AT&T product page omits wireless charging for the Nokia Lumia 1520

It’s been speculated that AT&T’s version of the Lumia 1520 would, for whatever reason, omit Qi wireless charging. Nokia recently told us that there won’t be two versions of the upcoming phablet but evidently there will be.

AT&T has their ‘Coming Soon’ product page up for the Nokia Lumia 1520, and while they have done an admirable job of promoting the new device, the specs specifically note that wireless charging is not included.

To confirm that it is not a typo, the image of the back of the 1520 shows the wireless charging contacts near the bottom, something that is omitted from the international version. Under the section titled ‘Battery’, AT&T states:

“Meet a smartphone that can keep up with your busy life. The 3400 mAh battery combined with the wireless charging shell is perfect for everyday use. Wireless charging shell sold separately.”

Combined with the accompanying image it seems all but certain AT&T has once again opted to not have Qi wireless charging (they also pushed back on the option for the Lumia 1020). So was the decision made to keep the device thinner? Reduces costs? Or is it because AT&T is supporting the rival wireless charging standard from the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) instead of Qi?

We may never know (we have our suspicions) but it’s clear that customers are getting the raw end of the deal here. Having used the Lumia 1520 extensively, we can say weight nor thinness are hardly a consideration with the large but nimble device.

Missed our hands on with the Lumia 1520 from yesterday? See it here.

Source: AT&T (opens in new tab); Thanks, Matthew, for the tip

Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.

