Nokia’s box-shaped metal clad smartphone resurfaces online

Former Finnish giant Nokia could mark its return to the smartphone market in 2016. As new images of an all-metal Nokia smartphone have surfaced online posted by a Weibo user. The leaked image flaunts a box shaped back coloured phone lying next to a Lumia device.

It shows an all metal body with two antenna bands at the top and bottom, while the back panel looks rather similar to HTC One A9's design language. There's also a possibility that this might be an early prototype of an upcoming Nokia smartphone, as the last time when this particular model was spotted the 'PROTOTYPE' label was clearly visible on the back. Though this time around the prototype label is missing.

There have been several reports in the past indicating Nokia's return to the smartphone market this year. Moreover, the fact that Nokia's deal with Microsoft which prevents the Finnish brand from releasing smartphones under the Nokia brand name also ended on December 31, 2015. Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri also confirmed in July last year the company's plans to re-enter the smartphone market and use the same strategy when it launched the N1 tablet.

Back then the company entered into a brand licensing agreement with Foxconn, who were responsible for manufacturing, distribution and sales of the tablet. The tablet's concept was conceived and designed by Nokia carrying the company's brand name. Hence, instead of manufacturing the devices themselves, Nokia would be outsourcing the process.