP3 player, FM Radio, 1000 mAh battery that delivers an 11 hour talk time and 550 hours of standby time, as well as microSD memory card slot for additional storage of mobile games and music files.

Samsung said that the Pusha mobile phone range will be available from leading mobile operators and Samsung Brand Stores. The Pusha will carry a recommended retail price of just R139, with the Pusha FM going for R169, while the price for the Pusha 2SIM comes to R299.

“Through market research and evaluation we noticed a gap in the market for cost effective feature phones that go beyond merely standard feature phone functionality and that allow consumers to connect with their friends and family through social networking and IP messaging,” explained Craige Fleischer, director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

“As such, the Samsung Pusha mobile phone range is a feature phone that is targeted at these markets – enabling us to continue to assist in bridging the digital divide that is still very much a reality locally,” Fleischer concluded.

In related news, it has recently emerged that certain Galaxy phones are vulnerable to a hack that can remotely wipe (factory reset) a user’s mobile device, if it is exposed to some malicious code. The affected phones include Samsung’s flagship, the Galaxy S3, as well as the Galaxy S2, Galaxy Ace and Galaxy Beam.