Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet unveiling expected ahead of Apple iPad reveal

Finnish firm hoping to steal Apple's thunder with Dubai event

Nokia is expected to unveil a 6in Windows Phone 8 smartphone on Tuesday, dubbed the Lumia 1520, as the firm continues to widen its range of Lumia products. The unveiling will take place on the same day Apple is unveiling its next range of iPad devices.

Widespread reports and leaks have emerged suggesting the Finnish firm plans to release a larger version of its current flagship, the Nokia Lumia 1020, at its Nokia World event in Dubai. Some rumours say the device will have a 20 mega-pixel camera using the firm's cutting-edge camera technology.

The Nokia World event is the first since Microsoft confirmed plans to purchase Nokia's mobile division. Nokia is yet to release any details about its agenda for the event, however there is evidence to support the phablet theory.

Microsoft unveiled the latest version of its mobile operating system, Windows Phone 8 3, earlier in October. The updated Windows Phone version features a number of key features, including support for 1080p full HD screens.

The feature has been taken as a sign Microsoft, and by extension Nokia, plans to release smartphones and phablets in sizes similar to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and HTC One Max.

Nokia World is set to kick off at 8.00am on Tuesday. Be sure to check back with V3 then for coverage of the event and the announcements made by Nokia.

If accurate the reports mean the phone will be unveiled hours before key competitor Apple hosts its own unveiling event in San Francisco. Apple is expected to make a number of product announcements at the event, including unveiling a new version of its iPad Mini tablet. The iPad Mini 2 is expected to feature a host of technological upgrades, including Retina display technology.