Amazon smartphone screen may measure between 4-5 inches

A few days ago, it was reported that Amazon may be working on a smartphone that would compete directly with Apple’s iPhone and would run on Google's Android operating system. As per a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, it appears that Amazon is taking these plans forward and is already working with component suppliers in Asia to test a smartphone, and in the process, expand on their mobile device offerings.

Amazon's new phone could measure between 4 to 5-inches

The report stated, “Officials at some of Amazon's parts suppliers, who declined to be named, said the Seattle-based company is testing a smartphone and mass production of the new device may start late this year or early next year.” Commenting on the size of the new phone's display, the report adds, “One person said the screen of Amazon's smartphone currently being tested measures between four and five inches.” It is expected that Apple will increase the display size of the iPhone from 3.5-inches to 4-inches and if Amazon does launch a handset with a 4-inch screen, it would not only compete with the Apple iPhone but also with the Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X, both of which feature a display measuring over 4.5-inches.

“A smartphone from Amazon would spur more competition in the already crowded market. While Apple’s iPhone and Samsung Electronics Co.'s Galaxy handsets continue to dominate the lucrative high-end segment, the overall smartphone market is expanding rapidly with many players offering new models that are diverse in terms of sizes, technological features and prices,” the report reads.

Chinese mobile manufacturer Foxconn International Holdings Ltd. is working with Amazon for building this handset and Amazon is seeking to complement the smartphone strategy by acquiring patents that cover wireless technology and would help it defend against allegations of infringement.

This is not the first time that Amazon has sought to enter Apple’s market, as last year, the brand successfully launched their Kindle Fire. This tablet was the only tablet that managed to pose a threat to Apple’s dominance in the tablet market. A lot of talk is surrounding the launch of the Kindle Fire 2, with reports suggesting that the tablet will have better integrated lighting and more hardware improvements. No details about the processor and the other specs have been revealed yet. When it was first launched, the Kindle Fire was touted by many as the 'iPad Killer', primarily because of the price tag that came attached. The Kindle Fire faced tough competition from the Barnes & Noble Nook tablet, but the competition is going to be even more massive this time if the pricing of the Fire 2 and the Nexus 7 is going to be similar. Amazon may also announce Kindle Touch, which will be at a lower price point. What this means is that ‘low-budget but non-performing’ tablets will soon be phased out as the world shifts focus to good quality products selling at ultra-low prices.