Microsoft Surface Phone release date, specs rumors: New flagship to come out in April?

How will the upcoming Microsoft Surface Phone change the public's perception towards Windows-based smartphones?Reuters/Dado Ruvic

It is said that Microsoft is readying its expansion for its Surface lineups. Supposedly, the much-anticipated Surface Phone will come out next year, in April at the earliest.

According to speculations, Microsoft is already gearing up for major Surface product launches next year. Aside from the already-expected Surface Pro 5, the Redmond-based tech giant is also said to come out with the Surface Phone. While the company has yet to come out with confirmed details on the new flagships, it is said that the new smartphone will debut at the 2017 Mobile World Congress in February, and will eventually have a global release in April.

Meanwhile, there are also rumors that say Microsoft is targeting a co-release launch for both the Surface Phone and the Surface Pro 5. Should this be the case, then the premium smartphone won't be expected until the latter part of the year. The tech maker has habitually released new Surface products towards the end months. This year, Microsoft launched the new Surface Studio — the company's first desktop — just last month.

If Microsoft continues its Surface press launch schedules, the Surface Pro 5 is likely to be revealed in October 2017. As a co-release, it is likely that the Surface Phone will also be announced during the event and will be made available towards the end of the year.

As to what fans can expect from the new flagship, it is said that the Microsoft Surface Phone will be an extension of the Surface Pro lineup, meaning a hybrid phablet with task-focused specs and features. Supposed hardware specs include a new Snapdragon 835 chipset, at least 6 GB of RAM, and as much as 256 GB of onboard storage. It is also supposed to come out with Surface Pen support, and even its own accessories lineup like a matching Type Cover and laptop dock.