196 Comments

Sucks!!
Probably weight reduction
How much does the Qi adapter weigh? Like, an ounce. What a crock of crap
No. It has nothing to do with weight.
You think it's accessory/add on sales related?
I think so: it is an opportunity to sell a peripheral. Not cool, if true.
This might be the last straw for me with AT&T. I think I'm switching to T-Mobile or Verizon even though I hate the idea of leaving GSM. I've purchased tons of Qi wireless charging docks/speakers from AT&T and now they're arbitrarily cutting the feature out of one of their phones? Waiting for the updates pissed me off, but taking away features from phones is not acceptable.
I'm pretty sure it's not weight. Or cost. Most likely is that AT&T is on the board with the PMA and see supporting Qi as a conflict of interest.
are all carriers on pma? or are there some on Qi? if some support Qi why not just go with that carrier instead? i say if atnt wont support your product without compromise then F*** em.
Interesting though that they let the 920 go with Qi. Anyway, now that I've thrown my toys out of the stroller, I'll get over it & either get a Qi cover or do a DIY job with an aftermarket pad :)
AT&T we need to make them a batch of cookies so they stop messing with Nokia products
But the wireless shell ( for the 1020 anyway) is Qi. If this was the issue then why wouldn't the shells be PMA? I think it is for additional accessory sales. The markup on most accessories is huge. Salesmen are always instructed to push accessory sales hard for this reason.
I think you're more right than anyone. I think they reduce the price of the 1520 this way AND get more money from consumers who want wireless charging
So will the contacts on the rear of the device still be included? If so, this means technically you could purchase a charging case/pad. If not, ATT is paying Nokia extra to produce devices less the wireless charging which may imply they've been selling the Lumia line pretty well as I don't think ATT is willing to take too many losses and continue to stock devices that aren't moving. Last question: do you think Nokia simply disables through software and if so is it something that could be re-enabled via windows phone hacker or someone with the proper skill set???
Read the entire article.
Hi Guys
Think about it, it will be easier for the customer to just replace a Wireless charging cover instead of being stuck with a phone and a Wireless charger that nobody else support. just my opinion.
Silly. You don't think anyone will go back and create an updated shell for an old phone that didn't sell well do you? It would be cheaper at that point to upgrade your phone to one that supports the new standard. This has totally turned me off of this phone. I was interested, but now I'm not even remotely interested. I love my 1020, but hate the shell I have to use if I want wireless charging freedom.
If the flip case they sell for it has the qi wireless charging baked it, then it may not be so bad. But that never seems to be the case!
I Agree with you in some way, but there is also a world out there, people in Europe, India, Latin America don't upgrade phones that often as in the States, There are Markets where you pay $1000 for a phone, it will be cheaper to get an extra cover than paying an extra $1000 for a new phone, I've seen people using older phones in some countries because they can't afford to upgrade, even every two years (I belive Contracts in Canada are for 3 Years) now there are markets were they get these phones several months after they were released in the US, like the 1020 which is still releasing in some markets and will be released in some other countries soon, I don't agree they don't sell well, nothing personal, just my humble opinion.
Correct, it has nothing to do with weight.
For those people who believe the 'weight myth ' then they should know the added weight is about the same as a security sticker they stick on products at Walgreens.
This has everything to do with AT&T backing the rival power camp - sad.
Exactly... you can look up Qi adapaters for Sammie Galaxy phones on eBay its literally a ribbon.
If they would make decent cases with it included this would be a moot point.
This. When Nokia first started doing this, I expected case manufacturers to jump on this like a fat lady on a ham. Add 50 cents of materials to their cases, charge an extra $10 for the functionality. Plus it makes the design/usability of cradles/docks 100x easier. It was a win for pretty much everyone. Why didn't it catch on?
It's a great way to increase accessory sales. Every time I go into the ATT store they are always trying to sell me an accessory for my 920.
Good call. Wireless charging is not necessary. Just add bulk and weight.
Wireless charging weighs nothing.
And if the AT&T version is any thinner than the international with wireless charging I'll eat my 920. This is just bullshit.
You might think that, but you're wrong. Here's a great example: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575095911&t...
Yup, sucks indeed. Won't be getting mine from AT&T then.
I signed this petition earlier this week. just to make some desperate noises! join the others and make some noises.. http://www.change.org/petitions/please-tell-at-t-to-stop-its-monopolistic-and-abusive-actions via change.org
