Microsoft Lumia 650 release date Feb 1? Specs and features to expect

Microsoft Lumia 640, predecessor of the Lumia 650Microsoft

Users have been hearing about the Microsoft Lumia 650 for a while. Leaks, rumors and speculations help paint a picture of the device. But the latest and possibly the final Lumia handset could only go unannounced for so long, with Microsoft allegedly making it official next month.

A new report hints that the newest Windows 10 Mobile-running device will be announced by the Cupertino-based software giant on Feb. 1. Being only a mid-ranger, the Lumia 650 won't be unveiled during a press event, as opposed to earlier reports.

Windows Central says that the Microsoft Lumia 650 will only be revealed through Microsoft's blog, where the company will post its specs and features as well as its official design. For a while now, there have been reports it will don a metal frame.

Not too long ago, the upcoming Microsoft Lumia 650 was spotted in an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) listing, which hinted that the device is indeed ready to be launched. The handset is a big deal because it is believed to be the last Lumia to be released.

Rumor has it that Microsoft will focus on putting out the so-called Microsoft Surface Phone, which will jumpstart the lineup for a Surface smartphone counterpart. Most of the device will be made in-house, unlike Lumia phones.

As for the specs of the Microsoft Lumia 650, the general consensus is that it will come with a 5-inch display with 720p resolution. Either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 or a 212 processor will power it up with 1 GB RAM to boot.

It should offer 8 GB of storage, which is thankfully expandable, thanks to the presence of a memory card slot. In the imaging department, there will be an 8-MP rear-facing shooter with LED flash and a 5-MP front-facing snapper.

Unlike other Lumia handsets, the Microsoft Lumia 650 will come with only a couple of color options – Matte White or Matte Black. The pricing will reportedly be revealed by Microsoft on Feb. 1 as well.