14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is giving up on the Lumia series of phones, but not on Windows 10 Mobile entirely, with the company planning to focus only on premium devices, including what could be the long-awaited Surface Phone.
The software giant has dropped several hints that such a model is on its way, but no specifics have ever been provided, mostly because it’s way too early to discuss a project due to land sometime next year.
And yet, a photo published on Chinese website Baidu and coming from @nokibar, a leaker who has until now provided us with images of several other unreleased devices, including iPhones, claims to show a possible Surface Phone design that Microsoft is currently working on.
It’s worth mentioning from the very beginning that there’s absolutely no sign that this photo is real and could very well be a concept or anything like that, so do not take it for granted by any means.
Kickstand and keyboard
The Surface Phone is expected to come with a display of around 5.7 or 5.8 inches, and Microsoft wants to place it in the productivity category of devices. This is one of the reasons the company aims to offer a keyboard with the Surface Phone (although working with a keyboard on such a small screen might be really painful), and this is exactly what this alleged leak suggests.
There’s a keyboard that reminds of the Surface Touch Cover and that comes with a built-in kickstand mode, so the Surface Phone can instantly become a very portable laptop.
There’s a huge camera on the back, a USB 3.0 charging port, and Windows Hello support. The design reminds on the current Lumia phones, which we’re not sure makes sense, given the fact that Microsoft is searching for a new identity in the mobile business, and going for a new design language would be a better idea.
An audio jack is also being offered at a time when others are planning to remove it, as well as what seems to be a triple LED flash similar to the one on the Lumia 950 XL. The info published with this leak claims a 5.7-inch screen and 20 MP camera will be available.
Certainly, this is interesting information, but it’s still hard to say whether it’s accurate or not. Part of it makes sense while some bits don’t, so our only option for now is to wait and see how much is real.
UPDATE: More information about the Surface Phone revealed through an unofficial source.
Thanks for the tip, Jer!