Microsoft has long been rumoured to launch a Windows Phone device featuring the Surface branding. This rumour has been doing the rounds since the company's Surface line of tablets and convertibles became successful. With the Nokia Lumia brand now fading away, it is the right time for Microsoft to pitch in with the all-important Surface line of smartphones running on the Windows 10 mobile platform.
Where is the Surface Phone?In the works. Microsoft has been hard at work trying to release a high quality smartphone, according to numerous rumours about the company's 2016 plans.
After reading through dozens of reports, the one thing that can be concluded is that the Surface Phone is real. Just last year, Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Capossela revealed that the company is working on a new smartphone.
According to Chris, this mobile device would be a "breakthrough". The only other instances where Microsoft has been tipped to launch a "breakthrough" device is the Surface Phone. Furthermore, Chris also confirmed that this device will not feature the Lumia branding. It's as good a proof of the Surface Phone that you could get 4 months prior to the launch of the smartphone.
When will the Surface Phone be launched?Some highly reputable sources have revealed that Microsoft will launch the Surface Phone sometime halfway through 2016. Other rumours have hinted at a June or July 2016 launch. With Chris Capossela all but confirming the presence of the Surface Phone, it remains to be seen just how long Microsoft will take to complete working on the device.
The Surface Phone rumours have easily existed for almost an year now. While companies tend to take a little longer while launching something new, Microsoft's continued delays in delivering the Surface Phone should ring alarm bells for Windows Phone fans.
SpecificationsWhen it comes to the specifications, the Surface Phone looks to be a fairly powerful smartphone, based on the kind of specs that Windows 10 mobile (or just Windows Phone) needs. The most recent Windows Phone flagships – the Lumia 950 XL and the Lumia 950 come with most of the top line specs that we have come to see on Android flagships.
However, for the Surface Phone, Microsoft could be going back to Intel in addition to Qualcomm. The company is said to be using an Atom processor that was released in 2015. The Surface Phone could come in two variants – one with the Intel Atom X3 processor and one with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor.
In other areas, we are expecting to see a 5.5 inch Super AMOLED display with a QHD resolution. In terms of memory, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage are being speculated as the base model.
Microsoft will also be utilizing the PureView technology it acquired from Nokia. The Surface Phone will come with a 21 MP PureView camera featuring Carl Zeiss lens. The front camera will be an 8 MP one, featuring a wide-angle Carl Zeiss lens again.
DesignThe Surface Phone will feature the trademark Surface design – an aluminium and magnesium alloy casing to make the phone sturdy. It will feature the same design language as that of the Surface Pro and Surface Book.
Windows 10 mobileThe Surface Phone will come with the release version of Windows 10 mobile. Microsoft is currently testing this new version of Windows 10 for mobile phones. Based on some recent reports, the update should be finalized in the next two months. At that point, Microsoft will begin the final testing of the Surface Phone with Windows 10 mobile. This fits in with the June 2016 launch rumours.
While Microsoft is taking a bit too long to launch the Surface Phone, all rumours point to a very powerful smartphone. We'll be keeping an eye out for more information.
Source: Microsoft Surface Phone Rumour Roundup: Specs, Price, Launch and more
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