Nokia unveils Lumia 1020, a 41-megapixel camera smartphone

NEW YORK, USA: Finish mobile handset maker Nokia on Thursday launched its Lumia 1020 smartphone, which boasts a 41-megapixel camera aimed at taking on rivals Samsung and Apple in a fiercely competitive market.

The Lumia 1020 has a second generation 41-megapixel sensor and enables sharp detailing through Nokia's Pure-View technology.

 The Nokia Lumia 1020 will hit the US markets first exclusively with AT&T, with sales expected to start on July 26 at a price of $299.99 (Rs. 17945.21) on a two-year contract. Post the US launch, Lumia 1020 is expected to arrive in China and key European markets this quarter, Elop said.

Nokia has not announced specific dates for an India launch. But Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said Indian consumers can expect a cheaper, price competitive version of the Lumia 1020 that will be launched in emerging markets.

Elop said the flagship Lumia 1020 handset, powered by the Windows 8 operating system, would be a game changer as far as smartphone photography goes. While showcasing its features, Elop claimed the device was far superior in terms of its photographic capabilities than the Samsung Galaxy 4 and Apple's iPhone.