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Lumia 940 and 940 XL rumors: Plastic flagships with iris sensors may cost more than an iPhone 6

microsoft lumia 940 xl news version 1435316859 windows 10 joe belfiore
Microsoft
Microsoft hasn’t been terribly forthcoming about the launch of Windows 10 for Mobile, though it has said that the new operating system will debut on a high-end Windows Phone. Earlier reports hint at a September launch date for the mystery device, but now we’ve finally got an idea of what the new flagship will be like.

Updated on 07-13-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added pricing rumor that hints at a price tag that’s higher than the iPhone 6’s price tag. Also added rumor about a plastic, polycarbonate body for the phones, iris scanners, and a November launch date.

The phone could be a Quad HD monster phone with super high-end specs and the name Lumia 940 XL, and it may have a slightly less powerful sibling, the Lumia 940. These Lumias could be the Cityman and Talkman phones that recently leaked — the specs certainly seem to match. Both phones first leaked on AdDuplex’s ad network, and although the listings only show the devices’ respective screen sizes and resolutions, these two Windows phones look promising.

Expensive price rumored for the plastic phone

Unlike many leading smartphones, Lumia phones typically sport plastic backs, even on the high-end models. The Lumia 940 and 940 XL appear to be no exception to the rule, as a new report from Windows Mobile Power User states that Microsoft’s flagship Lumias will have polycarbonate backs.

However, unlike most of the Lumia phones that Microsoft has launched in recent months, the 940 and 940 XL will reportedly cost more than an iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S6. In other words, the Lumia 940 and 940 XL may cost more than $650 unsubsidized, which is a hefty price tag for a Windows Phone. Windows Mobile Power User claims that Microsoft may justify the price based on all the high-end specs that’ve been previously rumored for the two phones, as well as an iris scanner for added security.

Lumia 940 XL and Lumia 940

If the listings are accurate, the Lumia 940 XL will sport a Quad HD screen with a 2,560-by-1,440 pixel resolution. The screen size is allegedly 5.7 inches, and the XL may be powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB of RAM, NokiaPowerUser reports. Other specs reportedly include 32GB of storage, a MicroSD card slot, a 20-megapixel PureView camera, a 5-megapixel selfie shooter, and more. The publication also hints at an iris scanner, though that seems a bit far-fetched.

When it comes to the smaller Lumia 940, AdDuplex says it’ll have a 5.2-inch screen with a 1080p resolution, which matches the results of a GFX Benchmark test. However, NokiaPowerUser claims that it, too, will sport a Quad HD resolution. The benchmark also showed a Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and the same 20/5-megapixel camera combination seen on the 940 XL.

Windows Mobile Power User later hinted than the Lumia 940 and 940 XL may sport iris scanners, too. The iris scanners would add security to the devices, much the same as fingerprint scanners do on the iPhone, some Samsung phones, and other flagships.

When will they arrive?

It’s still unknown when the Lumia 940 and XL will debut, but if they are indeed the flagship Windows phones, they’ll run Windows 10 for Mobile, and will likely arrive in the fall of 2015. Windows Mobile Power User hints that the launch could occur in November 2015. We’ll keep you updated on the phones here.

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Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
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