Bet it'll be included in the 1525 variant on T-Mobile. Come to Papa....
A year from now? :/
I signed this petition earlier this week. just to make some desperate noises! join the others and make some noises.. http://www.change.org/petitions/please-tell-at-t-to-stop-its-monopolistic-and-abusive-actions via change.org
Here is the petition I signed earlier this week via change I signed this petition earlier this week, just to make some desperate noises! Join the others and make some noises.
Hm. That's kind of annoying. And by "kind of", I mean "quite".
Yes, this greatly upsets me... They are ruining the idea of wireless charging.. Its supposed to be convenient, and quick.. If I have to use their stupid shale then I can't choose which case, or cover I want to use.. Wireless charging is not supposed to be thought about this much.. You are just supposed to drop it and go❕... Now, if the charging cover has the screen protector, and built in stand, I can deal with that...
This and the fact that at&t is only getting the 16gb version have turned this from a "must buy" to "no thanks".
Microsd though
MicroSD is extra cost and 16gb internal memory makes no sense.
Where are you seeing 16GB? If so that is a major deal breaker for me. I can live without Qi even though I'm upset but if it just has 16GB internal I might just buy a non-AT&T model.
I guess this is what happens when AT&T doesn't sit on the Qi consortium.
Do you think the shell will interfere with having on the separate protective cover? Also, what is the word on the 929?
Sam, can you or Daniel ask around and see if there will be a version of the cover/case (the one that looks like the iPad smart cover) with wireless charging for the AT&T 1520? I am willing to bet that was a case a lot of us were going to buy anyway, but at any rate its still annoying. I am sure it because they are a part of the other wireless charging consortium. Just like they take the NFC payment option out of the Wallet app because they back Isis.
So the shell that enables it isn't Qi?
Damn why
Oh dear. Deal breaker for me I'm afraid. Hope this isn't the case though
Agree. This a deal breaker for me as well. I was planning on purchasing this device. Oh well maybe another carrier.
Just may be enough to get me to leave AT&T
I was thinking the same. I am tired of ATT in trying to play big hand over Nokia. I want a super loaded phone with all features from day one. I don't know whose direction are they following and why are not Microsoft or Nokia influencing them more, maybe cause of low sales compared to other platforms.
You must be going to leave WP as well since att stocks the largest variety of WP devices
Not a deal breaker for me. I don't even use it on my 920 anymore because I get more battery life when plug into USB.
I would highly doubt that. Your battery capacity does not change based on the speed at which it charges.
No offense but the facts don't care what you "highly doubt". I can only report what has happened based on what happened. I get tremendously better battery life on USB charger then when I use my charge plate.
Fair enough. "No offense," but you're an idiot for thinking your battery somehow magically has a larger capacity because it charged faster. That's like saying you can fit more gas in your car if you fill it at 8 gallons per minute instead of 5. Or your pool holds more water if you fill it with two hoses instead of one.
Did I say it had a larger capacity? Nope sure didn't did you as the moron that you are assume something that wasn't written? Yes you did. All I said is that since not using the plate my battery last longer. That's it, now there could be many reasons behind this. I don't know specifically why but it does.
You get hostile when you're butt-hurt. You should try to calm down.
Hahaha classic you start the name calling, get proven proven wrong so you deflect. Nice try go home your out matched.
weisman is being a jerk but I agree with him that what you say is not possible.
I can only report what happens. When I use the plate I'm lucky to get half a day when, I use the cable I get home from work with 60-70% left. Could be my phone, could be the plate, I just don't care enough to find out. Phone works great the way it is so I'm not worried about it. Hence my original post not a deal breaker because I don't need wireless charging.
Probably the plate then
The plate charges slower ... that's about it. In my experience, cable or usb ... it makes no difference. I get same battery life. If it is dfferent, maybe something wrong with your battery or plate. Doesn't like charging at a slower rate probably? Don't know. But I have a 1020 with charging case, and both kids have 920's. None of use see a difference.
No, you said you get more battery life which isn't true. The only difference is the charge speed.
I do get more battery life, but thanks for trying to tell me how my phone performs
I have to partially agree with Jonathan, gas and water in a physical container is vastly different from battery capacity, for example if you have ever had a high end RC car charger, some have the option for quick charge and and slow charge and you will get different battery performance, your battery could have issues that will report an under charged battery as full or you can possibly overcharge a battery, my wife's 920 seems to burn the charge quicker after wireless charging too. not horribly faster but noticeable.
