Images of Android Powered Nokia Phone Leak Online

Every few weeks, more details about Nokia’s work on an Android phone slip out, and today’s no exception. This morning, @evleaks, the Twitter account responsible for more than a few interesting gadget-based tidbits and news items, posted images purported to show off the interface Nokia had intended to slap onto the Android skeleton.

As you can see in the images above, Nokia’s interface would be a pretty big departure from the usual Android UI, apparently opting to have only one navigation button—the back button—on the bottom of the phone, rather than the usual three or four buttons—home, back, and menu, usually—typically found on most Android handsets. Moreover, the tweet that offered up the images points out that the interface would also lack the “virtual buttons” bar usually found at the bottom of the Android home screen. Though, it should be pointed out, there don’t seem to be enough images to show what it would have on the home screen.

Also interesting is that the images seem to depict two signal strength icons, signifying dual SIM cards. A post on Neowin regarding the images points out that the Asian and African markets tend to go for dual SIM card phones. As such, it stands to reason that when Microsoft finalizes its purchase of Nokia’s device division, this phone might still see the light of day in those markets. Considering that Microsoft might want to cultivate a different kind of image overseas, not to mention take advantage of already-completed handsets, I wouldn’t be totally surprised to hear that this phone does make its way to those markets. Why wouldn’t Microsoft want to reap the benefits of a device that might make a splash in a particular territory?

That said, we’ve already explored the idea that Microsoft may just go for it, releasing a Windows-skinned, Android phone here in the States. I still think that doing so would be a great move: Android has tons of fans and a huge selection of apps; releasing a unique looking take on the Android OS could generate a lot of sales and bring some cash in.

We’ll have to wait and see if this handset ever actually makes it to market once Microsoft finally absorbs Nokia. I’m hoping to see it on store shelves sometime this year.