BBK Vivo to feature 20.2MP sensor with Nikon EXPEED processor

China-based manufacturer BBK Electronics is preparing to launch a Vivo phablet with a 1/1.7-inch-type sensor and Nikon EXPEED image processor by the end of 2013.

BBK is a Chinese company which has recently been under the spotlights for launching the world’s thinnest smartphone called Vivo X3. It is one of the most powerful handsets on the market, as it features a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset, 2GB RAM, 5-inch 1920 x 1080 touchscreen, built-in 16GB storage, and a 13-megapixel camera.

The BBK Vivo X3 could easily take on Samsung’s and HTC’s flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S4 and One, but the Chinese maker wants even more. According to sources familiar with the matter, a Vivo phablet will be launched in the near future and it will come packed with serious camera performances.

BBK Vivo is a phablet rumored to feature a rotating camera design with a 20.2-megapixel sensor and Nikon EXPEED image processor.

BBK Vivo rumored to feature 20.2MP 1/1.7″-type sensor with f/2 lens and Nikon EXPEED processor

BBK will name its phablet Vivo. It will be among the thinnest devices of its kind, but its true power will come from its camera. Industry sources are reporting that the new handset will feature a 20.2-megapixel 1/1.7-inch-type CMOS sensor, f/2.0 lens, and Nikon EXPEED image processor.

These specs are nothing short of what you can find in a compact camera, but having a dedicated processing engine is surely the main attraction point, especially when it is coming from one of the top camera makers: Nikon.

Nikon EXPEED processor can be clearly seen in the promotional material for the BBK Vivo, a phablet which has not been announced yet.

Vivo phablet to sport rotating camera design

Unconfirmed reports are stating that the BBK Vivo phablet will be powered by the Nikon EXPEED E1-158 1051 200 M. This is most likely a modified version of the EXPEED 3 DSP, which is found in most of the company’s cameras launched over the past couple of years.

For the time being, Nikon and BBK Electronics have not announced a partnership. Additionally, most sources in China are not always very reliable, but this looks like the real deal.

The Vivo will also be packed in an interesting design. It appears that its top side will be rotatable. This phablet will take Oppo’s concept a little further, as N1’s camera does not rotate in the same way as the Vivo.

BBK launching Vivo phablet in late 2013

BBK is rumored to launch the Vivo by the end of this year. The price is unknown, but the device should become available for the holiday season.

It remains to be seen whether or not Nikon has actually accepted to become a supplier for this smartphone maker, considering that it is a low-profile one.