Microsoft has unveiled the new Nokia X2

Microsoft has unveiled its first phone after completing its takeover of Nokia’s handset division – and the device is powered by Android, which is strange as the operating system, developed by Google, is usually seen as a rival to Microsoft’s own Windows Phone OS.

As a follow up to the original X, the X2’s features include a slightly bigger 4.3in (11cm) screen, 1GB of RAM, which is double the amount of memory previously included, a more powerful battery and the addition of a front-facing camera for selfies.

Microsoft’s video chat app Skype, its Outlook email service and its OneDrive internet storage apps all come pre-loaded on the phone, with oher optional free downloads including Bing Search, Yammer and Instagram.

The tile-based homescreen and ability to see apps displayed as a scrollable list on the X2 mirrors the Window Phone user interface, which might help encourage consumers to later make the leap to Microsoft’s more expensive Lumia range.

Head of Mobile Phones, Microsoft Devices Group, Timo Toikkanen said: “The Nokia X family is going from strength to strength, with the Nokia X smartphone achieving top-selling status in Pakistan, Russia, Kenya and Nigeria, while earning the third-best-selling smartphone spot in India

“The Nokia X2 elevates the Nokia X experience with a stellar new design, ease of use and new Microsoft experiences. We’re proud to continue to bring smartphone innovation to lower and lower price points.”

The X2 will cost 99 euros (£80) when released in July, and will be available in glossy orange, black and green, with glossy yellow, white and matte dark grey coming later to the lineup.