Rumors began circulating earlier this year that one of Microsoft's upcoming Windows Phone 8 updates, known as GDR3, would bring with it support for screen sizes 5 inches and up. Now a report has surfaced that claims that Nokia is in the process of testing just such a device ahead of a launch on AT&T later this year.
Sources speaking to The Verge claim that Nokia is working on a device codenamed "Bandit" that features a 6-inch 1080p display and quad-core Snapdragon processor. In addition to those GDR3-specific features, the Bandit will reportedly pack a 20-megapixel rear camera (which is expected to protrude slightly, like on the Lumia 925) and a polycarbonate body that's described as "thin and lightweight." Nokia's Bandit is currently being tested on AT&T and is expected to launch before the end of 2013.
Phone/tablet hybrid devices with 5-inch and larger displays have been growing in popularity lately, with some recent Android phones ranging in size from 5 inches up to 6.4 inches. That's why I'm not surprised to hear that Microsoft is building in support for these supersized displays in its next big Windows Phone 8 update.
While it remains to be seen if this Nokia "Bandit" will indeed be one of the first giganto-Windows Phones, we did recently see a 6-inch smartphone front panel with Nokia branding leak out, so this rumor's got that going for it. Plus, Nokia has already released a wide range of Windows Phone hardware, and so it is possible that the Finnish firm could be planning to add a pocket-stretching model to its Lumia lineup.
Speaking of its roster of Lumia hardware, today's report also mentions that Nokia is planning to bring the Lumia 925 to more U.S. carriers. The Lumia 925 originally launched at T-Mobile in mid-July, and T-Mo is currently the only U.S. operator to offer the aluminum-clad Windows Phone. There's no word yet on which carriers the Lumia 925 will call "Home" next, but expanded availability of a device is always a good thing.
Via The Verge
