Nokia unveils ’41-megapixel smartphone’

In the opening day of the 2012 Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Barcelona today, the world’s largest mobile phone exporter Nokia showcased a 41-megapixel Nokia smartphone named “The 808 Pureview”

Nokia says the 808 Pureview offers enhanced low-light performance as well as sophisticated image compression designed to help users share pictures.

Nokia is working hard to regain market share lost to Google’s android OS and Apple’s IOS in the mobile phone market.

However, some have criticised Nokia’s decision to use its own operating system, Symbian, on the device.

Nokia’s other smartphones typically run on Microsoft’s Windows Phone software.

Nokia’s Symbian operating system, which first appeared on Nokia phones in the 90s, is widely regarded as inferior to the app and social media-driven Windows Phone system.

“The Pureview 808’s Symbian Belle operating system might detract from its appeal to a broader market, where it deserves recognition,” said Tony Cripps, a principal analyst with Ovum.

“It’s a pity that Nokia was unable to combine the photographic prowess of the PureView 808 with the style of the Lumia 900.

“Such a device may well have been the first smartphone to truly deserve the title of ‘superphone’.”

Nokia says the 808 Pureview sets a “new industry standard” in mobile imaging devices.

“People will inevitably focus on the 41 megapixel sensor,” said Jo Harlow, executive vice-president of Nokia smart devices.

“But the real quantum leap is how the pixels are used to deliver breathtaking image quality at any resolution and the freedom it provides to choose the story you want to tell.”

A technology correspondent said he expected some consumers would be surprised over the choice of platform.

“Nokia’s put this on a Symbian phone, which will seem strange to people,” he said.

“It’s also pretty chunky, pretty heavy – but it does take amazing pictures.”

-BBC