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Nokia P1 release date, specs rumors: flagship smartphone to be unveiled at MWC 2017?

A promotional image of the Nokia 6. HMD Global is rumored to unveil the Nokia P1 in February. | Nokia

HMD Global is expected to introduce its second Android-powered Nokia device at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February. According to reports, the device initially called the Nokia P1 is designed to be the brand's flagship smartphone.

A report from Russian publication Worket reveals that the Nokia P1 is based on the Sharp Aquos Xx3, a device released in Japan in 2016. However, the upcoming smartphone's internal components will be tweaked to sport the latest flagship-level specifications.

Based on the report, the Nokia P1 will have a 5.3-inch IGZO display with Gorilla Glass 5 on top, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 6 GB of random-access memory (RAM), a Carl Zeiss-certified 22.6-megapixel (MP) rear camera, a fingerprint scanner, a 3,500 mAh battery with Quick Charge capability, and the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system (OS). There is also said to be IP 55/57 certification, which means the device with be dust-resistant.

In terms of internal storage, there will be two options: one with 128 GB built in and the other with 256 GB of space. Pricing is said to be around $800 for the former and about $950 for the latter.

With these high-end specifications, there's a chance that Nokia will once again be able to reclaim its spot in the competitive mobile phone market dominated by the likes of Samsung, Apple and LG.

HMD Global's Nokia 6, which was unveiled earlier this month, recently went on sale in China. According to reports, the smartphone sold out in just one minute in China. While sales numbers were not revealed, the Nokia 6 is said to have received over one million registrations prior to its launch.

To recall, the Nokia 6 is a midrange device with a 5.5-inch 1080p display, an octa-core Snapdragon 430 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of built-in storage, a 16 MP rear camera, an 8 MP front snapper, and a 3,000 mAh battery.

The impressive launch of the Nokia 6 seemingly suggests that there is still a strong demand for Nokia-branded devices.

More information about the Nokia P1 will most likely be revealed at MWC 2017, to be held in Barcelona from Feb. 27 to March 2.