Microsoft is expected to unleash a high-end powerhouse presumably called Surface Phone, which might rock a top-notch Snapdragon 830 processor and a whopping 8 GB of RAM.
Earlier this month, word came out that Microsoft is readying not one, but three Surface Phone models to spice up its premium Windows 10 Mobile lineup.
A seemingly accidental leak from Microsoft itself appeared to confirm that the purported Surface Phone, or at least one variant of it, will boast Qualcomm' next-generation Snapdragon 830 system-on-chip (SoC).
More specifically, the company has a page listing minimum hardware requirements for Windows 10, mentioning a number of processors that are compatible with its latest operating system. Microsoft briefly listed the MSM 8998 on that page, which is expected to be none other than the Snapdragon 830.
The next-generation SoC from Qualcomm is expected to support a hefty 8 GB of RAM and use Samsung's 10-nanometer production process. Should this turn out to be accurate, it would also confirm rumors of Microsoft readying a new smartphone with impressive RAM and processing power, as well as improved graphics.
As Forbes points out, Microsoft may be looking to position its Surface Phone as a "best in class" device, just like it aimed to do with a number of its other hardware products. The Surface 3, for instance, came gunning for Apple's iPad and comparable Android tablets. The Surface Pro 4 has the iPad Pro, premium Android tablets and some ultraportables in its sights, while the Surface Book aims to serve as the laptop to beat, rivalling Apple's MacBook range.
Microsoft's smartphones, however, have not been faring that well, and the company needs a great hit to turn things around. The new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL BOGO deal could definitely boost sales figures, but a top-notch Surface Phone powerhouse could take things to the next level.
As exciting as that may sound, keep in mind that nothing is official at this point. Microsoft has yet to formally announce or confirm any Surface Phone plans, so it's best to take everything with a grain of salt for now. We'll keep you up to date as soon as more details hit the surface, so stay tuned.
