14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has reiterated its commitment to Windows phones on several occasions, but the company has pointed out that while new devices wearing its logo might not launch anytime soon, it would still continue supporting partners in building new models running Windows 10 Mobile.
And this is what appears to be happening, as Alcatel is moving forward with its plans to launch a high-end Windows 10 Mobile device that would come with specs outclassing even those of the flagship Lumia 950 XL.
The so-called Alcatel Idol 4 Pro, a model that made the rounds several times before, has recently received Wi-Fi certification, which could be a sign that we’re getting closer to the moment when it’ll see daylight. Alcatel could launch it in the summer, after Microsoft introduces the Redstone update aimed at both PCs and smartphones.
Only available in the United States?
And here comes the bad news. It seems that this new device is certified for T-Mobile in the United States, and for the moment, no international version appears to be planned. This might be an indication that Alcatel intends to launch it in the United States exclusively, making it available to quite a few buyers.
Such a decision is a little surprising, especially because the United States has never been a very successful market for Windows phones, so it would make a little bit more sense to launch such a model in Europe, where Windows Phone have already proved more successful.
Possible specifications
Previous reports on the Alcatel Idol 4 Pro indicated that the device was supposed to be a workhorse from the very beginning, coming with hardware specifications that are close or even better than the ones available on the Lumia 950 XL.
For example, it was believed that Alcatel could go for a 6-inch screen with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, with the device being powered by a Snapdragon 820 processor. At least 4 GB of RAM was supposed to be offered, although some sources claimed that a more affordable version could come with 2 or 3 GB.
A camera with a resolution of 20 megapixels could also be provided, and so could be around 64 GB of internal storage, once again with versions that would bring more storage.
Certainly, more on this could emerge in the coming months, as we move closer to the moment when Microsoft unveils the Anniversary Update and Alcatel takes the wraps off its new Windows 10 Mobile phone.