Nokia A1 images permeated the media and it looks like the company is close to releasing a mid-range handset sometime this summer.

Fans of the Finnish smartphone maker know that one of the clauses from Microsoft's purchase of Nokia's Device and Services division in 2013 was that the European brand took the bench until 2016.

Even if Nokia underlined that it's taking its time before releasing new handsets, speculations roamed free about its next device. A leaked render of a mid-level Android device leads us to believe that the waiting time has expired and Nokia is ready to get back in the ring soon enough.

The source who sent the images to Android Authority pointed out that the Nokia A1 will fit neatly in the mid-range category.

One notable detail is visible in the leaked renders: the smartphone is said to be an Android handset, but the interface seen here doesn't quite look like Android. What is more, it is not a variant of Windows Mobile either, although some could expect Microsoft to keep supporting Nokia's new releases.

The interface seems to be Nokia's proprietary Z Launcher, which was first introduced in 2014 with the Nokia N1 tablet. That UX variant was baked with Android 5.0 Lollipop underneath, but this year's device will probably benefit from the Android 6.0 Marshmallow infrastructure.

Looking at the design of the purported mid-tier, the A1 takes a new approach when compared to Windows' Nokia phones. It might not be the best looking device out there, but its aspect makes us think of reliability.

In terms of design, it seems that Nokia's A1 mid-tier could be wrapped in polycarbonate.

There is little information about technical specs, but what we know for now is that the Nokia A1 will holster a Snapdragon 652 SoC for processing power and a 5.5-inch FHD display to display its visuals. Android Authority's source noted that the handset could reach the shelves during the summer of 2016.

Until the OEM releases an official press release about the upcoming device, the leaked renders and bits of info should be taken with a tiny grain of salt. Even if it uses a mid-ranger to get back in the ring, Nokia has the change to expand its presence later on.

We will keep you posted as soon as we have new information.