Leaked images of Nokia's N9 smartphone are currently circulating on the internet.

The mobile phone manufacturer had been keeping details of this device closely under wraps and so far, not even a release date has been disclosed.

According to Gareth Halfacree of Expert Reviews, precise technical details have also been kept secret.

However, he was able to ascertain from the photographs that the N9 features a Linux-based operating system.

This, he stated, has been jointly developed by Nokia and Intel in an attempt to compete with Google Android-based handsets.

Mr Halfacree also noted that the N9 comes with a chiclet-style keyboard and a four-inch-wide touch-sensitive display.

"It looks like the Finnish mobile giant is taking its design cues from Apple's MacBook range these days," he commented.

CNET UK added that the Nokia N9 may take the manufacturer back to the "top of the tree", as it could displace the iPhone and Android-based handsets from the summit of the high-end market.