The smartphone version of Microsoft's celebrated Surface tablets is perhaps one of the most anticipated devices of the future, at least for some. While the Redmond giant has not confirmed the existence of such handset, rumors about its arrival continue to tour the online grapevine, leaving followers at the edge of their seats.
The Surface Phone, however, may not appear until early 2017, Forbes cited. Those who have appreciated the beauty of the Surface devices can well relate, but on the other side of the spectrum, does Microsoft see a healthy scale of prospects? How much people would opt to use Windows-operated smartphones at this point?
As per Venture Beat, the Surface Phone is supposedly developed by the same people who built the Surface and Surface Book. This team, focused on crafting premium devices, has Panos Panay on helm.
Followers would remember that the Surface Phone, before expectations of its arrival in 2017, is first thought to launch this year. Owing to reports, however, that there will be no more Lumia phones, Microsoft could be taking its time to craft the high-end handset that will run on glory with Windows 10.
To date, three versions of the Surface Phone are touted to hit the market. These include the (1) consumer, (2) the business and (3) the prosumer/enthusiast versions, Windows Central reported. If this is to be believed, variations in specs and features can of course be expected. The outlet also quoted CEO Satya Nadella's word in July 2015, which said, "We plan to narrow our focus to three customer segments where we can make unique contributions and where we can differentiate through the combination of our hardware and software. We'll bring business customers the best management, security and productivity experiences they need; value phone buyers the communications services they want; and Windows fans the flagship devices they'll love."
The consumer Surface Phone is thought to have a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with QHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440 pixels). Under the hood, it's said to run an Intel Atom x3 (SoFIA) 64-bit processor, partnered by 4GB of RAM, Digital Trends noted.
Meanwhile the alleged handset is purported to have a PureView Zeiss 6-lens camera that captures at 21MP, back-to-back with an 8MP wide-angle lens for selfies. There is said to be at least 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded thanks to microSD slot.
