After already some first indications that a successor for the Nokia e61 is in the make, recently some first pictures have come available of a possible successor Nokia e61i. Although the authenticity is debated (fake or not?) I did not want to keep from you. If it is, then they did a nice job modding it.

Some first observations are:

• The 16m color QVGA stays - pity where I was hoping for a VGA LCD in its successor
• Looking at the back of the e61i it seems despite most comments of the current e61 users, that a camera will be introduced. Considering the E-series are not considered “high-end” phones like the N-series, it will probably mean that there will be a “low-end” 2mp camera embedded
• Pop-port is still the crappy Nokia’s own version and not the universal mini-USB like the current e62 with “charging possibility”
• The housing looks nice. Still a metal casing though with a different color set-up. The front has become a black cover
• The main soft keys and central joystick have been replaced for a new set of keys. Record key seems to be still wrongly positioned
• Thickness still seems the same (where we all hoped for some slimmer version)

For the rest it is difficult to say. Likely this new phone will be introduced for the first time end of this month during Nokia world in Amsterdam. Ed from e-series.org will be joining in Amsterdam, thus let us look out what he comes back with on the Nokia e61i (and e65?). See if he can confirm the authenticity.

After the big success of the e61 and other E-series within Europe a successor should have been the logical step. The successor has emerged today and leaked into the open. The new e61i is build on the e61 basis but with a lot of changes.
After the big success of the e61 and other E-series within Europe a successor should have been the logical step. The successor has emerged today and leaked into the open. The new e61i is build on the e61 basis but with a lot of changes. Read more ..,

and another reference (thanks Jim).