New Delhi: If rumours of Nokia developing an Android smartphone, codenamed “Normandy,” are true then it may well turn out to be a game changer for the Finnish smartphone maker.
The phone, which will complement Nokia's low-end Asha handsets, is believed to launched at the end of 2014 priced under Rs 10,000 in multiple colors. However, it is not yet confirmed which branch this device will be part of.
But you may ask why now? The rumours of Nokia going for an Android platform are nothing new, as they started surfacing online right from the starting days of the downfall of Symbian in 2010. Reports suggest that the project has been in the woks for a while with a lot of emphasis on apps and services. But it remains to be seen what Microsoft is going to do with the project once its $7.4 billion purchase of Nokia's devices and services business is finalized. There are arguments for and against the statement. Some analysts say that Microsoft still needs an inexpensive phone that falls between the higher-cost Lumia line and the low-end Asha line. But given its focus on Windows devices, it remains uncertain.
Now coming to Normandy specs. As per a leak from famous industry insider @evleaks, the mysterious Nokia device would run on a “forked” Android-based operating system that is not aligned with Google's usual Android platform. More so because the deal between Microsoft and Nokia is yet to complete! There are also rumours that suggest that the company might push this smartphone on the market before the Redmond giant seals the deal.
Whatever be the case, consumers seem to be enthusiastic about the latest development. As per the leaks Nokia Normandy will look like Lumia smartphones and come with Dual-SIM(GSM+GSM) and may feature lock-screen notifications, Viber and Skype apps, GPS, Sensor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Edge come. The phone is believed to have a 4-inch FWVGA display with 480 x 854 resolution and will run on latest Android 4.4 Kitkat OS powered by Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset processor with 1GB RAM and 4GB memory expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD card. In addition it will have a 5MP rear and VGA front camera and a 2100 mAh battery.
However, those expecting Nokia Normandy to be a top-tier device may get disappointed as going by appearance Normandy looks like an entry-level device, lacking a camera flash, and not offering Google Play services.
But given that the handset would indeed be a budget-friendly offering targeting emerging markets, it could possibly be a true game-changer for Redmond-based company. Probably, it is the best bet for Microsoft to disrupt themselves and capture a good chunk of low-end Android smartphone market. Watch out this space to know more.
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