ZTE to outpace Nokia, will launch a WP7 device in Q3

ZTE might have surprisingly for some made it into the top 5 global phone makers for 2010, but even more shocking is news about the Chinese phone maker outpacing Nokia when it comes to launching a Windows Phone Mango handset. ZTE will roll out its first WP-based phone in the third quarter of the year in Nokia’s stronghold – Europe, according to executives from the Chinese tech giant.

"We are already working on a smartphone based on Mango and it will be launched in Europe," ZTE's terminal devices unit VP, Jeffrey Fan, said. ZTE was named as one of the handset makers for Windows Phone only yesterday at the Mango event, while Nokia has been hard at work on transitioning to WP7 since February.

We can only speculate about all the possible reasons behind ZTE outpacing Nokia in launching its first WP-based handset, but the Chinese company mentioned working on a Windows Phone 7 prototype back in March. Further details about the specs of the upcoming handset were not available, but judging by the company's profile it should be relatively affordable while at the same time sticking to Microsoft's strict requirements about consistent experience. Would a ZTE-made Windows Phone handset be an appealing option for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

source: Reuters