Windows Central has learned that Verizon Wireless in the US is still picking up the Nokia Lumia 735 mid-range smartphone, tentatively scheduled for a May release.
Windows Central first reported that Verizon would be grabbing the Lumia 735 back in September of 2014. By October, however, our sources had reported that the phone was delayed until "early 2015". Later in November, the phone was spotted passing through the FCC with Verizon's LTE bands, solidifying the intention of the carrier to stock the smartphone.
Up until recently, we had written off the Lumia 735 as coming to Verizon. Now, people familiar with the matter have informed us that the Lumia 735 is estimated for a May release.
If true, the timing falls in line with two other events, including Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 and Build.
Waiting for Update 2
This morning, we reported that the second major update to Windows Phone 8.1 dubbed Update 2 (aka GDR2), would be pushed out to the Lumia 735 and Lumia 830. Details of which carriers and timing were not revealed, but Microsoft did confirm the plans for those devices. New remote kill-switch laws were highlighted as a reason for the update and a May timeframe would line up with an Update 2 release.
Interestingly, the Lumia 640 is also expected to launch on various US carriers, including MetroPCS, in May as well. This timing hints at a unified strategy to put Windows Phone back in the spotlight with multiple new device launches.
Build announcement?
Microsoft's 2015 BUILD developer conference also takes place April 29 through May 1. Verizon has traditionally avoided on-stage announcements of Windows products, opting for press releases instead. However, Microsoft could be planning a small proclamation of US carriers picking up new phones, including the Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL on AT&T, and the Lumia 735 to help bolster their Windows message.
The Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, and Lumia 735 are all 'Windows 10 Ready' for the OS update due later this year.
Finally, we should caution that Verizon has a spotty history with Windows Phone releases. The Lumia Icon was slated for a fall 2013 launch but didn't come out until months later in 2014. Even then, promotion of it and the HTC One for Windows were tepid at best. As such, anything can change so we will await an official announcement before getting too excited.
About the Lumia 735
Announced in September, 2014 the Lumia 735 is the single-SIM, LTE variant of the Lumia 730. It features a 4.7-inch 720p (1280 x 720) OLED ClearBlack display and a 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor and 1 GB of RAM.
For storage, the Lumia 735 comes with 8 GB of internal storage, which is supplemented with microSD card support up to 128 GB and 15 GB of OneDrive cloud storage. The rear camera is a 6.7 MP shooter with ZEISS optics and a f/1.9 aperture. LED flash is also included. Up front, you'll a full HD 5 MP wide angle f/2.4 camera.
The Lumia 735 also features a removable battery and Qi wireless charging. It is currently unknown if Verizon has requested any additional changes to the hardware.
