image courtesy of gigjets.com
Nokia is preparing to launch a phablet (phone + tablet) Lumia device running Windows Phone (WP) 8 before the end of this year. It’s reportedly a 6-inch handset that will most likely compete with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Mega and the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. The device will be dubbed as Lumia 1520, the first ever WP phablet to debut on the market. According to Reuters report, it’s originally planned for a late September release, however, the launch date has been pushed back by several weeks, following Microsoft’s acquisition of the former mobile industry leader. Do you think it has a shot, given the fact that Android devices are currently ruling the phablet arena? Read on below to learn more about the innovative features and specifications of the upcoming WP.
Display
Apart from boasting of a 6-inch screen, the Lumia 1520 will also sport a full 1080p high definition viewing panel. This will be essential to the growing number of mobile gamers, who can take advantage of the gigantic HD display when playing Xbox Live games, a feature included in the WP mobile OS.
Ultrafast Wireless
With its inclusion of the 4G LTE connectivity, users can expect a speedy internet browsing experience from the flagship device. Through 4G, the phone can receive faster download and upload rates, which according to Verizonwireless, is up to 10 times faster than the average speed of 3G networks.
Robust Hardware
To boost the gadget’s performance, a robust quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor will power the handset. It is the first WP to run on multiple cores, given the existing devices like 1020, 925, and 928 having only dual-core configurations. It will also be backed by 2GB of RAM and will be launched with a 32 GB of internal storage with a Micro-SD card slot for expanding the memory up to 64 GB. There are also rumors that the handset will also include an intuitive stylus, just like the Samsung Galaxy Note series.
Camera
The company’s PureView imaging technology has been continuously receiving positive remarks from a lot of mobile consumers, for delivering one of the best stunning photographs taken from a mobile camera. The Lumia 1520 will pack a 20.7-megapixel PureView snapper with Carl Zeiss Optics and Xeon flash. Since the 20.7-megapixel resolution is too large for internet sharing, a 5-megapixel copy of each snapshot will also be stored simultaneously in its gallery. It may not as powerful as the 41-megapixel sensor found in the 1020, but it can still produce clear images.
Latest Windows Software
Although the rumors are mentioning that the gizmo will launch with the Windows Phone 8 Amber, The Verge reported that it will be the first two WP devices to include the upcoming GDR3 update. The other one is the HTC Harmony. This OS iteration will include the following:
- Car pairing via Bluetooth with Driving Mode, which the previous Lumia handsets have been missing out.
- It will also sport a screen rotation lock switch, that will enable one to choose between landscape or portrait mode when using the device.
- The new multitasking panel is now capable of minimizing or killing active applications.
- There will also be custom sounds for voice mail, text, emails, and reminders.
- The ability to backup and restore over Wi-Fi.
- More compatible applications.
The 1520 is definitely a premium product given these specifications. It’s expected to debut with a price tag of $699 (Rs 43,863). What do you think of the Nokia’s first phablet?
Written by Reese Jones, an app enthusiast and avid follower of tech giant like Verizon and Nokia. She’s always interested in development, small business and mobile working. Her free time is taken up exploring her passion for playing guitar and you can always find her on Twitter (@r_am_jones)