Microsoft is expected to unveil two Windows Phone flagships at IFA 2015 in September and their potential specs have already leaked online.
So far, Microsoft has focused on launching affordable phones with low-end or mid-range specifications at best, but the company is nonetheless expected to offer higher-end alternatives later this year.
Microsoft has reportedly been working on two Windows Phone flagships codenamed "Cityman" and "Talkman," and reports regarding these two devices have been intensifying as of late.
Back in April, Blog Jack was the first one to reveal more precise information regarding Microsoft's upcoming Cityman and Talkman. Various other reports have surfaced in the meantime, and the combined information can paint a picture of what we can expect from the 2015 Windows Phone flagships.
Microsoft Lumia 950 - 'Talkman'
The Talkman is expected to launch as the Lumia 950 and purported specs include a 5.2-inch WQHD OLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, a 64-bit hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM and an infrared Iris scanner for Windows Hello.
The Lumia 950 is further expected to feature 32GB of built-in storage space, microSD support for additional storage, a 20-megapixel PureView main camera, a 5-megapixel wide-angle front shooter and a 3,000 mAh battery. The handset will reportedly boast a USB Type-C and Qi wireless charging with flip cover.
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL - 'Cityman'
The other upcoming flagship, codenamed "Cityman," is expected to launch as the Lumia 950 XL. As the "XL" part suggests, this would be a larger device with a 5.7-inch WQHD OLED display with a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution.
Purported specs include a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM and an iris scanner for Windows Hello, just like its smaller counterpart. In fact, the two handsets will apparently share many specifications.
The Lumia 950 XL is also expected to come with 32GB of internals storage space, expandable via microSD, a 20-megapixel PureView rear shooter, a 5-megapixel wide-angle front camera, USB-Type C and Qi wireless charging. However, the Lumia 950 XL is further rumored to boast triple LED flash for its rear camera, a 1mm silver ring within the black camera pod, a larger 3,300 mAh battery, and aluminum side buttons.
Lastly, the Lumia Cityman is further rumored to have an optional Surface Pen and smart cover, which will reportedly be available for purchase separately.
Metal or Plastic Build?
While some rumors indicated that the upcoming Lumia flagships would boast metallic designs, Windows Central claims otherwise. The publication says it has "confirmed with multiple sources" that both the Lumia Cityman and Lumia Talkman will come with matte polycarbonate bodies, in black and white color options.
Official Name
It's worth pointing out that reports have agreed on the Talkman and Cityman codenames for the upcoming Microsoft flagship smartphones, but the final names are a different story. Many reports suggested that they will launch as the Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL, respectively, but more recent information has indicated that Microsoft would instead name them Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. Consequently, the final names remain unclear at this point.
In fact, it's all based on leaks and unconfirmed reports at this point, as Microsoft has yet to make an official announcement. As always in such cases, it's highly recommended to take everything with a grain of salt until the formal unveiling.
