Microsoft Surface Phone Specs Leaked? Release Date Pegged For Early 2017

Some of Microsoft Surface Phone specs may have been revealed in a recent post from a Chinese website. Baidu posted a photo claimed to be the upcoming Surface Phone from Microsoft together with several details and specs of the device.

The alleged image and specs of the Microsoft Surface Pro was posted by “nokibar,” who, according to a report from Neowin, is the same tipster who provided the recently leaked photos of the Microsoft Lumia 850 that has been cancelled as well as the accurate render for Lumia 650 which hit the shelves this year.

According to the Baidu post, translated in English, the Microsoft device in question will come with one rectangular metal casing. Furthermore, the Surface Phone’s list of specs and features will include a flexible protective cover which has a built-in keyboard, as suggested by the photo posted on the Chinese site.

Neowin explained that the keyboard is similar to the Surface Touch Cover concept that was discontinued. Also, the protective cover’s grips are the same with the official CP-637 case for Nokia Lumia Icon and Lumia 930.

Here’s Neowin’s Twitter post about the smartphone.

Microsoft Surface phone image and details 'leaked' – but take it all with a pinch of salt https://t.co/RGu8uGartS pic.twitter.com/84jUmKaYNS

— NeowinFeed (@NeowinFeed) May 30, 2016

Softpedia shared that there’s also built-in kickstand mode to easily turn the Microsoft Surface Phone into a portable laptop. Further discussing the Surface Phone’s rumored specs, based on the leaked photo, the Softpedia report read:

“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.”

Accordingly, the upcoming smartphone, reportedly having a 5.7-inch 2K screen might be boasting of a 20 MP Carl Zeiss lens. Regarding its OS, the Baidu post noted that it will run on Windows 10 Mobile Redstone 2 systems. A support for landscape as a primary screen will also be available if the Baidu post is to be believed.

As for the Microsoft Surface Phone’s under-the-hood specs, Mobipicker reported, citing the recent leak as well, that it will be equipped with a next-generation Snapdragon 830 chipset. It further shared that the purported device might be available in three variants, based on its RAM power and internal storage capacity.

If this speculation pushes through, upon its official release, consumers will be able to select from the entry-level Surface Phone with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage or the mid-range variant that has 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. However, those who will be in need of more performance power and storage for their mobile device can opt for the third feasible Surface Phone variant, the high-end one to be boasting of powerful specs – 8 GB RAM and 500 GB internal storage capacity, Mobipicker shared.

With regard to Surface Phone’s release date, several reports are suggesting in unity an early 2017 arrival of the device, specifically during the first quarter of next year. Possible price for the anticipated Microsoft phone is CNY 6000, which is around $914. Prior rumors claimed that it will be available for $1100.

Since Microsoft Surface Phone’s expected release date will not happen in several months, Neowin said that it might be a tad early for official renders to emerge. While not disregarding the possibility that this could be a genuine photo of the rumored Microsoft phone, the leaked photo, at the very least, might just be a fan-made render. Thus, while waiting for Microsoft’s official statement about the Surface Phone, tech enthusiasts are expected to take all the specs, features, photos and details available with a grain of salt.

Meanwhile, below is a YouTube video that might answer questions of several tech fans who wants to know if a Surface Phone can help save Microsoft:

The Inquisitr will keep you in the loop for more news about Microsoft Surface Phone’s specs, features and release date.

[Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images]