14 DAY TRIAL // There have been many rumors about Microsoft's smartphone lineup, which might contain at one point a Surface-inspired handset, but none of them has been confirmed by the Redmond-based company.
In a recent interview for The Verge, Microsoft's Panos Panay dropped a few hints about the company's device lineup, which also includes some details on the Surface Phone.
As many Windows Phone fans know by now, the latest rumors about the Surface Phone date from back August and claim the handset might be launched this year or the next.
According to leaked information coming from various sources, the Surface Phone could boast a large 5.5-inch AMOLED display that supports Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution and features Corning Gorilla Glass 4 coating.
The device is rumored to be equipped with a 64-bit Intel Atom X3 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM (possibly less for cheaper versions).
Rumors point at a possible release in 2016
On the back, the Surface Phone should pack a 21-megapixel PureView camera, while on the front, it should come with a no less impressive 8-megapixel photo snapper.
Other highlights of the rumored device include USB Type-C port, Surface Pen support, 64GB/128GB internal memory, microSD card slot (up to 256GB), and wireless charging.
If these specs got you pumped up, then you might have to wait a while until Microsoft brings the Surface Phone phone on the market, which might use the Lumia branding.
According to Panay, “over time you want a consistent thread between the products, especially the hardware as well. I think what you have to think with overall devices is making sure we are able to get that consistent premium fit and finish that people are expecting from Microsoft.”
“That fit and finish involves 'consistency across design' and 'consistency across craftsmanship,” added Panay.
But “that doesn't mean brands will necessarily align, especially in the case of the Xbox, but it's hard not to see a Surface-inspired phone in the future even it's still labeled as a Lumia,” The Verge's Tom Warren states.
So, while there's no doubt that Microsoft will try to bring a Surface Phone on the market, it remains to be seen under which brand it will be released and what features will differentiate it from other Windows Phone premium smartphones.