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Nokia's surprisingly slim 6-inch Lumia 1520 (pictures)

The Finnish phone maker once again shows off its design chops with the supersize 1520, the first quad-core Windows phone.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Nokia embraces XXL smartphones

Nokia's high-end phablet, the Nokia Lumia 1520, boasts a full HD display, quad-core processor, and the latest Windows Phone 8 software.

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2 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

High-end specs

Nokia's ClearBlack Display filter improves outdoor legibility. Its ultrasensitivity means you'll be able to operate the phone with a gloved hand or fingernail.
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3 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Triple play

The 1520 features Windows Phone's new three-column UI.
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4 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Multitasking boost

Now when you press and hold the Back button (left), you'll be able to close apps from the multitasking menu.
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5 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Under the radar

This 20-megapixel camera keeps a remarkably low profile, barely sticking out from the phone's back panel. Nokia swapped out the Xenon flash for a dual LED.
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6 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Black and red...

The Lumia 1520 comes in black, red, white, and yellow. Red is the only shade with a glossy finish; the rest are matte.
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7 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

On contract and off

Even though it sells for $200 on-contract with AT&T, off-contract, the 1520 is priced like other premium extra-large phones, $750.
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8 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Handy tool

You'll need this tiny tool to pop open both the nano-SIM card slot and the microSD card tray.
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9 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Store more

You can store up to 64GB of external storage in this compartment, which is flush with the phone's left spine.
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10 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Tight fit

A supersize smartphone, the 1520 has the potential to bust through smaller, tighter pockets.
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11 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Fine fit

However, it fit fine in my purse, and slips into plenty of looser slackers, blazers, and jackets.
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12 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Bigger sometimes better

One benefit of a larger screen is all the space you get to view photos, read articles, and watch videos.
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13 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Camera tricks

Nokia's signature camera app uses sliders to adjust values for brightness, focus, and white balance.
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14 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Bold design

It's impressive how little the camera module sticks out from the back panel.
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15 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Speaker strength

The speaker grille on the back pumps out songs, videos, and game jingles with aplomb.
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16 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET

Joining the ranks

Nokia's 1520 and its midrange cousin, the Lumia 1320, are the first Windows phones to join the ranks of smartphone giants like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (left) and HTC One Max. Compare their specs here.

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