The illustration shows the concept of Microsoft’s Surface phone. (Photo : YouTube/ Phone Tech)
Although the Redmond-based tech conglomerate hasn't officially confirmed the existence of their new smartphone line up, dubbed only as Microsoft Surface Phone, speculations on its release date, specs and features already plagued the internet.
Recently, Microsoft Australia's official Twitter handle seemingly hinted the existence of the Surface Phone device. According to MSMobile, the tweet, which shows a dark smartphone edged with the company's existing Surface Book and Surface Pro 4, may somehow be a promotional teaser of the upcoming Surface Phone. Though Microsoft has not commented about the said accidental leak, some say that this may be legit as the image includes Microsoft branding.
As of this day, the said leak is the latest legitimate hint which points out that Microsoft may soon reveal the Surface Phone to its followers.
Meanwhile, ever since news broke out that another lineup will replace Microsoft's Lumia range, many believed that the tech giant is finally making an effort to go against Apple iPhone series. With this, rumor began circulating that the purported Surface Phone will be equipped with an impressive hardware specs.
As such, Beta News reported that the tech giant will incorporate a unique fingerprint sensor to Surface Phone. It is said that the sensor patent filed by Microsoft to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which is called Fingerprint Detection with Transparent Cover, covers a placement of the fingerprint sensor to the device's display. If this is to be believed, one can expect that the Surface Phone will be thinner compared to Microsoft's Lumia series'devices.
Aside from boasting a unique fingerprint sensor, Microsoft is rumored to launch 3 variants of Surface Phone - base model (consumer model), enthusiast model and business edition.
The base model is said to be equipped with 4GB RAM backed by 64GB ROM, while the mid-range model will sport 6GB RAM coupled with 128ROM. The higher end model, on the other hand, is rumored to feature a 5.7inch display supporting 2K display, 20MP rear camera with a Carl Zeiss lens, 8GB RAM backed by 512GB storage, Kaby Lake processor and a Windows 10 Redstone 2 OS.
In terms of its release date, rumor has it that the upcoming Microsoft's flagship smartphone will be launched this month, along with the much anticipated Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 5. Although Microsoft is tight lipped about their smartphone lineup details, some say that showcasing their Surface Phone during the rumored October even will be unlikely. Since Microsoft wants to deliver a close to perfect smartphone to its consumers, the Surface Phone may likely be release in the first quarter of 2017 instead.
