Following in the footsteps of the Lumia 720, the Nokia Lumia 520 passed certification by the FCC (US regulatory body) last week. There's the usual array of test reports, user manual, and photos on offer or those keen to know more about Nokia entry level Windows Phone 8 device.
As with the Lumia 720 some of the most interesting information comes in the form of photos of the internals. From these we can see the structure of the phone, as is typical for Nokia phones at lower price points, is two pieces of plastics enclosing a circuit board, with a partial metal back piece / screen mounting.
This design doesn't quite have the solidity of the polycarbonate and frame design used in the Nokia Lumia 920 and 720, but it is very durable. The materials and production costs are also cheaper, which together with lower cost components (e.g. camera and screen), helps explain how Nokia was able to reduce the price point of the Lumia 520.
As is typical for phones with replaceable covers, the back cover isn't really integral to structure of the phone, though it does provide additional protection. However, it is important for protecting the device from shocks when it is dropped. Typically the back cover will break away, in traditional Nokia style, but in doing so will act as a shock absorber.
