The release date of both the Microsoft Lumia 940 and 940 XL will reportedly be on September 24 or the immediate days after, a new report said. The new information contradicts the assumption that Microsoft will reveal new devices in early September, including its upcoming flagship phones.
Pointing to an unnamed Microsoft source, WM Power User (WMPU) reported that instead of unveiling the Lumia 940 and 940 XL the tech giant will focus on Windows 10 during its scheduled press briefing at the 2015 IFA trade show in Berlin. It is likely too that the tech giant will show off a new batch of tablet computers that run on Windows 10 but it was unclear if these devices have anything to do with the Surface or Lumia product lines.
Microsoft is also expected to present the Windows 10 Mobile on the same day, that is September 24, which is line with the company's earlier hints that the July 29 launch of Windows 10 concerns mostly desktops, laptops and tablets. Once these are out of the way, the Windows 10 Mobile OSA will get the spotlight.
Touchdown timing
As the software giant had earlier indicated that Windows 10 Mobile will come out in the last few months of 2015, it is likely that the September 24 event is for the software's formal introduction with the actual release to follow shortly.
One possibility too is the two upcoming Lumias will debut with Windows 10 Mobile. The theory, if followed by Microsoft, makes sense as the Lumia 940 and 940 XL are the devices to best showcase the power of the new mobile OS.
The Lumia flagships are likely to be followed by at least four more Microsoft smartphones, according to WinBeta. The report based its claim on a recent declaration by popular gadget leaker Evan Blass or @evleaks.
New Lumia specs, features and price
In an earlier report, WMPU outlined the likely specs for the Lumia 940 and 940 XL, which mostly are the following:
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB basic storage capacity
- SD Card slot
- 20MP PureView rear camera
- 5MP front-facing camera
- Triple LED flash
- Iris Scanner
One of the key differences between the two is the 940 will have a Snapdragon 808 chip while the 940 XL is on Snapdragon 810. Also, the former will sport a 5.2-inch screen in Full HD or 1080p resolution while the latter, being an XL model, will boast of a phablet-size front panel at 5.7-inch in 2K resolution. Out of the box, both the 940 and 940 XL are compatible with Continuum.
But one notable specification mentioned by the WMPU report is that the handsets are encased in polycarbonate material that in 2015 standard is unlikely for smartphone flagships.
Another piece of surprise for Lumia fans is the likelihood that the Microsoft Lumia 940 and 940 XL will sell with price tags higher than the Samsung Galaxy S6 or iPhone 6. The means starting price for the twin devices is $800 and up.