Microsoft To Reveal ‘Last’ Lumia Smartphone In February
Lumia 650 will be Microsoft’s last Lumia device before it switches to ‘Surface Phone’ branding, according to reports
Microsoft will reportedly mark the retirement of the ‘Lumia’ smartphone name with the launch of final device next month.
The Lumia 650 is expected to be revealed on 1 February, the last smartphone to bear the brand Microsoft inherited in the £4.6 billion takeover of Nokia’s devices and services businesses in 2013.
Microsoft’s next major smartphone is believed to be the ‘Surface Phone’, which could arrive later this year.
Farewell, Lumia
As for the Lumia 650, it seems to be a Windows 10 device featuring mid-range hardware at an affordable price.
Windows Central reports that it will feature a 5 inch display, and be powered by either a Snapdragon 210 or 212 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, with an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera also included, putting it far below the flagship devices such as the Lumia 950 and 950 XL revealed back in October (pictured above).
Nokia is preparing for a return to the smartphone market as soon as the terms of the Microsoft sale allow it to do so. Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri confirmed last year that the company was planning to design smartphones and license them, along with its brand, to third party manufacturers.
The iconic Finnish manufacturer hopes its design experience, vast patent library and famous name will make it attractive to smartphone buyers and partners.
As per the agreement with Microsoft, Nokia has been unable to lend its name to any smartphone until late 2016, and to any feature phone for another 10 years.
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