Nokia is secretly working on a device that could propel it to the forefront of cameraphone technology: 12Mp phones with an optical zoom.

Sources inside both Nokia and optics firm Carl Zeiss revealed the Finnish phone giant’s plans for the high-end cameraphone, according to a story by website Phone Report, and hinted that the devices will appear late this year or early in 2010.

Several mobile phone firms have already unveiled – but not yet launched - 12Mp cameraphones, including Samsung with its Pixon 12 and Sony Ericsson with the Idou – which the firm recently renamed Satio.

LG recently promised to launch a 12Mp cameraphone offering before the end of this year, which could see the Korean manufacturer’s device launch alongside Nokia’s rumoured offering.

Nokia won’t be the first firm to launch a phone with optical zoom, either, although the feature is rare on handsets. Samsung’s SCH-B500 includes an optical zoom. ®

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