Samsung has effectively controlled the growing phablet sector of mobile devices since introducing its Galaxy Note line two years ago.
Though the smartphone/tablet hybrid market has essentially been an Android playground for quite some time, Microsoft is now ready to take a stab with help from Nokia.
On Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, the Finland-based, Microsoft-owned company unveiled the Windows Phone 8-based Lumia 1520 and 1320 handsets during its Nokia World event. Both devices feature enormous 6-inch displays that serve high-end and midrange users. Also set for the 1520 and 1320 is a new Beamer app allowing the devices to stream content of their screens onto web browers on a separate display.
Lumia 1520
Soon to be available in red, white, yellow and black, the Lumia 1520 is Nokia's higher-end phablet. Expect the device's 1,920x1,080 pixel resolution to be powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM. Storage wise, a microSD slot will complement 32GB of built-in storage. Smartphone photographers should be satisfied with its 20-megapixel camera sporting a 26mm focal length and LED flash. Battery life should become serviceable as the 1520 will rely on a 3,400mAh battery. Before any taxes or subsidies, expect a $749 price when this AT&T exclusive hits stateside sometime this quarter.
Lumia 1320
Those wanting something a little less expensive can hopefully spring up enough money for the Lumia 1320. The phablet's 6-inch screen will drop its resolution to 720p and have lose a few processor cores. Nokia's more affordable 1320 also drops camera pixel count to 5-megapixel. Potentially a one-up against the 1520, the 1320 also has a 3,400mAh battery, meaning battery life that should be a little better than its higher-priced sibling. Set to launch early next year (not in the U.S.), colors for this yet-to-be priced device will come in orange, yellow, black and white.
Both phablets come as Nokia also revealed its first Windows Phone 8 tablet dubbed the Lumia 2520, ensuring Microsoft is taking the right steps to become a true player in battle against Google and Apple.
