Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is rumored to be building a super Windows 10 smartphone dubbed the Surface Phone.
The purported Surface Phone is said to be aimed at business and corporate users. Some tech gurus believe that the Surface Phone would be a tough competitor to Apple’s iPhone. While some people are saying that the Surface Phone would be a hit Windows handset but it is unlikely to create problems for the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy anytime soon.
Last year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told shareholders that the company is looking “at different forms and functions for mobile devices.” In November 2016, Nadella told the Australia Financial Review that Microsoft is building an “ultimate mobile device.”
Below we will take a look at the top rumors and predictions about the purported Surface Phone.
Microsoft remains silent about the Surface Phone. But we expect the tech behemoth to break its silence in June.
Here is everything we have learned about the Surface Phone so far.
#1 Three Models
Microsoft is expected to launch three different versions of the Surface Phone. There would be a consumer model, a business model, and an enthusiast edition.
#2 Display and Processor
The purported Surface Phone is said to feature a ClearBlack AMOLED display.
The phone would be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. It is the first ever 10nm chipset designed to power large-scale entertainment experiences. The Snapdragon 835 is a powerful chipset that consumes less power, improving the battery life. In addition, it enables the phone to charge faster, thanks to Qualcomm’s new Quick Charge 4.0 technology.
The phone is expected to feature up to 6 GB of random access memory.
#3 Win32 Apps
According to rumors, the Surface Phone would be able to run Win32 apps. This feature would give Apple and Android users a reason to switch to a Windows phone.
To enhance productivity, the Surface Phone is said to come with a stylish pen and a keyboard.
#4 Camera
The Surface Phone is expected to sport a 20 megapixel (MP) rear camera with a Carl Zeiss lens. The phone is likely to have an 8 MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
#5 Fingerprint, Headphone Jack
Microsoft had filed a patent related to a fingerprint built into the screen. We expect that unique fingerprint to feature in the Surface Phone.
Microsoft is not going to ditch the headphone jack. The Surface Phone would feature a 3.5mm audio jack, as well as a Type-C USB port at the bottom.
#6 Launch Date
There are mixed opinions about the phone’s launch date. Based on reports from different sources, we expect that the Surface Phone would be launched in the second half of 2017. However, some reports are claiming that the Surface Phone would not arrive until the first quarter of 2018.
#7 Price
As far as the price is concerned, the Surface Phone is expected to be an expensive phone. According to the unofficial reports, the lower-end model would start at $699, while the higher-end version would be sold at $1100.