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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.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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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.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Triple play

The 1520 features Windows Phone's new three-column UI.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Multitasking boost

Now when you press and hold the Back button (left), you'll be able to close apps from the multitasking menu.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Andrew Hoyle/CNET

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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.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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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.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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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.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Handy tool

You'll need this tiny tool to pop open both the nano-SIM card slot and the microSD card tray.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Store more

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

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Andrew Hoyle/CNET

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Tight fit

A supersize smartphone, the 1520 has the potential to bust through smaller, tighter pockets.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Fine fit

However, it fit fine in my purse, and slips into plenty of looser slackers, blazers, and jackets.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Bigger sometimes better

One benefit of a larger screen is all the space you get to view photos, read articles, and watch videos.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Camera tricks

Nokia's signature camera app uses sliders to adjust values for brightness, focus, and white balance.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Bold design

It's impressive how little the camera module sticks out from the back panel.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Speaker strength

The speaker grille on the back pumps out songs, videos, and game jingles with aplomb.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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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.

Updated:November 18, 2013Caption:Jessica DolcourtPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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