Nokia 2017 release date, specs: Nokia looking for smartphone success with an all-metal flagship?

A photo illustration of a man silhouetted against a Nokia logo in the central Bosnian town of Zenica January 23, 2014Reuters/Dado Ruvic

It is said that Nokia is staging a comeback in the smartphone business with a full flagship lineup scheduled for next year.

According to Nokia Power User, trusted sources have mentioned that Nokia will be launching another flagship smartphone in 2017. In addition, the tech maker will be releasing the iteration as a full lineup, with at least two flagship smartphones in the series, much like the recently-launched Google Pixel and Pixel XL. Similar to the Google flagships, the Nokia lineup will have a base version iteration with a 5.2-inch display, while the larger variant will likely sport a 5.5-inch screen. Interestingly, the flagships are expected to feature an OLED display with QHD resolution.

The industry follower also stated that one significant feature of the new Nokia flagships may be its cameras. Supposedly, the new setup will center on new optics based on Nokia's own material, dubbed as "Graphene." However, it is also expected that Nokia may also involve Carl Zeiss, as its image capture setups have long been established as signature features for Nokia-branded handsets.

Meanwhile, Adweek says that one major hint that Nokia is gearing up for a 2017 presence is full-blown marketing planned for next year. Reportedly, the new management has hired one of UK's largest advertising firms, Mother, to handle marketing for new Nokia devices. Mother has already confirmed this partnership, with company co-founder Robert Saville saying that "We are thrilled to be working with HMD Global as it begins this exciting new chapter for Nokia branded mobile phones."

Supposedly, Mother is planning a full-blown marketing push for new Nokia devices starting at the 2017 Mobile World Congress, hinting that a new Nokia smartphone may be seen as early as March.

With Nokia's return next year, fans expect that the company will once again be launching its flagships with Nokia's own brand. Early this year, Microsoft Mobile has sold its rights to use the Nokia brand to HMD Global.