A new premium handset called "Surface Mobile" is rumored to be in the works within Microsoft's labs. The device's key specifications, which recently leaked online, are said to be powerful enough to challenge Apple's iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung's Galaxy Note 5.
CEO Satya Nadella previously admitted that Microsoft does not have "good enough flagships" in the market to compete with what Apple and Samsung have. This statement fueled rumors that the Redmond-based giant will launch more high-end flagships before the end of this year.
It was later proven after various leaks of its upcoming Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL dubbed as "Talkman" and "Cityman" spread around tech rumor mills.
Now, aside from those flagship devices, it looks like Microsoft is also planning to unveil another premium device after a supposed launch for the abovementioned Lumia models this October.
Actual photos of the Surface Mobile prototype are not available but a screenshot of Microsoft's Windows insider program titled "Juggernaught Alpha" has been posted by WMPoweruser.com. The project is purportedly intended for Surface Mobile's development and the leaked photo (see above) provides us with information regarding the device's key details.
Microsoft's rumored handset will reportedly have a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with 1440×2560 resolution protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The Surface Mobile could be equipped by Intel's Atom X3 64-bit processor coupled with 4GB RAM. If accurate, this will be a major move for Microsoft since Windows Phone models have exclusively been powered Snapdragon chipsets so far.
When it comes to storage, the device is expected to come with 64GB and 128GB variants together with microSD card support that will expand the memory up to 256GB. On the photography department, the Surface Mobile is said to feature a 21-megapixel primary camera supported by an 8-megapixel front snapper with wide-angle Zeiss lens.
Other high-end features include support for the USB Type-C standard, a new Galaxy Note 5-like Surface Pen with pressure-sensitive input. The device will also have an aluminum and magnesium unibody. Details about its battery isn't available but it will have wireless charging support.
If these reports turn out to be true, the Microsoft is clearly aiming to take a chunk off the iPhone's and Samsung Galaxy's market share. With the impending arrival of Windows 10 Mobile, the company is also enticing loyal Lumia fans. As far as the device's release date is concerned, WMPowerUser further suggests that the Surface Mobile may arrive either by the end of the year or early 2016.
