Microsoft, the Redmond-based software titan, is reportedly planning to launch a new affordable smartphone, Lumia 650, on 1 February. Rumours claim that the upcoming smartphone will be the only Lumia phone to be launched in 2016, following the company's plans to abandon the Nokia brand name this year.
There have been several rumours about Lumia 650's specifications and features, but no word on the handset's release, until now. According to Windows Central, Microsoft is planning to make a low-key announcement for its business-oriented Lumia 650 smartphone instead of hosting a press event. The software titan will reveal the official specifications, pricing and availability details through a blog post in two weeks' time.
Details about Lumia 650 have been out for a while now. The handset is expected to feature a 5-inch HD display, a metal frame and matte finish rear cover. Additional details about the Lumia 650 include an 8-megapixel primary camera with LED flash, 5MP front snapper, Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 processor, 1GB RAM and 8GB expandable memory. The handset is expected to run on Microsoft's latest Windows 10 Mobile OS and a 2,000mAh battery.
There were rumours that the upcoming Lumia phone will feature wireless charging, but there is no sign of such integration anymore.
Microsoft Lumia 650 was earlier expected to be announced at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2016 event in Barcelona in February this year, but the media reports suggest Microsoft will maintain a low profile at the mobile-centric event.
Lumia 650, which will succeed 2015's popular Windows phone -- Lumia 640, is thought to be the last Lumia smartphone this year. The origin of the Lumia brand dates back to 2011 when Nokia launched the first Windows Phone 7-powered device. Microsoft acquired Nokia in April 2014 and continued the brand for its mobile business. But the company is expected to drop the brand later this year and launch new flagships under its Surface name.