This feels like Blu-ray vs HD DVD all over again. When a standard is agreed upon, we'll all be happier. I look forward to the day when all our devices use the same wireless charging standard.
^
This!
Yea but for me I saw more detail in the HD Dvd than there was in bluray. I believe bluray won though cause it supposedly had more features. (which for I don't care about. Just put the disc in play!) look at VHS and betamax. VHS clearly sucked more but was marketed better. I have a feeling my heart will be let down again. Also why does a phone carrier have say in which wireless tech is present?
Bluray won because it came included on the PS3.
Doesn't make it the better quality item.
I agree with you. Lesser quality items win in the market quite often. Look no further than Android...
The sad truth.
FYI, it was the PORN industry that "made" the standards happen as we know.. They went VHS, so the world did. They went BluRay, so the work did.. Its all about the pu$$y. Thought you knew!!
Lol
*closely watches wireless charging sex toy business*
Apparently the "industry" has yet to embrace wireless charging. (www.jimmyjane.com)
Probably because little Timmy or Suzy will ask "Mommy, what's that light saber, the one sitting on that cool thingy on your nightstand for? Can I play with it?"
But can you imagine the REAL possibilities with water-tight devices.... Hmmmmm.... OK, I'm about to go into Inventor Mode... 8)
Fyi, no I am not a pervert.. I am a Pro-vert because I'm that damn good at it.. 8P
The BD - HDDVD winner had nothing to do with porn. VHS? Probably.
LOL you're right though, media follows porn standards.
"Also why does a phone carrier have say in which wireless tech is present?"
Good question. I wonder why carriers have control of so much more than that too.
Who knows. I thought there job was to offer what consumers want.
If you guys held the 1520 with wireless charging built in, and it wasn't heavy, would no wireless charging make it even lighter?
I don't see how. The wireless charging componentes are so minimal you might not perceive the difference.
^This
Yeah, what a joke. AT&T just wants to make it difficult until Apple adapts to their new standard and then Apple will act like they are better at it.
They are better at not giving a fuck about carriers. Something Microsoft tried to do and failed miserably.
I want the 1520, but I'm still incredibly happy with my 920 (barring it receives 'Black' & the 8.1 "Blue" update so I can have 1080p res & more room to fit more tiles).
I've been spoiled by having my first Windows Phone come with Qi onboard, so I wouldn't be opposed to buying a wireless charging shell with it.
Does anyone have an idea if the 1520 will fit the CR-200 Car Charger?
Just because windows phone supports 1080p doesn't mean your phone is upgrading to 1080p. Your screen is inherently 1280x768, and no software updates change that. Maybe I've been very confused, but I swear I've seen a lot of people expecting 1080p on their old phones. Software changes will not change the inherent hardware on your screen/phone, short of mods to give you six tiles like the ativ S on your 720p screen.
My 920 barely fits that car charger, so I doubt it.
Note that it is a piece of junk and breaks after a few weeks of use - see the comments after the review on this site (and Nokia support forums).
You can't literally change the resolution of your screen... No update can do this, and nowhere is it stated that this will happen. Sorry....
Thank you all for the help.
I had to ask to find out.
Lumia 1520 it is!
Oh brother.
Lol.
I don't think you will be getting more tiles (I have the L920 as well). Your screen resolution is the same even if the OS now supports higher resolutions.
+1. I also want the quad core processor, upgraded ram and SD card slot. Hopefully they include it for my 920 in the blue update.
It should, because if you check the Nokia's global site (nokia.com/global/), CR-200 is shown as compatible accessories for the Lumia 1520. But it seems Nokia may just not advertising Lumia1520's Wireless Charger feature or AT&T forced Nokia to remove Qi-Wireless Technology & not offering Wireless Charger any longer. I don't know, but this time it seems AT&T has really flexed its muscles GLOBALLY! Check this out: I found the Lumia1520's Original Specs when it was first launched on the web.archived.org: http://web.archive.org/web/20131023173816/http://www.nokia.com/global/products/phone/lumia1520/specifications/ You should see in the spec list this: " Wireless charging: Yes "
Greatly miss Qi charging on my 1020, having moved up from a 920. With the camera hump on the 1520, I can only hope the Qi shell flushes the rear. Wireless charging is a must! So simple and convenient.
I know someone hacked a 9series that didn't have it built in. Maybe I'll have to hack this.
First its the nokia L920 getting a super late update for amber now this At&t is getting lame ........ This is another stupid decision...... Now you have to buy a shell what the damn hell!!!! How is that gonna fit with the protective case?????
I agree with u, it doesn't make sense to me having to change covers around, one to charge and another to protect the phone. Stupid.
This is so upsetting. And its not like I can complain to anyone.
