Embattled mobile technology business Nokia has made a play to recapture global market share with its new X series phone, which it hopes will be popular in developing markets.

The X series works on the Android operating system and will fit between its Asha Windows-based phone and its Lumia devices.

The range sees three new models: the X, the X+ and the XL giving customers the option of increasing processing power and a four or five inch screen.

"This may be a few years too late, but it is a much needed move by Nokia to recapture share of the smartphone market by becoming part of the Android ecosystem", said David McQueen, principal analyst at Informa Telecoms and Media.

Nokia is about to become part of Microsoft, which runs the Windows platform. Microsoft says the introduction of Android phones is something it is “a little less excited about”.

Unveiling the new handsets, Nokia senior vice president Stephen Elop said the device would: “Introduce the next billion people to Microsoft. We will win customers hearts and minds with strong Nokia attributes and popular Microsoft experiences.”