Nokia on Monday launched Android-based mid-range X-series smartphones in India in an attempt to regain market share, but analysts say that it will not be easy for the struggling handset maker to make a mark in the overly-crowded market.

The Nokia X-series smartphones fall between the company's low-end Asha and high-end Lumia smartphones that runs on Microsoft Windows Phone software; while the Nokia X's OS has been built on AOSP (Android Open Source Project). It comes with a customized tile-based interface and offers Microsoft services like OneDrive, Outlook and Nokia's own Here Maps.

But it lacks some important features like Google Mobile Suite which is considered a must feature in an Android-based device, and auto-focus, which is a bit disappointing considering the phone's price tag of Rs 8,599. Event the Lumia 520 costs less than the Nokia X and comes equipped with auto-focus.

Analysts are of the view that considering lack of some features that are available in India-made peers makes it too expensive Android phone.

Manasi Yadav, a senior market analyst at research firm IDC, said, "Considered a late entrant in the Android ecosystem - with a lot of devices and vendors already rampant in this space, it will be a little difficult for Nokia to make its mark in the overly-crowded market."

The company has plans to launch two new versions of the handset, the Nokia X-Plus and Nokia XL, in the Indian market within next two months. Both handsets are expected to cost around Rs 9,000 each.

Nokia was once India's biggest phone seller, but tough competition from global rivals like Samsung and local competitors like Micromax snatched most of the company's market share. Delay in the adoption of Android OS has also cost the company heavily in the race for new customers.