14 DAY TRIAL // Less than a week ago, we reported that Neo M1 might be the first Windows Phone handset powered by a MediaTek chipset. Unfortunately, MediaTek chipsets are not yet on the list of supported SoCs for Windows Phone 8.1.
The Windows Phone 8.1 emulator shows the complete list of supported chipsets and all seem to be made by Qualcomm. There is not a single MediaTek chip mentioned in this list, so we assume that the information that Neo M1 might come with Windows Phone 8.1 wasn’t accurate.
However, it looks like the Chinese OEM has just announced the upcoming availability of the Neo M1 and has confirmed that this would be a dual-OS smartphone.
According to GizChina, the Android version is already available for pre-purchase on the company’s webstore for only $180 (€130) off contract, but the Windows Phone variant is not yet available.
It is also important to mention that the M1 is the first smartphone released by Neo that will be available internationally. For the time being, the device shows as “out of stock,” but we suspect that has Neo managed to sell all its initial stock on the first day of availability.
According to Neo, the smartphone has been up for sale since April 10 and the first 500 customers received a 50% discount on the M1, so it makes sense for the device to sell pretty fast.
The bad news is that we don’t know when exactly the M1 will be available for purchase again, but Neo promises that a new batch of smartphones will arrive soon.
Neo M1 will also be available with the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system. On its website, the Chinese company has already confirmed that the M1 will have dual operating system: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Windows Phone 8.1 (not available yet).
The storage can be further expanded up to 32GB via microSD memory card. On the back, Neo M1 boasts an impressive 13-megapixel photo snapper with LED flash, autofocus and full HD (1080p) video recording, which features Sony BSI lens.
In the front, there’s a no less impressive 5-megapixel secondary camera, which is perfect for both video calls and selfies. Last but not least, Neo M1 is powered by a 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery.
Customers outside China who wish to order the Neo M1 should know that the smartphone is compatible with the following networks: GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900MHz and WCDMA: 900/2100MHz.