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Samsung’s first Windows Phone 8.1 handset pictured in leaked image

Samsung’s first Windows Phone 8.1 handset pictured in leaked image

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Verizon is preparing to launch its 5-inch Nokia Lumia Icon Windows Phone handset shortly, but it looks like the carrier will also unveil a Samsung Windows Phone 8.1 device in future. Evleaks has posted what appears to be a render of an unannounced Samsung "Huron" Windows Phone. The handset includes Verizon branding, and it looks very similar to Samsung’s Ativ S and Galaxy S3 / S4 devices.

A lack of buttons hints at Windows Phone 8.1

While the Ativ S has capacitive search and back buttons, this latest leaked Samsung "Huron" handset appears to only include a dedicated home button. We’ve heard Microsoft is planning to use on-screen buttons for some Windows Phone 8.1 handsets, and Nokia’s "Moneypenny" device will likely be the first example of that, but Samsung could be opting for a mix of hardware buttons and on-screen. However, it’s possible the render is incomplete or the capacitive buttons are simply not lit up, as Samsung has used non-capacitive home buttons on its previous Windows Phones. Also of note, there’s no dedicated camera button on the Huron.

No solid specifications have leaked yet for Samsung’s Huron handset, but rumors suggest it will include a 5-inch or 4.3-inch 1080p display. The device recently passed through Bluetooth 3.0 testing, and Windows Phone trackers Ad Duplex also spotted it being tested on Verizon. Ad Duplex claims the handset, identified as the SM-W750V, is running Windows Phone 8 which contradicts Evleaks claim of Windows Phone 8.1. While Samsung may unveil its latest Galaxy S5 handset in Barcelona later this month, it’s possible the company could also use its latest Unpacked event to detail its future Windows Phone handsets.

Update (March 17th): Evleaks has posted a new render of the device, revealing the Samsung ATIV SE runs on Windows Phone 8.1 and has capacitive buttons