This is ridiculous. Looks like I will have to wait for international version because no way I'm paying over $700 for a stripped down version of the same phone. AT&T's version also lacks 32GB storage and most likely will come in crappy box and without headsets. Thanks for nothing AT&T. We need to do something about it. How about we all write angry letters to AT&T?
How do you know it lacks 32 GB storage?
It's on the windowsphone page. It's 16GB instead.
They want to sell you on their ATT Locker storage. Yes, it looks likely that the 1020 will be my last ATT phone if they keep up with this bullshit.
Confirmed! Just saw this myself. I was on the fence about upgrading with AT&T as it is given their recent history with WP8 users. This seals it for me! Unlocked international version, here I come!
My apps alone take up 9 GB. 16 should be extinct
I didn't realize that, no built in charging I could overlook but that in addition to only 16gb I can't overlook. I was getting this phone, now I definitely will not.
Well that settles it. I will not be buying the 1520. Galaxy Note 3 it is.
The specs on the Nokia website list the AT&T version as having 16 GB of memory and a 64 GB SD capability. So it will not have 32 GB much less a 64 GB option. Disappointing to say the least.
How do you figure that? It still take SD, which should allow a 64GB maximum. They've just lowered the minimum. That's all I can see to conclude from the articles I've read. Not so say that 16GB isn't utter BS. It was with the HTC 8X (another genuine faux "media centric" phone), and it is with this too. I actually wonder which idiot is going to say these ridiculous memory limitations are all consumers will ever need.
Either way I'll be buying my 1520 unlocked, paying the ETF at AT&T, and going right back to T-Mobile. Refarm and such has completely covered my area and LTE is just about done as well. Only left them for the 920 and now that I did, I can't upgrade with AT&T until 2015 unless I want to pay full price less $100, which means I'd still be paying $670 for a crippled 1520. Nope
I rely on the prices of a subsidize phone, and could never just get an international at full price. They are taking away features so now its a no for me. This was almost a winner.
Go prepaid on tmo, in under a year you'll save enough to buy a phone outright.
Hey, I signed this petition earlier this week. just to make some desperate noises! join the others and make some noises. http://www.change.org/petitions/please-tell-at-t-to-stop-its-monopolistic-and-abusive-actions via change.org
Here is the petition I signed earlier this week via change I signed this petition earlier this week, just to make some desperate noises! Join the others and make some noises.
Let's just hope the Norwegian version gets wireless built in :) I am not putting that diamond in a cover ;-)
I suggest you do, I doubt it'll be as durable as the 920 was, unless you like living life dangerously lol I mean I know I will drop my phone at least 2 or 3 times a week in my home :( but definitely not outside though that's more like maybe once every 4 months or so :-o
All reports say that it feels really well built, like the 920...so I see no problem with that other than more screen the crush if it falls, and hardly any case will save it if it falls the wrong way! I drop my 920 now and then to, hasn't got a scratch yet and never used a case. :)
Lol wattt ? Every week ?????? -.-
Yup :| but only in my house, I rarely drop it outside but it happens too just definitely not as often, rarely actually
You desperately need to learn to take better care of your assets!
:/
I also don't see yellow on their page, does that mean that it won't come in yellow on at&t??
Wow. What a crock o' dung. One of the (several) reasons I haven't used an available contract renewal to get a 1020 or 925 is because the 920 has Qi charging built in. I'm been thoroughly spoiled.
Me too.
I wonder if the case they showed, with the folding flap screen protector thing that doubles as a stand, well if the charging cover will be like that then that would be awesome.
That would be perfect
That's another problem. Having to add a special case for wireless charging makes it impossible to have any other case on it. So irritating.
True but honestly I'd never uglify such a beautiful LARGE device with an ugly rubber LARGE condom anyway
It's clear that At&t is just trying to get the maximum amount of money from their customers. Anything to screw everyone around.
I hate that the carriers have this much power.
I miss the old Nokia US store when they sold unbranded US products. The E71 I bought was 100 X better than the ATT version.
What is going on with the 929? You know, a phone that will be carried by a carrier that does endorse Qi.
I'll be sticking with my 920. I won't get another phone unless there's wireless charging built in. Att shouldn't give a damn what type of tech is in it for charging. There just being pricks now.
But they do give a damn because they ate part of a competing group. If you were Republican, you wouldn't be promoting democratic views. Not the same dealio exactly but you get my drift
My point is they shouldn't be allowed to decide. They should have to opt for both until the general public decides.
It's so aggravating. And it barely makes the phone any thicker having it built in.
That's what I'm saying.
F U AT&T, guess we know what the iPhone 6 will have.