Microsoft's Surface Phone has been subject to a slew of rumors and leaks with some tech pundits pointing to an impending launch of three different models of the long-rumored handset. Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella recently confirmed that a Windows 10 Smartphone is indeed in the works, deeming it as an ultimate mobile device. As expected, this added more fire to the already burning rumors about the purported smartphone.
The new Surface Phone - Price and launch date
Nadella indicated that the company is prepping to launch a smartphone that does not bear any sort of resemblance to the regular mobile phones that are currently up for grabs in the market.
While he confirmed that Microsoft will not separate itself from the smartphone industry, Nadella said it will resort to an entirely different approach compared to the ones adopted by existing market leaders. Apparently, the Redmond-based software giant is taking various types of smartphones into consideration.
The Surface Phone 2017 will come bearing a steep price tag if rumors proved to be true. The low-end version of the handset would sell for $699, while the higher-end variant would have a $1,100 price tag. Industry watchers suggest the Surface Phone will hit the store shelves in Q4 of 2017. However, other reports claim that the hotly anticipated Surface Phone won't make an appearance until Q1 of 2018.
Specifications and features
The 2017 iteration of the Surface Phone is likely to pack Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processor, under the hood. Moreover, the device will provide support for running Windows 10 applications in full bloom. The forthcoming smartphone from Microsoft is also expected to come with external mouse and keyboard, thus giving its users an all-encompassing desktop experience.
There's also hearsay that the Surface Phone will be available in three models i.e. a business, an enthusiast, and a consumer edition.
With the Surface Phone 2017, Microsoft is expected to go toe-to-toe with Samsung's Galaxy S8, Apple's iPhone 8 and Google's Pixel smartphones. There's word floating around the new phone from Microsoft will come bearing either the 'Surface P' or 'Surface Mini' moniker.
Meanwhile, concept videos and images of the Microsoft’s Lumia 950 and 950 XL smartphones, which failed to sweep smartphone enthusiasts off their feet, have found their way on the internet. The recently surfaced images and video footage, which is allegedly made inside Microsoft, suggest the tech giant had originally planned to equip the 950 with a stylus, edge gestures, and support for smart covers.
Do you think if Microsoft would not have deviated from its ambitious original vision for the aforesaid smartphone, it would have garnered more popularity among tech buffs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
